Letters to the editor

Rabbi is an asset to community

The Daily Bruin emphasized the controversial politics of Rabbi
Chaim Seidler-Feller in the article “Religion and politics: A
rabbi’s place in the Jewish community” (News, Feb. 11)
but neglected to mention the most important aspect of
Seidler-Feller as a rabbi, professor and the director of UCLA
Hillel: Seidler-Feller is a brilliant and passionate man whose love
of Judaism is infectious for the members of the L.A. Jewish
community.

As an exceptionally eloquent religious leader, Seidler-Feller
provokes interesting dialogue among the participants of his
classes, programs and religious services. His advocacy for peace in
the Middle East is merely a component of his deep spirituality and
love for humanity. Why should such an important religious leader
remain silent on this important issue?

Although his politics may be controversial, no one can argue
that Seidler-Feller’s sense of spirituality is inspiring and
uplifting. I hope Hillel makes the right decision for the UCLA
community by retaining Rabbi Seidler-Feller.

Laurel Turbin Fourth-year, English

Do not revise Iranian history

In the article “Persian emigrants remember impacts of
revolution” (News, Feb. 11), Dmitri Pikman wrote, “…
The progressive, secular government of the Shah was replaced by the
far more rigid and conservative government of the Ayatollah
Khomeini.”

This statement is completely false. The Shah was not a
“progressive” monarch; he was not even democratically
elected. The Shah of Iran was installed by the U.S. and British
governments in the bloody coup of 1953, which overthrew Mossadegh,
the democratically elected prime minister. During the Shah’s
regime, thousands of people were killed for their dissenting
opinions. Another consequence was the U.S. and British oil
companies receiving a combined 80 percent control over Iran’s
oil. The Shah was a puppet of U.S. and British oil companies, and
when the people in Iran could no longer tolerate his rule, he was
overthrown in 1979.

I am not defending the Ayatollah Khomeini, who was also brutal.
But what was written by Pikman confused and distorted the facts for
people who may not know about Iranian history.

Julia Wallace Fifth-year, history