About the editor: I recently came across a certificate of donation to the Jewish National Fund for a tree planted in my honor in what is now Israel in 1945 called Palestine. (“As Protests Continue, Israel Passes Judicial Review Bill to Protect Netanyahu,” March 23)

On several visits to Israel, I visited the wall of Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, where my father’s name was inscribed after his death in 1958. I also learned that my grandmother was in Israel to lobby the government for the construction of a new Hadassah Hospital. my father (her son) died.

I remember putting money in the blue box for Israel every Friday night during Shabbat dinner. I attended Jewish summer camps with a very Zionist orientation. Growing up in a very Zionist family, I was amazed and proud of how Israel turned a piece of desert into a thriving, democratic and hospitable country.

While I have often been angry at some of Israel’s actions, I have never been completely disgusted until now. I weep for what has become of the “only democratic country in the Middle East”. My grandparents are turning in their graves.

Barbara Rosen, Fullerton

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About the publisher: Despite hysterical claims from leftists at home and abroad, “Israel is not turning away from democracy.” Letting the democratically elected Knesset or parliament dominate a non-democratically elected judiciary is actually more democracy.

If Israeli citizens don’t like it, they can get new members of the Knesset to agree to an amendment.

The left uses the term “threats to democracy” to hide their real concern: threats to their progressive agenda.

PJ Gendell, Beverly Hills..

About the publisher: I am a proud American Jew who has visited and lectured in Israel. I am utterly shocked and ashamed of his current attempt to undermine his justice system and encourage even more settlements.

While I firmly believe that both Israelis and Palestinians have plenty to blame, Israel’s current behavior is beyond despicable. The people who barely survived the Holocaust should probably know better.

American Jews donate millions of dollars to Israel every year. All donations must stop until Israel’s right-wing government stops abandoning democracy and further marginalizing the Palestinians. Then maybe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would listen.

Betsy Handler, Pacific Palisades