Re: Letters to the Editor/Brown Teach-in (Oct. 10/Sept. 26) 3

Re: A response to the Brown University Gaza presentation referred to  by Nina Tannenwald. The title of this “Teach-In” should have been “Let’s Bash Israel.”

My wife and I are the ones who left since it became quite evident that the purpose of this panel discussion was not to present a balanced discussion of issues related to the recent conflict in Gaza but to simply indoctrinate the members of the audience to pro-jihadist views and the evils of the Israeli government during the Gaza campaign. There was nothing ever mentioned about the terror tunnels built by Hamas to infiltrate Israeli territory for the purpose of murdering hundreds of Jews during their celebration of Rosh Hashanah or the incessant barrage of rockets launched at civilian populations in Israel.

When the presentations were completed, it was announced that the format of the question-and-answer period was to collect four questions before responding. This was a ploy used by the moderator to screen questions and respond to those he deemed “appropriate.” Is this what Nina Tannenwald has in mind when she notes in her letter that Brown University has recently been grappling with free speech issues?

When the first question was asked about why the panel was so imbalanced, and the moderator declined to answer it, I challenged this format by saying “answer the question.” His childish reaction was, “This is my show!” My response was “The deck is stacked.” at which time my wife and I left the auditorium in protest. It is healthy to discuss and debate controversial issues in a public forum. Unfortunately, this episode was an attempt to stifle debate and discussion. It is a shame that in our own Jewish community we have Jewish academics who sympathize with such anti-Israel points of view. 

Ezra L. Stieglitz, Ph.D. Professor, Rhode Island College

Chair, Israel Task Force, Community Relations Council

Providence, R.I.