Letters

On “Commentary” and the American Jews

Editors:

I find much to disagree with in Bernard Avishai’s lengthy diatribe against Commentary Magazine. However, I write not to present a detailed rebuttal but to refute a statement attributed to me by Mr. Avishai in the body of his essay.

Mr. Avishai writes that “Bayard Rustin . . . once told me he considered [Commentary‘s] line on social questions a dishonor to the relations between blacks and Jews in New York.” Not only have I never made such a claim and not only would I never make such a claim, I do not recall ever having spoken to Mr. Avishai about Commentary‘s editorial “line” or any other matter.