Dear editor:

In an Aug. 22 letter, “Canada must stop supplying weapons to Israel,” Kit Andres says, “As Mennonites, we strongly condemn the weapons industry and those who profit from arms manufacturing and sales. It’s our responsibility as members of historic peace churches to speak up about injustice and oppression whenever and wherever we encounter it.”

So, wherever and whenever really? However, by including all Mennonites under one umbrella, it does not draw attention to a stand of antisemitism.

After Oct. 7, 2023, when a kibbutz in Israel was attacked by Hamas terrorists, whom you support, where were the protests after innocent babies died and women were raped and killed?

Or when the Iranian regime was killing women for not properly wearing head coverings, or what Putin is doing in Ukraine, or the massacre of Christians in Sudan?

Where was your stance then? Now that Israel is defending itself, you sharply condemn those who supply weapons so Israel can defend itself.

What about all the Christians being killed in China, Korea and elsewhere around the world? How about stopping the arms supply to Iran?

In the supplied picture of your protest, I see a sign that says “Let Gaza live” but none that says “Let Israel live.”

Does this mean it’s OK for terrorists to kill innocent Jews, but Jews are not allowed to defend themselves?

I believe in the sanctity of life and in defending myself as well as those who are not able to defend themselves. So, Israel should not defend itself?

Such a stance is neither Mennonite nor Christian. Either support the Jews as scripture says to do or you support the terrorists.

Mennonites and Christians are not synonymous. The letter has no scriptural backup and says your group members are from “historic peace churches.”

Not me. I am unashamed to admit the truth.

George Heidebrecht
NOTL