Israel Held Hostage to a Double Standard

Now that the Russians have admitted committing atrocities in Chechnya, where is the international outcry for a fact-finding committee (“Chechens Report Abuses Despite Safeguards,” April 23)? Why is it that Israel has to continue to defend the fact that it is fighting for its right to exist to the international community?

When will the Arab countries recognize Israel’s right to exist? When will Yasser Arafat stop teaching his people hate and recognize Israel’s right to exist? When will schoolbooks in Palestinian schools show a world map with Israel on it? Where is the international condemnation of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade? Why are those leaders not brought up on war crimes for killing civilians as they go to pizza shops, have dinner or go to the market? Why is there always a double standard when Jews are involved?

Zach Samuels

Los Angeles