Appreciate Ocasio-Cortez’s words
It is difficult to fault Ed Mosberg for criticizing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) as he represents the best in humanity (“Morris Plains survivor still fighting for remembrance at 93,” July 4). Mosberg’s courage, compassion, and dedication are qualities we should seek to develop in ourselves and our children.
Rather than disagree with him, I prefer to offer a different perspective on Ocasio-Cortez’s choice of words. She is using her position of power to advocate for a vulnerable people who are being used as political pawns.
The term “concentration camp” clearly has a unique meaning in the shadow of the Holocaust, especially for the Jewish community. No one, including Ocasio-Cortez, is equating the southern border detention facilities with labor camps or death camps.
We can understand the use of “concentration camp” in the broadest sense without treading on its unique meaning for Jews. And, given the shameful silence that accompanied our 6 million sisters and brothers to their murder, perhaps we can appreciate Ocasio-Cortez for speaking up and calling attention to what is happening in the detention facilities. I do.
Peter Herbst
Montclair
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