Bob Channen's Aug. 13, 2001 letter to the Kitchener-Waterloo Record certainly illustrated the bias and ignorance of many of Helmut Oberlander's defenders.

My family immigrated to Canada in 1947, and I can assure Channen that we were totally truthful with the Canadian officials who questioned us before they allowed us entry. Furthermore, I personally know hundreds of other immigrants who were totally honest as well. Of course, none of them were members of the Nazi killing squads.

As well, I resent the sophomoric argument that "atrocities were done by both sides," and therefore it is best to "forgive and forget." I suggest that Channen read a few history books before he so lightly dismisses the Holocaust as just another atrocity. As a child survivor of the Holocaust, I am determined never to forget (even if it was possible to do so, which it is not), because that way lies the possibility of another holocaust.

And, as a member of the Kitchener-Waterloo Education Committee, I am constantly trying to impress on anyone who will listen about the dangers of racism.

Lili Pasternak
Waterloo