To the editor,

Noticeably absent from the article, “Faculty speak on violence in Israel, Gaza,” was a clear, unequivocal statement from any Bowdoin faculty member that Israel, despite its flaws, is a legitimate, sovereign nation with a right to exist and a duty to defend its citizens.

I trust that the Orient’s editors are committed to fair and accurate journalism. As such, I was disappointed that the article did not include a faculty statement in support of Israel’s right to exist to counter the several commenters questioning its legitimacy. If, however, there are no faculty that support Israel’s right to exist, or if those that do are reluctant to say so publicly, it would be a sad indication of faculty conformity and raise serious questions about freedom of expression on campus.

Marc Perlman ’98

Former President of the Bowdoin Jewish Organization (predecessor to Bowdoin Hillel)