Antisemitism remains all too common in Maryland

I am grateful for and appreciate The Baltimore Sun’s editorial decrying the evil of antisemitism that appeared on the secular anniversary of the Hamas-led massacre of Jews and gentile alike in Israel (“A tragedy a year ago in Israel has become a tragedy in the US,” Oct. 7). Many American Jews have faced innumerable macro- and micro-terror events in the ensuing year. I personally have had my small yard sign announcing “We support the land of Israel” knocked down several times. In addition, I have witnessed young men tearing down telephone pole posters of Jewish women and children held hostage in the hell-hole tunnels of Gaza and burning them on the sidewalks in front of the synagogues of my neighborhood out of meanness, hatred and ignorance.

Why is it that the state and judiciary will not tolerate a KKK or neo-Nazi party march in College Park celebrating Adolf Hitler’s birthday and the submission of the poor and weak to the power of the mindless mob, yet antisemitic marches calling for the destruction of the modern Jewish state, perhaps the first flower of redemption for all mankind, Jew and gentile alike, are allowed on our public campuses and streets? When all other minorities and immigrants are protected from such trauma and abuse, only the Jews are treated with a different standard. Perhaps it is because the exiled Jewish people have always been biblically destined to be a nation unto themselves while ever aspiring to ultimately return to Jerusalem, their holy city on the hill, a beacon to the world in the midst of their ancestral homeland.

I am grateful for those who appreciate and even love the presence of Jewish men and women in their lives. I am grateful for those who understand and appreciate the contribution the Jewish people have made to better all our lives and the rights for all minorities to live a life of peace, happiness and meaning. I am comforted by the truth that those who bless Israel will be blessed. I am comforted to know that I live in the blessed United States of America.

— Dr. Moshe Gavant, M.D., Pikesville

Why is it so easy for a Baltimore teen to get a gun?

Baltimore police report that unarmed carjackings have gone down (“Data shows change in carjacking,” Oct. 7). Are we supposed to take comfort in that when the same data says that armed carjackings are going up?

I’ve asked this question a number of times in this space: What is anybody doing about the fact that so many young people in this city are carrying guns? As I understand it, a lot of kids arm themselves for self-protection. If we could figure out how to rid our city of firearms, fewer of them would be victims of senseless violent deaths and the public would be much safer to enjoy all that Baltimore has to offer.

I’d love to see a Baltimore Sun investigation of why the city is so awash in guns and whether anything is being done about it.

— Herb Cromwell, Catonsville

How elections do impact everyday life (and why all should vote)

In his recent column, “Armstrong Williams: Politics is a sideshow” (Oct. 4), Armstrong Williams, part-owner of The Baltimore Sun, offers up a Sunday sermon for all. Unfortunately, he claims that the election has no bearing on our lives. As he puts it, children will still go to school, weddings will still take place, gravity works and Taylor Swift will still perform. Oh, and God will continue to be the peacemaker. He claims that we have nothing to concern ourselves with in this election.

Folks, I believe in God, but honestly, there is no link between God and the upcoming election. God does not get a vote.

Williams claims school lessons will remain the same. Yes, children will still attend school, but what will they be allowed to learn? School lessons have changed. Just think of Florida and all the books taken out of libraries.

Marriages will still take place, but who will be allowed to walk down the aisle?

I would never rely on God to provide us with a strong military. I would never rely on God to provide educational opportunities for our citizens. But, most of all, I would not rely on God to develop laws so that our society works for all its citizens. That is the responsibility of good government.

So, please vote! Which candidate is elected will determine the policies that will impact our lives. I am not concerned about eternity, but rather in the here and now.

— Louise Laurence, Baltimore