When I was 8 to 14 years old, growing up in Pittsburgh, kids got into fights. I certainly had my share during this period in the late ’40s and ’50s when anti-Semitism was more prevalent than it is now.

My uncle taught me to box when I was 7, and with this skill, I did not hesitate to pound another kid if I were attacked. I was average size and certainly did not ever pick a fight, which brings me to the Hamas-Israel debacle and Christoper Benedict’s letter to the editor.

I doubt Benedict was ever in a ruckus growing up. Certain types sit back and see a disparagement in a foreign event without the experience of ever being hounded themselves.

Last week, Israel had in just one day 80 rockets fired from Gaza at their civilians. Who would not fight back? If Colville and Benedict’s home had a rocket come through the roof from Canada (if Canada was a hostile country), how would he react? Probably sit in his armchair and write a letter to The Spokesman-Review.

Jack Abel

Spokane