Ann Bardacke’s letter about Gaza misses a few key points, and makes one highly questionable point (“Hamas to blame for Gaza strife,” July 28, Our Readers’ Views). The main point Bardacke leaves out is that whatever Hamas has done, it does not justify the continuing occupation of Arab land and economic warfare by Israel.
The highly questionable point of Bardacke’s letter relates to cellphones. Bardacke claims cellphones are “reliant on technology pioneered in Israel.” I have worked in the area of research and development of cellphones and related technologies for over 25 years. I have known and worked with Israeli engineers, as well as with engineers from four continents.
While it is true that Israelis have made advances in computing and integrated circuit technologies, the idea that cellphone technology “relies” on “technology pioneered in Israel” is ridiculous. Cellphone technology, as we have come to know it, was developed primarily in the United States and Europe, although in recent years East Asia has been making substantial contributions to the field, as well. Israel’s contributions are negligible, despite what Israel’s apologists claim.
