To the Editor:

Re "Jews in a Whisper," (August 21).

Roger Cohen's lack of introspection is astonishing.  Quick to criticize British Jews who still seem embarrassed about their Jewishness and American Jews who stridently stand up for Israel, he ignores his own role in playing into the hands of those he condemns, those who "embrace an anti-Zionism that flirts with anti-Semitism."

It is one thing to criticize Israel policy.  It is quite another to do so in a distorted way, using violent language and personality attacks characteristic of Mr. Cohen's pieces on Israel.  He may not call for boycotts or ostracizing of Israel, but his one-sided, extreme portrayal of the conflict makes those who are seeking Israel's delegitimization so much more comfortable in doing so.

It is nice to hear Mr. Cohen stand up for his Jewishness.  It would be nicer still if he owned up to his role in the very anti-Zionism he condemns.