Roar Lion, Roar

To the Editor:

I’d like to express my absolute disgust in reading Yair Hakak’s letter in reponse to an article published about the new yeshiva that opened at Columbia. What seemed to be an absolutely appropriate arguement focused on the unprofessional construction of the article and its quotes, shifted into an irrelevant diatribe laden with hackneyed stereotypes, in an apparent attempt at reviving the (mythical?) contempt between Columbia University and Yeshiva University.

It is amazing how Mr. Hakak has the gall and the arrogance to assume that he actually speaks for the entire Columbia community as their shining knight. What makes this even more interesting is that the Columbia students whom I spoke to, respectable people in their own right, laughed it off with a casual smirk, which is a far cry from the holy war arising from a distorted perception on Mr. Hakak’s part. It’s certainly ironic how Mr. Hakak falls prey to his own accusations, as he jumps to attack on the assumption that the writer of the article and those quoted inside, speak for the entire YU community, yet has no problem putting words in the mouths of other Columbia students.

I’m sure I can imagine the glee Mr. Hahak felt while engaging readers with his witty double entendre and dark humor in his rhetorical repartee, and though it’s a sure sign of his sharpness in rhetoric, what is most notably absent is the logic. That the majority of the article puts the news in the most positive light, with the exception of the student quotes is not enough, and goes unmentioned in Mr Hakak’s letter, likely putting much gossip about it out of context. According to Mr. Hakak’s perception of the situation, it appears that now the entire article seems to communicate a student consenus that going to a secular school is morally reprehensible. To go to such great lengths at thinking that YU students actually have Columbia students on their mind in such a bad light, and constantly, as Mr. Hakak implies that this has gone on for a while, is more an act of delusion than reason. I’m sure people disapprove of this, but to think that this attitude pervades the entire student body and is aimed directly and only at Columbia is pure paranoia. There are people on both campuses that hold each other in the highest regard, and I am among them, though Mr. Hakak seems to feel that these people do not exist.

Speaking of Mr. Hakak’s interesting perspective on things, since I can assume that’s the comments Mr. Hahak makes are at the least his own, I’m sure we can all find his insight into the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim fascinating as he mentions: “that doesn’t stop the YC guys from filling our Shabbat morning davening and poking their heads over the mechitza”.

Well, speaking for myself, I’ll say: Here’s to you, good neighbor. This immature attitude belongs in the playground. The letter was distasteful, inappropriate, and certainly undiplomatic, as it just promotes hatred between people. It is quite a shame, as this letter, with solely the poor quotes as its focus, would have surely made its point. Yes, the quotes were a travesty, but that shame remains on the writer and those quoted. Understand that Columbia isn’t the king of the jungle, and neither is YU. Live and let live.

Yair Oppenheim SSSB ‘00