Israel, Lebanon tie
The conflict between the two contestants for the Miss Universe contest from Lebanon and Israel was disturbing to me for personal reasons.
My mother, Paula Gelman, worked for and was friendly with Marlo Thomas for many years in New York.
Yes, my mom was Jewish and it certainly wasn’t an issue in their relationship.
Marlo’s dad was Danny Thomas, a famous TV actor and singer of Lebanese descent. My daughter, Lauren, was always thrilled when she got “hand me down” clothes from Marlo.
She would wear them to school and brag to her classmates that these outfits had belonged to Marlo.
It didn’t matter then and it shouldn’t matter now about anyone’s national, religious or racial background.
Sue Browning, Miami
This story was originally published January 20, 2015 at 7:13 PM with the headline "Israel, Lebanon tie."