Thank you.

Submitted by Sara Frooman (United States), Jun 23, 2011 at 22:33

For many years, at lectures and discussions about Israel's legitimacy, I have asked about your basic point that so much of the land was bought, only to be dismissed by even Israeli government representatives as if the question were somehow not relevant. Some comments from others, though not convincing, were that those who sold the land were not entitled to do so and gave spurious deeds, as they were corrupt officials who profited on the ancient property rights of others, displacing the proper owners.

Remembering the reality of JNF boxes in every Jewish house during my childhood, I've always been puzzled how the Big Lie against Israel overwhelmed rational discourse and why the purchased land was not the central point of reply.

Your article is the first I've seen to look at the history of this issue. Have you any idea why it has been so protected from inquiry for so long? Why were those who knew the truth unwilling to say it?

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