My letter to the editor has been published by Harper's Magazine:David Grossman describes how "a reality in which you see people torn apart" undermines the belief in culture and democracy in Israel. If Israelis begin to gauge the impact of these violent events on their lives, they will be well on their way to understanding the even deeper shock that is measured out to Palestinian society.
Bernhard Geyer
Madison, Wis.I was referring to the following observation by Mr. Grossman:
"... And in some way it is all connected to life under terrorism. Because you live in a reality in which you see people torn apart, in which you see living flesh torn, it is very difficult for you to go on believing in something. And you come to the conclusion that in order to maintain culture, and especially in order to maintain democracy, a certain type of illusion is needed, involving a social agreement that is based on a great deal of goodwill. And this has been undermined. ..."