Sir, – Paul Milne repeats a misapprehension that frequently arises in discussions of BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) in support of Palestinian rights when he describes it as “ironic that the teachers in a country that has . . . failed to revive its native language should want to boycott the teachers in a country [Israel] which has successfully revived its language” (January 10th ).
Leaving aside the question as to whether the successful revival of Hebrew somehow mitigates the ethnic cleansing and ongoing persecution of Palestinians, the boycott – whether academic, cultural, sporting or economic – is directed at the Israeli state, and not at individuals unless those individuals are explicitly representing that state. Hence, quite simply, nobody advocates a blanket boycott of Israeli teachers. – Yours, etc,
RAYMOND DEANE,
Lower Baggot Street,
Dublin 2 .