The Aish HaTorah event featuring Col. Bentzi Gruber of the Israeli Defense Forces was informative and eye opening. I am sorry one gentleman felt part of the presentation was misleading (Letters, Feb. 23). I believe there was a misunderstanding. Col. Gruber explained with intimate detail the great lengths to which the IDF goes to minimize civilian casualties, even at great risk to IDF soldiers. Contrary to the gentleman’s comments to this paper, the IDF is the most moral army in the world, with collateral damage ratios far lower than even the U.S.

The gentleman, who I thank for his service to this country, and Col. Gruber had an awkward exchange regarding white phosphorous. Col. Gruber showed four pictures from newswires “proving” the IDF targeted civilians. Both agreed that three were not white phosphorous, reports relying on those pictures being false. Regarding picture four, the men spoke past one another in a clear miscommunication. Col. Gruber has presented in front of thousands, including active military personnel. If that fourth picture were white phosphorous, these personnel would know it. Only scheduling difficulties prevented his presenting at Scott Air Force Base. While it has legitimate military uses as a smokescreen, Col. Gruber stated clearly that prior to Operation Cast Lead, he ordered all white phosphorous shells removed from tanks to prevent use in heavy civilian populations. As proof, not one picture appeared on any newswire showing the flesh wounds associated with that chemical.

Aish HaTorah stands by the words and presentation of Col. Gruber, who stayed over an hour after the presentation to answer questions, and extends a hand to anyone willing to engage in constructive dialogue to clear up misunderstandings. We all support the IDF in defending the State of Israel and the Jewish people in accordance with Jewish law and the rules of war.

Marc Jacob, Esq.

Chair, Aish HaTorah St. Louis Program Committee