I am disappointed that the Virginia State Bar, an organization to which I must belong, is making value decisions about the policies of other countries without consulting me ["Va. bar cancels trip to Israel," Metro, March 30].
In this case, the bar apparently bowed to the political views of a vocal minority without consulting the full membership. After the cancellation of a seminar in Jerusalem, explanations (other than indulging the petition-writers) were raised to deflect the response.
Most disappointing is that, instead of admitting fault in this case and promising to be more even-handed, the principals behind the cancellation refuse to understand why this decision was politically charged and why special attention needed to be given. I worry that the bar will make more decisions based on interest groups’ petitions on hot-button issues instead of keeping its focus on ensuring proper lawyering.
Benjamin J. Cooper, Alexandria
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The Virginia State Bar should be applauded for its decision to cancel a planned seminar in Jerusalem because of Israel’s discriminatory border policies.
My colleague on an interfaith peace delegation to Israel and the West Bank in 2012 was detained for questioning upon arrival in Tel Aviv. This friend, a Quaker from St. Louis, was singled out by Israeli security officials because of her Palestinian heritage and was ultimately deported when she refused to provide the password to her e-mail account.
The discrimination some travelers face in seeking to enter Israel reflects the ethnic and religious discrimination endemic within Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Discriminatory practices are antithetical to American values, and the Virginia State Bar deserves credit for its principled stand.
William F. Simonds, Potomac