LETTERS NASSAU AND SUFFOLK Edition

• Published in: Newsday
• Main Author: David Kirschner, Murray Wilkow, Jerry Schneit, Christine Goldfuss
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Long Island, N.Y Newsday LLC 25.04.2001
• Edition: Combined editions
• Subjects: Ward, Charlie

The news story indicates that [Powell] "also criticized Palestinians for triggering the violence, as they have often done." In his statement, Powell said that the fighting was "precipitated by the provocative Palestinian mortar attacks on Israel." Yet Newsday chose to headline the story as if Israel alone bears the total responsibility of the unfortunate developments in the Mideast and as if the Palestinian's had no role in the unfortunate development. I would expect a more even-handed treatment of this story. When [Charlie Ward], Houston and other Knick players spout anti-Semitic stereotypes and accuse Jews of "killing Jesus" and "persecuting Christians," this can only incite prejudice and religious hatred in their young fans. When Ward says he is not anti-Semitic because his "best friend is a Jewish guy, and his name is Jesus Christ," I do not believe that he is using Jesus as his role model, because Christ never taught hate or prejudice. And while Ward was booed by some fans at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, he was later cheered, after scoring a three-point basket. Does that mean all is forgiven?