Of Course Katz Was Safe

To the Editors of The Crimson:

I couldn't help but laugh as I read Kenneth Katz's conclusion in the February 10 issue ["Safe at Home?"] that he may be safer in Jerusalem than in Cambridge. Of course he "survived" Jerusalem--he's Jewish. So is the police force, army and judicial system which protected him.

But the fact is that most violence in Israel is not committed against Jews, but against Arabs. Shelters in Israel for Arab workers are set on fire. Arab homes are blown up by the Israeli military. Arabs are routinely harassed, detained and teargassed by Israeli soldiers. Having been beaten by the Israeli police in Jerusalem myself, and having witnessed many other beatings, I can attest that beating Arabs is de rigeur in Israel.

And without question, Arabs are murdered far more often than Jews. Torture of Arabs by Israeli authorities is also rampant. Just last week, an Arab prisoner, held without charge, died in an Israeli jail, even after complaining to an Israeli judge that he was being tortured.

So it's no surprise that Katz does not fear for his well-being in Jerusalem. I., on the other hand, prefer the relative safety of Cambridge. While I cannot ensure I won't be a victim of violence, I know at least that the misfortune of being born an Arab will not increase my chances. Trig Tarazi