To the Editor:

There is a time and a place for everything. There will be a time when historians and writers will review and may criticize the nation's response to the September 11th terrorist attack. Although this process is necessary, now is not the time for criticism. With only a few hundred bodies recovered, and thousands still missing, America has only begun to mourn.

Recently, GOP governor candidate Bret Schundler publicly attacked New Jersey's emergency response to the terrorist attack. The criticism generated by his comments was so great that Schundler was forced to apologize. He later claimed his words had been misunderstood.

The criticism was not about Schundler's comments being inaccurate. On the contrary- factually, he was probably right. The criticism was on his timing. The time was for solace and unity, for appreciation and support- Schundler, no doubt looking for an in with the public, had exploited the situation.

Yeshiva can improve its response to terror, and it hopefully will with an immediate review and revision of its emergency response policy. Our obligation, as the student body, is to offer our constructive advice and support- it is not yet the time to be critical. The article appearing in your September 26th issue, "Confusion Characterizes University Response to Terror," though its intention may have been positive, came across as merely jumbling the recent tragedy with the rest of The Commentator's front-page jabs at the administration.

To use this tragedy for some cheap shots to be sensational is offensive and insensitive. Try to show some consideration next time.

Ariel Bayewitz
YC '04