The Oct. 3 editorial simplifies the facts of the situation in Israel. It is very convenient to blame the unfortunate death of Mohammed Aldura on Ariel Sharon’s visit to the Temple Mount. In truth, however, Sharon’s visit was a non-violent act in a democratic society. The Palestinians responded with violence having been incited by Yasser Arafat’s administration. They were whipped into a frenzy and attacked innocent civilians. Is this the Palestinian concept of “freedom of access to holy sites”? Shouldn’t Jews be allowed to go to their holy sites in their own country? To claim Israeli responsibility for the current riots is ludicrous. When people are rioting and attacking innocent civilians in the street, every government has the responsibility to defend its citizens. When your “partners in peace” turn their weapons on you instead of maintaining the peace, they must bear the responsibility for their actions. The death of Mohammed Aldura is indeed a tragedy, but putting the blame on the Israelis instead of where it belongs, on Yasser Arafat, is a travesty.
