Letters to the Editor: RE: Human Rights Violations Toward People of Israel

'As a Jewish American with family in Israel, I have a different view of the Israel-Palestine conflict from Marcia Zax, and I'm disappointed by Rep. Josh Riley's actions regarding this issue. Like Ms. Zax, I was horrified and disgusted by the brutal Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. And I would agree with her that Hamas's intent was genocidal. Where we differ is that Ms. Zax apparently doesn't see anything wrong with how Israel conducted its war. Within days of Oct. 7, Israel had cut off electricity, water and fuel to Gaza, and severely limited food shipments. These actions, which disproportionately affected the civilian population, are arguably war crimes. Later, during the second year of the war, Israel completely blocked all food aid for a three-month period, resulting in famine. Then, when Israel allowed 'humanitarian' food distribution sites at limited locations in 'active military zones,' units of the Israeli army (IDF) routinely shot Gazans trying to access those sites. Reporting from the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz revealed that IDF commanders had ordered their soldiers to shoot any Palestinians who crossed an invisible line that brought them 'too close' to the Israeli forces—not that the soldiers were in danger from starving Gazans who were simply trying bring food back to their families. Ms. Zax repeats Israeli propaganda that Hamas used civilians as human shields. But the Fourth Geneva Convention articulates the principle of proportionality, which prohibits 'incidental loss of civilian life [and] damage to civilian objects…which would be excessive in relation to the…military advantage anticipated.' Ha'aretz reported that the IDF used AI programs to approve bombing targets, with little oversight by military officers. Israel 'leaned into' indiscriminate targeting, bombing entire apartment buildings in order to kill a single Hamas 'commander.'' - Joel Rabinowitz, Groton NY 'When government gets too involved with influencing the force of natural selection, things are often created that don't really make sense and run counter to benefitting mankind. Industrial ag is an example that most people can understand. These monstrosities would never exist without subsidies. This plantation model would have real competition from owner/operator, father/daughter/son operations without government handouts. Our food would cost a little more (not being paid for up front by tax payer's subsidies) but the more spread-out food supply would produce better quality food, be more resilient, and provide more jobs for Americans. Ithaca's quest for 'low income housing' is another boondoggle that benefits big business, in this case developers/investors, at the expense of the people who live and work here. Ithaca is an expensive town. Period. Low-income people shouldn't live there. I live in Danby, which is bad enough, since we pay ICSD taxes. We live on an income pretty much in line with Ithaca's median wage but still could not afford to live in the city; so we don't. The taxpayers are not only subsidizing the building and operation of these 'low income' apartments, but we will be subsidizing the rent for most of the occupants as well. What sense does that make? None. But it makes dollars for the investors. Income redistribution, seemingly going downward, is actually feeding Wall Street. Stop bailing out investors and let Ithaca right-size through natural selection, in an unbastardized market place.' - Joe Lonsky, Danby NY 'Given the possibility of mailed ballots not being received in time to be counted, people might consider another option. Vote early. Because hours available include some evenings and weekends, early voting doesn't prevent people from voting because of their employment. If transportation or child care is needed, a friend, member of a faith community or other organization can help. Drive the voter to the polls and watch the children in the car. Books and songs can make it fun. Why not do it?' - Susan Multer, Ithaca NY RE: Elm Street Apartments Development Advances to Public Session Amid Residents' Concerns Over Pedestrian Safety, Traffic, Environment 'At the August 19th meeting TCAT representatives reported that that area of West Hill was well supported by the transit system. I live on West Hill not too far from the proposed development, and while I appreciate my access to the bus, and to the new e-ride system, I think having the number 14 come around twice an hour and running until at least 10 pm, instead of once an hour and running only until 8 pm, would qualify this area as "well-supported". I'm especially thinking of the people who would be residing in those buildings (75 units...how many people is that?) who we are expecting will use the bus as their primary transit. The developers and the city council are expressing an intention for these prospective residents that would be extremely challenging for those residents to, at least currently, realize.' - Elizabeth Braymen, Ithaca.com 'Cryptocurrency was introduced by Donald Trump after he was elected for his second term, with his son vowing his dad would be the" most Pro-crypto president ever. " In fact Trump's family company, World Liberty Financial, is the medium for crypto's sales, bringing great riches to his family. This, despite the fact that the disadvantages of this financial vehicle include: Price volatility, high energy consumption for crypto mining, and it is used for criminal activities --ie North Korea & Putin use it for money laundering. Also, little or no regulation was written into Trump's "Genius Act" making it hard on our banking system. Why did Josh Riley vote for the Genius Act? He has never explained his vote. This is against everything that Elizabeth Warren and other honest politicians have been trying to stem in order to block corruption. I am aware that the crypto industry, at the time that Sam Bankman-Fried was riding high in the industry, used to focus on giving large donations to politicians to get what they wanted. They deliberately bribed the politicians and bragged about their successful strategy. Weak, lukewarm politicians of both parties love campaign donations. I hope this was not behind Riley's vote on the Genius Act.' - Dorothy Pomponio, Groton NY