Ms. Eileen O'Connor
Vice President for Communications
Yale University

Dear Ms. O'Connor:

    We are writing with reference to the article that has appeared in the Yale Daily News of February 9, 2017, entitled "Yale affiliate lambasted for Syria visit," by Rachel Treisman. The article is written ad personam against a respected colleague, and we wish to point to elements in the text that show an explicit bias. The use of the word "lambasted" in the title, the opening line that speaks of "criticism from the international archaeology community," and the statement further down that Mr. Simon has met with "criticism and condemnation from many in the archaeological and cultural preservation communities" are an exaggeration. Only a handful of archaeologists have raised the issue addressed in the article, and none have spoken against Mr. Simon individually. The article gives ample space to the negative comments of two colleagues, and mentions only briefly a colleague who speaks in support.

    As for the substance of the accusations which the article uncritically espouses, it must be stressed that the Damascus colloquium dealt exclusively with the specific issue of cultural preservation, and there was not even a hint of political propaganda. The public in attendance consisted of some thirty Syrian colleagues and some forty University students from various parts of the country: the exchange was not only significant in terms of the operational details discussed, but also served to show support to the colleagues who have been courageously defending their cultural heritage, and showing how it can be of great significance in uniting all Syrians.

    Eleven of these colleagues have been killed over the last few years in the line of duty, among them Khaled al-Asa'ad, who was brutally killed in Palmyra and was hailed a hero the world over. The "lambasting" of which the article speaks is in effect directed at Mr. Khaled al-Asa`ad; at the other ten who died; at the colleagues who are working in Syria now, some still at the risk of their lives. There is no cynicism here, as one critic claims in the Yale article, nor is there cynicism with Mr. Simon. It is with those who "lambaste" them.

Samir Abdulac
Béatrice André-Salvini
Giorgio Buccellati
Ségolčne de Pontbriand
Marilyn Kelly-Buccellati
Pierre Leriche
Balázs Major
Paolo Matthiae
Stefania Mazzoni
Davide Nadali
Frances Pinnock
Mirjo Salvini
Alexander Sedov
Zsolt Vágner