Letters to the Editor

Speaker inaccurately covered in article

I was disappointed with the quality of reporting on Norman
Finkelstein’s recent lecture (“UCLA calmly hears out
controversial speaker,” May 24).

I am not an unequivocal supporter of Finkelstein and I
approached his lecture with a certain degree of skepticism;
however, the Daily Bruin failed to meet acceptable standards of
journalism.

The reporter classified Finkelstein’s views on the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Holocaust as
“extremist,” but failed to provide any discussion on
what his supposedly extremist views are.

A reader is unable to judge for themselves whether
Finkelstein’s views are extremist from the article because
The Bruin reports it as an accepted fact and does not provide any
further elaboration.

The Bruin’s report severely misinterprets what Finkelstein
said regarding U.N. Resolution 242.

Finkelstein never said that “all territories belonging to
Israel should be returned to the Palestinians.”

Finkelstein explicitly stated that Israel is obliged under
international law to return all territory acquired in 1967.

Regarding territory acquired before 1967, Finkelstein stated
that Israel is permitted by international law to remain in peace
and security within that territory.

The Daily Bruin needs to take care to accurately report the
statements and views of speakers on whom it reports.

Emmanuel Parello Fifth-year, history

Conflict much simpler than
represented

Professor Norman Finkelstein made his
“controversial” appearance Tuesday night.
Unfortunately, more attention was paid to the speaker than to
understanding the issue.

The Israeli-Palestinian crisis is deprived of the truthful
exposure it so desperately needs.

The state of Israel continues to occupy Palestinian territories.
Even though Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949
states, “The Occupying Power shall not deport or transfer
parts of its own civilian population into the territory it
occupies,” the Israeli government continued to expand
Jewish-only settlements on confiscated Palestinian land. From
September 2000 to November 2004, approximately 3,895 Palestinians
have been killed, compared with 983 Israelis.

We are constantly reminded that the crisis is too complicated to
understand. As explained in Finkelstein’s lecture Tuesday
““ and as evident in the perusal of the record of any
mainstream and credible human rights organization ““ the
conflict is simple. But it is shrouded by contrived controversy and
propaganda; for decades the real subject has been avoided.

If we can study the history and facts of the uncomplicated
conflict, then and only then, can we understand the bias of the
mainstream media and force our country to denounce the policies of
Israel. The solution: End injustice by ending occupation.

Adam Elsayed Vice president, Muslim Student
Association