To read this article, click here.

In response to “Debating the flaws of the Left, not just the Right” ‏(Gil Troy, Haaretz.com, January 16‏).

After reading this article, I reviewed my own article from a few days earlier, “In defense of NGOs’ right to meddle,” in which I attacked Prof. Gerald Steinberg’s claims regarding European Union funding of Israeli NGOs. Indeed, as Troy argues, it appears that in composing this article, I fell prey to the temptation of using terminology that, while adding color, fails to promote a civilized and academic debate about important issues. I regret the use of this potentially hurtful terminology, particularly the description of Prof. Steinberg’s work as “McCarthy-like inquiry of NGOs and their funders,” and look forward to continuing the discussion with Prof. Steinberg regarding the important role that NGOs have in facilitating Israel’s future as a democratic, pluralistic society.