Dear Editor:

Few would argue that Ezra Levine and his cohorts had anything but the noblest of intentions when they sauntered toward the General Assembly floor and protested the latest in a stream of one-sided U.N. resolutions against Israel. Many Jews, myself included, might even join the ranks of "security officials and crack dealers" who, as Levine points out, expressed their admiration for his zealous and utterly selfless call to action on behalf of the Jewish cause. Unfortunately for Levine and for Klal Yisrael, chilul Hashem has little to do with intention and everything to do with perception.

Despite the great pains Levine took to diminish the risk of being perceived as a menace, headlines are decidedly void of such details (you will never see this, for example: "Jewish Students Storm UN Floor; Security officials commend cooperation of "the nicest kids we ever arrested"). As a medium of peaceful international dialogue and a unique symbol of worldwide community, the United Nations is intuitively revered by the masses of citizens who don't take the time to analyze its actions. Levine's benign intent was undoubtedly lost on the majority of Americans who read about the incident, one that observers are likely to condemn as an act of fanatic intimidation much sooner than they would praise it as a courageous expression of Jewish sentiments.

I share Levine's frustration with the glaring partiality of United Nations verdicts that seem to ignore altogether the Palestinian role in the conflict. I also respect his active approach toward informing the public of the anti-Israel prejudice that pervades UN policy with regard to the Middle East. I respectfully disagree, however, with the manner in which he channels his enthusiasm. If Levine is to select such a distinguished forum for his protest, he should be sensitive to the reality that the effectiveness of such a display is measured by its ability to sway opinions in favor of his claim. Peaceful demonstrations can draw positive attention to a message by virtue of supporters who conduct themselves with civility. This is an example of kiddush Hashem. Putting on tefillin in an open and potentially hostile spot can also be a kiddush Hashem, as Levine says, when passersby are witness to the quiet devotion of a faithful Jew. The actions taken by Levine and his companions, in contrast, only distanced onlookers from Israel's cause and left many Jews shaking their heads in disappointment. Unfortunately, no matter how just and legitimate the cause behind the "ruckus," perception is usually limited to the ruckus itself.

Natan Krohn
YC '02