I was both offended and disturbed by Mr. Yousuf's letter ("Defeated mentality harms all humanity," Jan. 12). Any reference to the State of Israel as the "evil Zionist regime" is fundamentally anti-Semitic in nature and misrepresents the facts. It is this very rhetoric that Hamas and Osama bin Laden use to justify homicide bombings, and it has no place in our society. Furthermore, 20 percent of the Israeli population is Arab, and living in the Israeli democracy they enjoy more freedoms and representation than they would in any Arab country.

The charge of state terrorism is unfounded and inflammatory. Israel takes innumerable measures to protect innocent civilians on both sides, whereas homicide bombings deliberately target women and children in cafés, pizza parlors, and buses. Israel has a responsibility to protect its citizens, be they Jewish, Muslim, or any other faith. When American lives are at risk we expect our government to defend us; should Israelis not expect the same?

With a new Palestinian leader, there is hope for an end to terrorist attacks and renewed peace negotiations. Israelis and Palestinians must learn to live and work side-by-side, creating a future worthy of their children. I call on all people, including Muslims, to denounce Mr. Yousuf's hateful and counterproductive message.