Our relations with Germany are not based on
diplomatic formalities alone. In matters of this sort we have a right to speak
our mind about Germany's internal affairs, and the Germans will find it hard to
dispute that contention. It is useless to bring pressure, to "insist" – an
Israeli spokesman can show his understanding of this young woman's motives, and
express the wish that attention be directed to the unusual nature of her
offense, and at the same time discreetly call to mind the fact that men who
sent millions of human beings to their death have emerged from German trials
with only token penalties.
B.K., who knows all this and understands it as
well as we do, will doubtless be astonished there in her jail cell that the
Jewish people are so indifferent although they well know how to move heaven and
earth when necessary. This article's intention is not only to set forth some of
the facts but to avoid any misunderstandings. If you should ask why I think it
necessary to tell the Jewish people these facts, my answer would be that B.K.
has a privilege enjoyed by few Germans – the right to judge our acts
according to moral standards, the right to ask us questions.
Well, Beate, it might be better for you to
understand that we do not like some things you have done, and especially that
you have rebelled against the established order, even when that order protects
the murderers of our people. There is an air of the "new left" about all
