Sir, I enjoyed reading Julie Burchill’s article about her recent visit to Israel (T2, November 24) and the alternative view from Ghada Karmi.

I have just returned from a ten-day visit to Israel, during which I was able to spend time in the West Bank, as well as Jerusalem and Galilee. I went with a view to meeting individuals and groups of people, both Arab and Jewish, who want to see an end to bloodshed and who are trying to encourage reconciliation between Jews and Arabs.

For example, I met a Jewish man whose daughter, aged 14, was killed by a suicide bomber but who has joined with other bereaved parents from both sides to try to bring some sanity into the chaotic situation they live in.

Yours truly,
DAVID MATTHEWS,
61 Gays Road, Hanham Abbots,
South Gloucestershire BS15 3JU.
November 25.