Newspapers don't speak for their communities, never have

Dear Editor: 

I am writing in response to the JCRC attack editorial against the Heritage published Feb. 21, 2020. The JCRC makes a point of saying that the Heritage “is not supported by or affiliated with any Jewish institution or agency” as if this is something bad. Personally, I think newspapers should be independent.

The JCRC makes a point of saying that the Heritage “does not speak for the Central Florida Jewish community.”  Well, of course not. Does the Orlando Sentinel speak for the Orlando or the central Florida community?

The JCRC then claims that the Heritage “is widely perceived to be a reflection of our [Jewish] community.” Is it widely perceived that the Orlando Sentinel is a reflection of the Orlando or central Florida community? Is it widely perceived that The Washington Post is a reflection of Washington, or The New York Times a reflection of New York? I do not think so.

As for the JCRC being adamant that there be a clear distinction between “opinion” and “fact” in newspapers, for anyone who reads the Orlando Sentinel, The New York Times, New York Post, The Washington Post, or The Washington Times (just to name a balanced few) realizes that horse left the barn a long time ago.

There are at least 37 central Florida synagogues representing Orthodox, Conservative, Liberal, Progressive and other Jews, and countless other organizations who support Jews in central Florida. There are Jews who are Democrats, Republicans, Socialists, Libertarians and more. The Jewish community of central Florida is VERY diverse. 

No, the Heritage does not “speak” for the Central Florida Jewish community, but neither does the JCRC.

David J. Meltzer

Longwood