Letters

Varadkar’s tweet on Emily Hand’s release

Choice of words

Tue Nov 28 2023 - 00:07

Sir, – If the Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen was offended by the Taoiseach’s warm-hearted comments concerning an Irish-Israeli child back in the arms of her loving family, he undoubtedly needs a reality check (“Varadkar’s tweet regarding Emily Hand’s release prompts strong reaction”, News, November 26th).

Perhaps Eli Cohen might reflect compassionately on the reality that thousands of innocent Palestinian children will never return to their families. – Yours, etc,

AIDAN RODDY,

Cabinteely,

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Dublin 18.

Sir, – The Taoiseach sunk to a new low by treating Emily Hand as a “lost and found” item. He chose to ignore the fact that she was cruelly snatched by Hamas from her kibbutz. By his description of her ordeal, he shamed his office and embarrassed the Irish people.

He also should bear in mind that without the Israeli bombardment, Emily would still be a captive in Gaza. – Yours, etc,

Dr SAUL ZADKA,

London.

Sir, – To describe a child abducted by terrorists as being “lost” gives an insight into the thinking of the perpetrator of the euphemism.

Would the Taoiseach have described Tiede Herrema, Thomas Niedermayer, Don Tidey and Kevin Lunney similarly? – Yours, etc,

Dr JOHN DOHERTY,

Gaoth Dobhair,

Co Dhún na nGall.

Sir, – The release of young Emily Hand should be a wholly joyous occasion for all.

However, the Israeli government has taken exception to Leo Varadkar’s “lost and now found” comment.

It is understood by most reasonable people to mean that a child who was missing from the family has now been returned and there is cause for celebration and rejoicing.

How then does Israel’s foreign minister Eli Cohen find a negative in that positive outcome?

Is he just being petty or paranoid? – Yours, etc,

BRENDAN STEARS,

Clonsilla,

Dublin 15.

Sir, – Leo Varadkar might be well advised to exclude “Amazing Grace” from his repertoire. – Yours, etc,

JD MURPHY,

Dublin 12.