Sally Rooney and the BDS movement

Sir, – Brian Ó Éigeartaigh is critical of the US supporting the State of Israel ( Letter, October 16th). What is his preference? Even a cursory glance at history will tell you that the State of Israel would not exist without the support of the US.

Perhaps it offends and disappoints people that the Jewish diaspora in the US, just like the Irish, helped to bring about independence for their people. Currently the failed states of Lebanon and Gaza border Israel, both satellites states of Iran, which desires the destruction of Israel.

In the West Bank, Palestinian-led Fatah has delayed an election for seven years as it fears the results of a win for the Hamas movement. When Israel is asked to negotiate, who is it negotiating with? On what perfect example of democracy in its neighbourhood should it model itself?

Finally, it is wonderful to have integrity, but it rings hollow if it is selective. – Yours, etc,

READ SOME MORE

EUGENE TANNAM,

Firhouse,

Dublin 24.

Sir, – Sally Rooney is not only a great writer. She is also a great human being who is prepared to face the wrath of the Israeli state and its minions in order to show solidarity with oppressed Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom, justice and equality.

More power to this principled woman. She stands on the right side of history. – Yours, etc,

CHARLES HAYES,

Midleton,

Co Cork.

Sir,– All publicity is good publicity. – Yours, etc,

JOHN O’KEEFFE,

Sandycove,

Co Dublin.