‘Old and Continuous’

Tel Hazor, site of a prominent ancient Canaanite city in Upper Galilee, was first excavated in the 1950s by Professor Yigael Yadin, one of Israel’s most famous archaeologists. About Hazor, the Bible says, “And Joshua … took Hazor … and he burnt Hazor with fire” (Joshua 11:10-11). Sure enough, after digging down quite a bit, Mr. Yadin found a layer of ash, which was scientifically dated to the 13th century B.C.E.

Well over a century ago, an ancient half-kilometer-long tunnel, still carrying water, was discovered in Jerusalem, along with an inscription in old Hebrew that is now on display in the Istanbul Museum. Modern radiometric dating confirms it is the work of Hezekiah, king of Judah, as described in II Kings 20:20 and II Chronicles 32:30. This project was intended to enable Jerusalem to withstand a prolonged siege. One need only peruse issues of Hershel Shanks’s Biblical Archaeology Review to learn of an array of additional Bible confirming archaeological finds.

Yet, as Hillel Halkin points out [“Old and Continuous,” Opinion, September 6, 2005], there are so-called “scholars” today who claim that “the entire biblical account of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah was a historically late fabrication …” One can only wonder just what it is that motivates those people to eagerly display such a degree of intellectual blindness.

HARRY EISENBERG
Glen Rock N.J.

‘Von Furstenberg Building’

In his article on the campaign to obtain a landmark designation for the historic stable at 389 W. 12th St. [“Heiress Bidding To Out-Beautify Von Furstenberg Building,” Page 1, September 2, 2005], David Lombino neglects to mention that for about 10 years in the 1970s and 1980s, this historic building was both the home and the studio of the unjustly forgotten and shamefully neglected photo-realist painter Lowell Nesbitt (1933-93). When Lowell owned and lived in the Stable, it was an interior design showplace and an important gathering place for the movers and shakers in the art world. Among the many who enjoyed Lowell’s elegant hospitality were Andy Warhol, Philip Pearlstein, Robert Indiana, Marisol, Joseph Levi, Babe Shapiro, Alex Katz, Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards, Natalie Schaefer, and Noel Stern Frackman. The conversation at cocktails and dinner was always lively, and it is no misrepresentation to contend that Lowell’s parties were one of the great salons in New York.

The Stable is a shrine in the world of contemporary art, and, for that reason alone, should be designated a landmark and protected from vandalization.

TERI NOEL TOWE
Manhattan

Katrina’s Racial Divide?

Re: “Katrina Shows Racial Divide in America,” Jamal Watson, New York, September 7, 2005. America did not fight World War II to “save the world from bigotry,” as Mr. Watson states. America was attacked by the Japanese. Franklin Delano Roosevelt did not enter the war to save Jews. There is a great deal of evidence that he ignored Jewish pleas for help from Europe, going so far as to steer away Jewish refugee ships. FDR did very little to advance the plight of blacks either. It was President Truman who finally integrated the armed forces, not FDR.

GREGG GREENBERG
Manhattan

Mr. Watson’s column regarding the victims of the hurricane seems to place the blame on everyone except the individual. Cars or not, if a Category 5 hurricane is headed your way, you leave. If you are able-bodied, you find a way. Mr. Watson’s friend from France called him after seeing images of the chaos that followed the storm and was outraged by the portrayal of black Americans as savages. He’s wrong to be outraged. The people, black or otherwise, looting and shooting are just that. It is not a portrayal; they made the wrong choice in the time of crisis. Skin color is irrelevant. Mr. Watson points out that 28% of New Orleans residents live below the poverty line, and this contributed to their plight. I would suggest that 100% of them living below sea level was a much greater factor.

ALFRED J. HASSINGER
Little Silver, N.J.

‘The Al Franken Show’

Just a quick note regarding David Lombino’s piece “Franken Signed Air America’s Payment Pact” [Page 1] in the September 7, 2005,edition of The New York Sun.

Mr. Lambino notes that Al Franken’s show on Air America Radio is “The O’Franken Factor.” This is incorrect, as Mr. Franken’s show is called “The Al Franken Show.” It was changed from “The O’Franken Factor” months ago.

DEAN TOMASULA
Port Chester, N.Y.

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