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The Dartmouth
July 9, 2025 | Latest Issue
The Dartmouth

Right to Exist

To the Editor:

Professor John Lamperti's letter (July 27, The Dartmouth) is highly misleading. The refusal of an Israeli air force pilot to fly combat missions is not about the "occupation." It is about refusing to protect the lives of innocent civilians. The Palestinians make very clear, both in word and in deed, that their conflict with Israel is over its very right to exist. Virtually all militant groups have stated that they see no difference between Israelis living in Tel Aviv and Haifa and those living in settlements in the territories: all must go. The militants make this equally clear through their actions: almost all of their suicide bombings have been directed against Israelis living within pre-1967 Israel.

Recent operations by Israeli pilots, and other branches of the Israeli armed forces, against the militants have saved hundreds of lives. While Israelis, mostly civilians, were being killed at a rate of almost 100 a month two years ago, that rate is now down to fewer than ten a month. Most of these casualties have been the result of suicide bomber attacks on buses. While Captain Shapira -- a well-paid pilot -- and his family can avoid using public transportation, other Israelis -- both Jews and Arabs -- are less fortunate. They have no choice but to take the bus to school or to work. I am certain that these Israelis are grateful to those pilots who do serve and who thereby defend them from terrorism. However, I join with Professor Lamperti in recognizing that terrorists, nonetheless, are human beings too. But I find it unfortunate that Professor Lamperti refuses to recognize the humanity of their victims.