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An Oct. 13 news story about a pro-Israel rally in New York referred to a sign held by a protester that read "Don't Throw Rocks and You Won't Get Killed."  This is perhaps the saddest single sentence I have read yet.  As a faithful and observant Jew, I am told by the organizations that supposedly represent me—with the spin summarized in that sign—that I must be entirely pro-Israel in my reactions to the recent violence.

As someone who believes in God and the principles of my religion, I cannot accept this sign, these statements, this representation.  How offensive to be told that I must believe that the Sixth Commandment has conditions, that all people were not created in God's image and that I should be complicitous in the violation of all I have learned in synagogue because it will damage Israel's political position.

Israel and the American Jewish community have demanded that Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian people disclaim the murders of the two soldiers killed before the world's eyes.  Although they should be justified in making this demand, how have they disclaimed the killing of 100 Palestinians, other than by insinuating that they do not have the same value as Israeli soldiers?  How can Mr. Arafat order his people to stop protesting when we proclaim our pride in the ability to kill them?  And when will Israel, the American Jewish community and the media demand actual allegiance to the principles, ethics and values of the religions that have supposedly created this conflict?

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