Letters
to the editor
Proud to be a Paul Harris Fellow
My experience of being given a Paul Harris Fellowship is somewhat different from Rotarian Alex Ritchie’s (Rotary, Winter 2024). My first PHF was from my club some years ago and subsequently (on three occasions), from the Rotary Foundation. I am immensely proud of all the PHFs I received and am also proud to have facilitated others to receive PHFs from my District and Clubs. My understanding of a Paul Harris Fellowship is that this is a recognition of funding support from us to our own charity Rotary Foundation – it is not an award. It is like a thank you note jointly from the RI President and the Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair highlighting significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world - that is a huge honour and privilege.
Himansu Basu,
Rotary Club of Gravesham with Ebbsfleet, Kent
Loving the new format
Loving the new digital magazine. Well done on a great format. I always found it a 'chore' to read the print version as it required the need to set aside an allotted time, get a cup of tea and put out the "Do Not Disturb" sign. It is great that I can pick up my magazine any time, anywhere and take in bitesize Rotary news whenever I have a spare few minutes and whilst out and about! I feel more connected to what is going on within Rotary at home and abroad already. Thank you to you and the magazine team.
Mark Howard,
Rotary Club of Redditch Kingfisher
Wishing a return to peace in Gaza
I respond to Stephan Stephan’s letter regarding the conflict in Gaza (Rotary Magazine, Winter 2024). Whilst not wanting us to get into a political argument, as Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation, the Rotary statement specifically names Hamas, whom I’m sure all would agree, does not represent the welfare and safety of the average Palestinian, after all, if they did, they would not have carried out the attack knowing what the consequences was likely to be. In case Stephan wishes to know the perspective I am coming from, I am a trustee of a medical charity that has saved the lives of over 3,000 Palestinian children from both the West bank and Gaza.
David Silverston,
Rotary Club of Watford, Hertfordshire
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