Sir, – I refer you to an article entitled, “Nawi, I just feel sorry that my name caused David problems” (p3, News Review, Weekend Review and “Nawi sorry letters derailed Norris bid”, Home News, October 29th). There was a reference to those two articles on the Front page.
In the article, considerable attention was focused on me and the damage done to my campaign and reputation by the controversy over letters I wrote.
I was not contacted for my view nor to confirm or refute facts contained therein, the result of which led to inaccuracies which are damaging to my reputation. I note that Ezra’s difficulties in speaking English were referred to in the article. However, I do not believe that this is what led to the misstatement.
In the News Review section and also boxed and highlighted elsewhere, the phrase “there is friendship based on interest and there are friendships where there are no conditions. David knows me, he knew the details [of the case] and he made his choice”. This is not true.
The offending incident occurred in 1992. I never knew at the time nor was I told by Ezra about this event until five years later. I learned of it for the first time after his conviction and sentence when I was asked by him to furnish a reference.
I had no knowledge of details of the incident nor do I know the victim’s name or exact age at the time of the offence. I still do not know the full details of the original case as it was held in camera, in Hebrew and in my absence.
The phrase “of the case” was apparently added as an editorial decision and is not, as far as I can see, Ezra’s own words.
I believe that the editorially added phrase gives a completely inaccurate and damaging twist to the account which is greatly detrimental to my interest and reputation.
I note one other significant omission from the article – a considerable amount of the money used to provide clean water, solar heating, extend the school and equip the clinic in the village outside Hebron, to which reference is made, was actually generated by me as a charitable donation. This was administered by various charities including Rabbis for Human Rights. My interest was sparked by a personal visit to the village where I witnessed the desperate plight of the villagers and the considerable difficulties they were experiencing in terms of education, health, welfare and sanitation. – Yours, etc,