Editor’s note: A letter that appeared in the Perspective section on Sunday, Jan. 4, contained antisemitic language, tropes and stereotypes. It was a mistake to publish the letter, and we apologize for the hurt it caused. We’re revisiting our processes for reviewing letters before publication. The letters below, and more letters and op-eds that will be published throughout the week, came in response from community members and readers. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. If you’d like to submit your thoughts, email opinion@timesfreepress.com.
Better judgment needed on letter
The decision to recently publish a letter (01/04/26) was alarming and damaging. It was not simply uncomfortable or provocative. It fueled age-old antisemitic conspiracy theories, cast collective blame on Jews as a people, and used Nazi comparisons that carry deep historical harm.
This is hate speech disguised as opinion. When a newspaper gives it space, it amplifies narratives that place Jewish individuals and communities at risk. We are seeing the consequences of this climate in real time, with attacks both here and abroad, and the reality that nearly every synagogue in this country, including the one my family and I attend each week, now requires armed security.
Words matter. They carry power. When institutions choose to elevate them, they are accountable for the harm that follows. Editorial judgment cannot be invoked to excuse this; it must be exercised to prevent it.