Bates Professor William Hiss’ Dec. 17 letter to the editor (“Remember how much language matters“) is spot on. Words matter, and those who use words that terrorize, inflame or incite violence should be held responsible for the consequences.

Words inciting violence toward Jews have spurred attacks worldwide. Jews were targeted and murdered at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue and at a Boulder, Colorado, public park. Just recently, Jews were murdered in a mass casualty event while celebrating Hanukkah on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. 

So, words do matter. Have people ever:  

• Marched with a sign that reads “Globalize the Intifada” or endorsed these words by marching alongside someone carrying the sign?  
• Participated in a demonstration where “From the River to the Sea” was displayed on a banner? 
• Use the word “Zionist” as a slur?  
• Endorsed Maine politicians who distort the meaning of “genocide” to justify isolating and vilifying Israel and the Jewish people?

These hateful words isolate and terrorize our Jewish neighbors. They sow divisions within communities here in Maine. And they incite the murderous rampages against Jews that occur with alarmingly increasing frequency. 

While the Constitution protects our rights of free speech, it does not immunize or absolve us from the consequences of the words we use. When one endorses words that urge violence and murder, they are responsible when that violence and murder occurs. 

I thank Professor Hiss for this important reminder. Words do matter.

Daniel Kagan
Lewiston