Alumnus failed to adequately research facts; Jews ask only for respect
To the Editor:
I am writing in response to the naive letter by alumus Rob Northrup in last week's Technique. This letter served only one purpose: To show what happens when you don't research what you write.
Mr. Northrup wrote that he did not agree that Yom Kippur would prevent the Jewish community from attending Homecoming festivities. That is quite wrong. From Friday night to Saturday night during Yom Kippur, the Jews spend almost all their [time] in services, which most definitely makes them unable to attend Homecoming, let alone any events.
Additionally, Mr. Norhtrup wrote of his anger at the "political correctness" of Georgia Tech. Clearly, this is not the case, and Mr. Northrup distorted the meaning of these words. This was an issue of religious respect. The Jews respect the fact that all stores and business are closed on Christian holy days such as Christmas and Easter. All we asked in return is that our Jewish holy day, Yom Kippur, be respected--something that Mr. Northrup does not appear to do.
Furthermore, Mr. Northrup has forgotten something very important involving the rescheduling of events. Tech events cater first to the students, and second to alumni and others, [just as] high schools don't center their homecoming event scheduling around alumni and parents. Would it have been so bad to check the kids out of school a little early on Friday afternoon? Or to explain the situation to the boss? I do agree on one thing though: maybe Tech did not do its best to inform the alumni of its scheduling changes.
Finally, to Mr. Northrop I say that if missing a parade is your biggest problem, you should be glad.
