To the Editor:

Israel is right to be proud of its record regarding its LGBT community ("Israel and 'Pinkwashing,'" Nov. 23).  Not only is Israel unique in the Middle East for its tolerance, legal protections and equality enjoyed by the LGBT community, it also stands out from the record of many Western nations. 

This reality does not diminish or "pink-wash" the Israel - Palestinian conflict, nor does it negate the homophobic attitudes of some in religious communities.  It is simply a fact of Israel's vibrant democracy which anti-Israel activists ignore in order to justify and promote their attacks against Israel.

Another fact is Ms. Schulman's clear discomfort with recognizing any positive attributes in the State of Israel.  She is a highly visible and vocal proponent of international campaigns calling for academic, cultural and economic boycotts of Israel.  Ms. Schulman uses the banner of advocacy for the legitimate rights of persecuted gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender to "pinkwash" her own ulterior motive - to promote her commitment to demonizing Israel.