This letter is in response to the controversy over the series of ads about Palestinians.

As a pro-Israel MSU student, I support publication that displays facts about Arab communities celebrating on Sept. 11. These are the same communities that support terrorism regularly in the Middle East. This is what Israel has tolerated and now fights to maintain a diverse democratic state. Israel has offered citizenship to Palestinians, which is another fact.

Michael Perez mentioned Zionism, or the movement for a Jewish homeland ("Running ads could incite violence, perpetuate discrimination," SN 3/10). This is hardly propaganda every time an ad is printed representing factual information about the actions of Palestinians in the Middle East. I feel there is a difference of values between patriotic Palestinian Americans and Palestinians overseas.

What is not factual is the ad printed several months ago regarding the Holocaust never existing. That was extremely outrageous and offensive to any Jewish citizen who read the ad. The ad about Palestinians never targeted them as a race, and obviously Palestinian Americans might be offended because they also grieved Sept. 11.

Palestinians seem to blame Israel an awful lot considering the lack of support by many surrounding Arab nations. Americans must continue to research the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They may find Israel to be a nation worthy of supporting. It has similar interests to the United States and contributes a great deal globally. I am continually open to finding a peace process, like many MSU students.

Justin Goodwin
zoology senior