Today's letters: Hamas wants to sow division. Don't let it

Tuesday, Oct. 24: We don’t need polarization here in Canada, says one reader. You can write to us too, at [email protected]

Published Oct 24, 2023 • Last updated 4 hours ago • 2 minute read

A picture taken from Israel’s southern city of Sderot shows smoke billowing during a Israeli strike on Gaza on Oct, 23 amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. Photo by JACK GUEZ /AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Resist calls that would polarize us

If Israel responds to calls for a ceasefire, the theory goes that Hamas will have won. If Israelis and Palestinians hate each other for years and decades to come, Hamas has also won.

Article content

Canadians can only stand on the sidelines and grieve for what is happening. But if, in our daily lives, we are asked or expected by Israeli or Palestinian friends or colleagues to take sides, perhaps we should try to tell them that we share their pain and understand their outrage, but that it appears to be the intention of Hamas to divide and sow hatred and the desire for revenge among ordinary people. If we succumb, Hamas will have achieved its objective.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Article content

The smog of war’s aftermath is even more deadly than the fog of war itself.

Annette Bellamy, Ottawa

Use federal guidelines for Lansdowne 2.0

Re: Ottawa can get millions in federal housing money if it accepts the rules, Oct. 19.

Mohammed Adam’s column speaks of NIMBYism: Not in my backyard. I live in the Glebe and say YIMBY: Yes, in my backyard.

Many accuse us of NIMBYism when it comes to opposing the Landsdowne 2.0 plan to build two very large luxury rental towers. I would welcome affordable housing being built there. How about two smaller, but more livable towers (say, 10 stories each)?

There is a reason why the Glebe is such a desirable neighbourhood: walkable, good schools, local shopping, well organized community organizations, parks, etc. This is a perfect place for such housing.

Obviously, developers focus on profitable housing. It is the city that must “accept the rules,” and with this “new” money, commit to building truly affordable housing. I say YES to such housing at Lansdowne.

Bessa Whitmore, Ottawa

Canadian doctors should get priority

Re: International medical grads could help fix Canada’s doctor shortage, Oct. 20.

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

To provide post-graduate, as well as basic physician training, a core number of patients is required as well as an experienced, well-educated basic science and clinical teaching staff. We can train physicians within that basic number of patients, provided we have the staff. To provide medical training for foreign counties while Canada experiences a severe physician shortage is unconscionable.

Bring home our Canadian citizens from Irish and other reputable medical schools. They have paid their own tuition and will provide Canada with quickest and most economical “fix” to our severe physician shortage, and furthermore they will require no cultural acclimatization.

D. C. McCaffrey, MD, Ottawa