Simply Inappropriate
Barbara Kay’s recent article “The fanatics within” (NP 07/28/10) is a brilliantly sewn together composition. Seamlessly fusing half truths, outright lies and poetic fiction, it is essentially a masterfully written rumination that reeks of extreme bias, intolerance and racism.
To be sure, the term Haredi (like many other Hebrew (and English) words has multiple meanings), but it translates best as pious or reverential towards G‑d. This adjective is today used in the media (and elsewhere) to describe any observant Jew who looks (and leads a lifestyle that is) distinctively Jewish. Included in this multi-cultural Jewish grouping are more shades and colours than Ms. Kay even imagines.
To write an article indiscriminately lumping together all sorts of culturally diverse communities, make outrageous general observations and pass harsh judgments upon them is expected from ignorant bigots or xenophobic extremists. However it is shocking to hear a modern (usually) open-minded and highly educated woman like Barbara Kay rant hysterically like this.
I too have many bones to pick with certain elements in the Haredi community, but that does not justify the writing and publishing of so narrow minded and racist an article. It was simply inappropriate. Both Barbara and the National Post ought to be more judicious in the future.
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, Thornhill, Ont.