The last Jew in Afghanistan

very funny indeed,NY — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:48:38 GMT

helllooo!!! martin,were you expecting a jewish saint in the primitive part of the modern world.i appreciate what you relized about your efforts.better luck next time

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Shalomie — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:59:57 GMT

And you thought he would be different.. why?

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Gary, Ft Lauderdale — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:09:34 GMT

He is right, NBC is making money off his misery. Next time have a reporter with some empathy go talk to this poor man. I am sure he has much more to say, to the right person.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Brian Alper, Aliso Viejo, CA — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:13:56 GMT

What is the point?

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Tom Whitfield, Dayton, Ohio — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:18:52 GMT

A man after my own heart! Trying walking a few kilometers in his sandles/shoes! You should at least send him the whiskey! Hell, if I could, I'd take it to him and have a few drinks!

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Jim Jacksonville Florida — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:21:09 GMT

Sounds like a waste of your time! Just like everyone else, out to get someting for nothing!
Give me a gimmic and let me see what I can get from it! If we spent half the time working as we do trying to find an excuse not too maybe we would all be better off! Everyone thinks they are owed something for nothing! GIVE ME! GIVE ME!

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Jeff Barsky, Las Vegas, Nevada — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:21:32 GMT

Martin,

Knowing your reporting, why did you bother posting a story that just reinforces every negative stereotype of Jews? I realize he was probably really like that, but discretion should have said there just is no story here.

Thank you for giving all those antisemites something to point at and say, "See, Jews really are that way! Martin Fletcher said so."

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Denise Michaels, Author, "Testosterone-Free Marketing" (Las Vegas, NV) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:22:43 GMT

Great writing. Thanks for sharing this, Mr. Fleischer. Unfortunate what a bitter man he is. Sometimes life is like that - we don't exactly get what we had in mind.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Tim, Kaohsiung (via Seattle) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:23:20 GMT

This is one of the most hilarious, depressing stories I have ever read. Well done, Mr. Fletcher!

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Marg. Gatesman — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:23:40 GMT

That is just plain sad!

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Deborah, Pembroke Pines — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:24:26 GMT

What a strange man....at least he has good taste in Whisky.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

leslie glucksman, redding, ct. — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:24:51 GMT

Are you sure this isnt a Bernard Malamud story or an early Phillip Roth one?

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Beruriah, Lexington NC — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:25:06 GMT

I found this story interesting as it reflects a most extreme example of life in the Diaspora. One wonders why he chose to stay there. Many people do non know of the long history of Jewish life in Arab lands before the creation of the State of Israel.
I was, however, a bit confused by the following phrase: "Isaac Levy, a Jew who lived in another room in the synagogue, making this odd couple the last two Jews in Israel," and I wonder if the last two Jews in Afganistan was the intended phrase.
I appreciated the story.Thanks for sharing your reflections.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Ellias Karwashan — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:25:43 GMT

I don't know what to think after reading this article. Obviously the man is extremely fustrated at the uncomprehensible amount of corruption in his country. The religious intolerance in Afganistan must drive him crazy. How this man sleeps at night is a medical marvel. The fact that he said no when he was asked if he missed his wife was jawdropping. This man is single-handedly preserving the Jewish faith in Afganistan and I think that should be recognized, even if he may be the worst representative for anything in the storied history of this planet.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

carl kettler,flemington,nj — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:26:13 GMT

Why won't the Israelis help him? American and European Christians pour $billions into Israel yet Israel won't help it's own kind in a distant land? He's not a clown. He's trying to survive!

The last Jew in Afghanistan

James M. O'Meara, Wilkes Barre, PA — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:28:27 GMT

...on whole...perhaps a story some will say shouldn't have been written. I suspect Martin Fletcher wrestled with whether or not to publish it. I probably wouldn't have. Probably. But I can't say for sure. There's a thick, fat gray area with a story like this...a story both fascinating yet repulsive. Yes, Simantov is Afghanistan's last Jew...but he is also a pathetic, miserable figure...perhaps someone best left within the prison he's made of his life. Tough call to make, Martin, and it earns you my respect.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Terra Gaia, Earth — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:28:38 GMT

lol. awesome read. love it.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

John Rogers, Southbury, CT — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:29:03 GMT

Loneliness is hard to understand. You should have paid his price for the interview.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

curious — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:29:32 GMT

beyond the writer "making money" i.e. justifying his salary as his interviewee pointed out, the point of this article was?

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:30:00 GMT

I am always amazed athat humanity (myself included) expect saints that we can admire and basically worship and when reality smacks us in the face we are stunned. :) (He is a jealous God) There is no one perfect, is there, except HIM?
But God uses imperfect people.
Even King David was a "bloody man", yet a man after God's own heart.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Holden McGroyne, Long Beach, CA — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:30:07 GMT

LOL. This guy is like a character in a movie!

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Harrison North — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:30:17 GMT

Your story clearly illustrates that the stereotypes
associated with social classes break down in the absence of group and the reality of the human condition.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

hunetrmabe;Long Star;Ky — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:30:26 GMT

Brillant:Laconic

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Eric, NY — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:34:15 GMT

A small taste of what life in the region is all about. In the west we can not understand anything of it other than the brutal appearance.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

shahzad....toronto....canada. — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:34:23 GMT

Wonderful story, but not a surprise,some education is badly needed by the west,for thousand of years muslims and jews have lived together in peace and harmoney,because Islam is continuation of the judaism and christianity,and if you do google research on pushtuns and hebrew connection you will find that currant day talabans are ancient hebrews ..this is not a fight of religions ,its a power struggle to dominate the world and declaring terrorist who are fighting for there home lands wether he is a afghan jew or muslim in afghanistan,stop dividing true jews and true muslims for your owen ulterior motives ...time runs out on all of us and one day we will be history ...make a difference in a contructed way and let people live in peace, where ever they are and who ever they are and use this precious time you may have to make this world a better place.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Randy Pollock, Shanghai, China — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:35:21 GMT

Mr. Fletcher, you of the self-consciously anglicized last name. Why do you have to portray this crackpot in terms of his Jewishness and play up the age old money stereotype, so untrue among most Jewish people. There was no value to this story other than presenting a caricature that would confirm most gentiles' false suspsicions. It was a non-story. Shame on you.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Harris Gibson — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:38:03 GMT

Of course I can't really say for sure without having actually examined him but I think that I can diagnose his problem. He appears to be suffering from a common medical disorder called "crazy old guy".

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Matthew P, Montreal, Canada — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:48:48 GMT

One more example of NBC's bias toward the Jewish People!!!!

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Jollean Banngertir, Portland Oregon — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:49:17 GMT

WOW, what a story. It is hard to figure out where this man's head is at. I am Jewish and I can tell you that "preserving my culture" in a land that doesn't have any tollerance for it is not something I would be willing to do. Having my family in one place and living like this man does is also something I would not do for my culture. It just seemed like all he was interested in was a bit of comfort in the whiskey and nothing else. The world takes and makes all kinds however, and this is just one example of it. If we were all alike the world would be a boring place to be and there would be no room for learning from your fellow neighbor. Good luck to this "last Jew in Afganistan" I wish him well and long life

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Tish, Lone Tree, CO — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:49:47 GMT

The fear, hatred, and isolation this man must have to encounter on a daily basis (and presumably his entire life) would be enough to make anyone bitter. I would send him a bottle if I could.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Michele, Martinsburg, West Virginia — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:50:27 GMT

I don't understand how this is a story? What happened to his family? Why did they leave? How can a person that considers themself a journalist print a "story" that consists of nothing more then a few migrant observations with absolutely no thoughtful questions? I don't blame the man for requesting payment. You obviously were not interested in him or his "story".

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Enoch Stone, Shapleigh, ME — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:51:02 GMT

Good to see Hunter Thompson is alive and well and living in Afghanistan.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

J New York NY — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:52:15 GMT

Perhaps the article could have been more compassionate and more intellectucal. Perhaps the word "clown" could have been left out of the article, and perhaps some more understanding for a man who is attemtping a task so difficult: maintaining a synagoge in Afghanistan.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Mary Stutzman, Bradenton, Florida — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:53:46 GMT

I actually found the article quite interesting. Instead of a diatribe against the sworn enemy of his people, Mr. Simantov actually seems pretty down to earth. He tells it like it is, (you'll make money off me, so how about letting me have some.) I would think that his focus on issues that are HIS issues not THEIR(Taliban)issues may be what gives him so to speak the will to live. The anger adrenalin from what bugs HIM, maybe it keeps him going. A philosopher he is not. God bless him in the midst of who he is, even if it is not what people think it would be.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Mani - Birmingham, Alabama — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:54:11 GMT

After reading your story I did not know whether to laugh or to cry, but tI do know this that Mr. Simantov is very courageous to stay in Afghanistan. I am sure a lot of your readers will pitch in to let Mr.S have his JW Black Label Scotch. We all will join him!

The last Jew in Afghanistan

David Suggitt Edmonton Canada — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:54:19 GMT

To Jeff Barsky.... So should reporters only report stories about jews ONLY if they are positive reinforcements of the race? The good the bad and the ugly I say, and then let's make our own assumptions.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

jay, NY, New york — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:19:40 GMT

I can see a good movie coming out of this. and maybe the guy can get a whole room full of whiskey.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Eleanor Baker, Hackensack, N.J. — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:19:49 GMT

This story just covers the surface of what this man has experienced. Questions unaswered - How does he earn some money to buy what he needs? Does he speak the native language? Who does he associate with? How did the reporter locate him? Does he get along with his neighbors? So many human interest topics have been ignored. Better reporting is what we need.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Chris, Pennsylvania — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:23:27 GMT

Stereotypes or not, a story is a story. This was a great story, thanks for printing it.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Adele O Colorado Springs, Colorado — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:23:29 GMT

Whatever made you write this story? Where is your sympathy for a man who has obviously endured a lot? I also doubt very much that he is the last Jew. My experience as a holocaust survivor makes me think that there are more jews,though they are probably "underground", until such a time that it is safe to declare their faith.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Sadness — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:23:53 GMT

It was really quite sad to read this article. A man in a land that is supposed to be his home. A man with no religious peers (this is his way of life). A man wanting just something material (his home sounds run down). A man angry about the outcome of life. I'm not sure that I would like to be in prision over there for six months. Would you? But still a man that might have just a tid bit of humor left after everything else is gone including his family. My question to this journalist would be: why didn't this man leave with his family?

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Dave Matison — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:24:38 GMT

Your article, if taken out of context, may foster antisemitism.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Kevin — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:24:53 GMT

It is sad how only 1 MAN! can be discriminated against, and possibly persecuted. The Taliban took his scrolls, how sick and sad.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Jorge, Moca, Puerto Rico — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:25:43 GMT

This gentleman deserve to be admire, despite, the obvious "hunger for news" of the reporter. He is just an avarage Joe, living in a very hostile antisemite society. His courage and perseverance are outstanding. And his answer and the way he acted for me are normal for anybody under those circunstances. The rest where the exspectation of the reporter and the way he plan to make a big significant story out of the "life" of the "remarkable jews gentleman.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

George, Vancouver, WA — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:25:58 GMT

When stationed in Israel, Martin Fletcher's anti-Israeli bias was well known. I do not believe this story of his.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

A. B-G., Boston, MA — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:26:09 GMT

For those of you who thought the writer should have paid the man for his story, no reputable journalist pays for a story. It is unethical. This is NBC news not "Hello!" magazine or the National Enquirer.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

stan newman, london — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:29:06 GMT

first and foremost, this chap is an Afhgan.why should he be any different from the average man who lives in this car crash of a country? all he wants is a little bit of pleasure (whisky) things we take for granted. we all moan about the price of fuel, food, loans etc. Put your hand in your pocket and make a poor man happy.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Semptech, Kuwait — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:29:13 GMT

I would be ashamed to write this Mr. Fletcher. If the Jews haven't been persecuted enough, you found a way to continue the persecution of the Jewish people, wherever they may be. :(

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Nestor Bonilla — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:59:38 GMT

It's sad,perhaps he lost all hope.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Roni/Georgia — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:59:46 GMT

What is the purpose in maintaining a synagogue in a place where all fellow jews have left and gone to a place of milk and honey. There is no reason for them to return, they are where God intended them to be in their own land. So please, Mr. Simantov give it up and return to your land of milk and honey - go home.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Bill Sherman — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:06:38 GMT

Life is not always roses and peaches. Do you expect him to be happy and singing with joy. Do you know what he went through living alone with nothing but his prayers and constant loneliness. I think he is one of the bravist men I have seen something you cant understand not being in his shoes.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Observer — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:08:33 GMT

I find it curious, a 45 year old man is not an OLD man. Why is it he hasn't been harmed. Sometimes, there's more to a situation than meets the eye and you won't "trouble" him again as I am certain will no one else!

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Nancy Giza, Goshen, NY — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:09:22 GMT

Why didn't he leave with his family?
Martin, please do a follow up with his family so that your readers can understand the situation better.
Nancy, NY

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Bill, Cincinnati, Ohio — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:13:16 GMT

Judaiam is based upon community. Everything in Jewish tradition, with a few exceptions, must be in as a group or family. Loneliness and bitterness result when one is cut off the the community of Israel.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

HetNet — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:14:23 GMT

I have a problem with the whole "You reported something uncomplimentary about a guy that happens to be Jewish, so you MUST be an anti-Semite" thing....
He interviewed a man he expected to be very devout and instead found a bitter old curmudgeon and reported it...
That's hardly an indication that he has a vendetta against an entire culture, and to imply that it does smacks of the whole "race card" ploy.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

h. c. petley — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:14:33 GMT

I am neither a muslim nor a jew but someone who has traveled the world here and there. I can admire this woebegone man for his grit, his honesty and his temerity in a plight far beyond a Malamud story. This is not fiction. I never spent 6 minutes in a Taliban jail, let alone 6 months, but I have had a so called friend shortchange me in business and I haven't seen my family in many, many years. (I don't live in Afghanistan, either) Simantov endures his fate with a survivor's guile and courage, yet he is very much alone and abandoned. No wonder he is embittered.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Lauren, Vermont — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:15:21 GMT

This piece almost left me speechless but also disappointed enough that I feel I should respond. How can the writer be so judgemental and insulting when we have no idea what it is like to be in this man's shoes? And I am generally hesitant about people being paid for interviews but it can't be easy for Simantov to survive and he is right - NBC is using him to make money (note all the ads on this page) so why shouldn't he benefit too?

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Elizabeth Ferguson Eden Prairie, MN — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:35:51 GMT

Martin Fletcher: So you interviewed Zebyki Simantov
and the interview was an embarrasment and you squirmed. Well how did you think that readers would feel when they read your article on a poor man Jew or non Jew?. You have done your miserable best to humiliate him. Well the answer is YOU JUST DIDN'T Think. You were only full of your on importance.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Gueri Cuper, Cancun, Quintana Roo — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:40:02 GMT

I think, Fletcher left out some pertenate details, like how does he survive there? Does he have a business? Like why does he stay?

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Z. S. — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:46:38 GMT

This poor ,miserable, utterly lonely and loveless man needs to be helped. Isn't there some way to offer him a way out of Afghanistan and to procure psychological aid for him?

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Pablo, Bagram, Afghanistan — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:59:01 GMT

Well sorry that you didn't get exactly what you were hoping for on the interview, but that was hilarious, you should have just gone and bought a bottle and brought it back. Love the bluntness of that guy...later

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Steven — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:01:36 GMT

I found this man very human think about the situation that he has to live everyday I would be as frustraded as he is imagine eveything being taken from you and still you persavere in you faith that is real faith and as someone here said you don,t have to be a saint we are all human and who can judge anyone but only God and I think God see him more clearly than anyone .

The last Jew in Afghanistan

maxine — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:52:14 GMT

I posted a response and MSNBC hasn't posted it because it doesn't flatter your journalist and it calls into question his journalistic skills and his own biases. What is MSNBC so afraid of? Since you won't post it I will post it on my blog and I'll make sure everyone sees how MSNBC promotes anti-semitism.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Leslie T. — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 01:13:42 GMT

This guy is my new best friend...NBC should send him a case of Johnny Walker and some smokes.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

dan, la quinta, CA — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 01:20:33 GMT

i ejoyed the story. Its refreshing to not hear yet another one glorifying a jewish extremist! i commend you for printing a story how it is.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Jennifer, Loveland, Colorado — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 01:29:33 GMT

I found the comments to this piece almost as fascinating as the blog itself. I would suggest that some people do some research on what a blog is before criticizing Martin Fletcher on his lack of journalistic integrity.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

bernard freeman.bernie @iquad.com.au — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:18:19 GMT

well woudnt you be a little bit cracked if you were the last jew in a muslim country , i know i would.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Sean G, MN — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:32:28 GMT

OK, let's NOT turn this into a "Muslim-Jewish" thing. Rather, this is one sad, angry old man, (possibly suffering from mental illness) living in a war torn country...who needs a drink.
Hey, at least he knows his booze. If you give ME his address, I'LL SEND him some Black Label - LOL (really). Doctors sometimes utter this saying, "If you hear hoofbeats DON'T ASSUME its a Zebra...before ruling out its a horse."
So, YEAH...maybe this guy's a bit of a "clown" - but what did you expect, the Prophet Elijah? LOL, send him his booze and write it off on next month's expense account.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Wendy, Winston-Salem, NC — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:37:51 GMT

This man is obviously bitter, maybe hurt, and so sad, but I'm sorry to admit that I laughed when you referred to him as a clown, and when he said he didn't miss his wife and daughter,he's hiding hurt, he's guarding his heart, this is a great example of the "hardened heart" that the bible warns against, and the end when he was putting in his order for whiskey, even down to quantity and specific brand. He paid with his time, what would it hurt for you to repay with a couple of bottles of whiskey?, I'm sure UPS delivers there.....they say the go everywhere and if you ship before 10:30a he could get it the same day!!!!

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Shawn McGuirk, Quebec, Canada — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:54:48 GMT

I understand the fact of keeping the culture alive, but there's got to be limits - I mean, if he's truly the last person of Jewish faith in Afganistan, why is he trying to keep the synagogue up and running? If God truly meant for this man to abandon his wife and children, to become this sour and money-hungry, and to become a desperate drunk all to keep a building in decent shape, we're praying to the wrong guy. I wish him well in his endeavors, but let's face it: he's not doing anybody any favors.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

David de la Rosa, Chandler, AZ — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:34:34 GMT

My feelings about this story are ambivalent . I agree with many of the people who thought it's sad and yet remarkable in the sense of the jewishness of this poor and miserable man. His asking for money is just a reflection of his environment as is obvious he has not a steady income. The reporting is funny but lacking in depth. I am sure there's more to this man soul that it was shown, just a caricature of himself.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Zubata — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:40:15 GMT

I can't help but wonder when we will be reading about the last Christian in..........um, let's say London.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Anna Barker, Minneapolis, MN — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:56:22 GMT

I think that if you go and visit a fellow member of your religion and he is the last of his kind in a worn torn, corrupt nation and he has no job or family or friends; a man with the resources and stature of a "proud" NBC reporter that you would have the decency to bring a stiff bottle of whiskey and participate in his (and yours) religious customs. Isn't that the idea of a religion: community, never having to be "the only one". I realize that you have to have "journalistic objectivity" but a small amount of understanding would probably go far in helping any lonely person open up and show the best of themselves

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Leah Weisman — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:08:53 GMT

He is in the most brutal part of the world and so incredibly poor with no chance of making money.
You couldn't spare a few cents of charity to give to him? Because of your article and photo of him, he most likely will not live. Someone should help him move to Israel.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Joe Martin, Atlanta, Georgia — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:10:24 GMT

The story is actually more telling in what it doesn't say. Jews lived in Afghanistan, still in Iran, and North Africa. We can only conclude that until the modern era, Jews lived in Muslim lands without issue. If supposedly Muslims hate Jews, how did this happen for hundreds of years? No question that things have changed in the last century. We should be a little introspective about those causes and come to grips with the reality that there is not an inherent enmity by Muslims to Jews or visa versa.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

O. H. — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:14:54 GMT

Why do you assume he is unhappy? Perhaps he just is just tired of news people coming to him and wanting a story? As to his family, maybe him and his wife did not get along? Or perhaps, he understands that his has a duty to stay there and so missing the wife and child has no place in his speech. Or perhaps it is just a way to get out of answering a dozen more stupid question. In short we dont know enough to know what he was thinking. Perhaps the next time the reporter does something like this he will know enough to bring some drink and or food with him. It really is quite a funny piece.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Avrum Shapiro — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:19:57 GMT

OYE such a Shanda,(scandal!), this poor man. You know his name Simantov means in english an Omen of Happiness ! Oye how ironic and maybe a big laugh to some. I would be honored to sponsor this Last Jew in Afganistan , to come to the USA,ofcourse he probably would like where i live in a rural area in North Arkansas, but i could put him in touch with a larger community . If you could arrange something , I am serious about this-it would be a Great Story for you too. Sincerely, Avrum Shapiro- born in a great country USA .

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Chris Sorensen, Hyde Park, Utah — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:23:42 GMT

Ya I agree with Denise Michaels sorry that it didn't turn out the way you thought it would.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Saiful Islam, Dubai — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:24:23 GMT

It is really a sad story.Dont forget he is a human being and not a saint. Perhaps he has so much pain nobody tried really to understand.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Jane doe — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:40:31 GMT

What do you expect to see? He is a hero in his own right if he has the courage to survive in a fundamentalist society. This blog is amusing and saddening at the same time.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

mia langdon longmont colorado — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:02:17 GMT

At the top of this article there is a link to the Washington Post coverage of the same story. I stronly suggest readers read that article instead of this one. Point of view is everything when writing. The writer of the Post article is sympathetic. Plus, he tells the whole truth, not just half like this moron.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Charlotte M, San Francisco, CA — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:08:22 GMT

My sense is that he alienated everyone he came in contact with. Buy why would he want to? Everyone has a history, which often has nothing to do with their religious affiliation or belief. We don't really know anything about his man and his bitterness. I would have pulled up a chair (if he'd let me), given him some money, bought him a drink and listened. Maybe you would have learned something. Maybe he would have cursed you out.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Ajay Kumar/ Canada — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:14:47 GMT

The article should have been more kind to the person - a sole survivor in the sea of hate, and he paid no big bucks either! Speaks more about the meaness of the interviewer than the interviewed. I would like to contribute to the two bottles of whiskey.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Dennis — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:24:01 GMT

Heck, if I were the only Jew in Afghanistan I'd want to get my drink on too. What's so wrong with that?

The last Jew in Afghanistan

fF. Bustamante — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:25:16 GMT

What an intersting story, anybody that does not
understand its meaning has not lived.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Esther Rose Harlow — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:53:11 GMT

Might as well name the guy Shylock and take this story where it was obviously going. His reticence and bitterness are exactly the qualities which have kept him alive in a country full of people who'd like nothing more to see him dead. If you were going there expecting Tevye, your naïveté is astounding.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Millie Thomas, Anna, IL — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:55:30 GMT

Like Job, he will not deny God, who assigned him there. He isn't required to like it. He just has to endure. Send the damned whiskey.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

John Kuliak — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:59:06 GMT

First of all, great reporting, good job Mr. Fletcher.

Now, to all you criticizing him for this, cut it out. It is not a bad thing when a reporter conducts his business honestly; there is no need to be selective when reporting, even if it disappoints you.
If it were acceptable for him to not report this simply because some think it will be harmful for the Jewish image, then it would be acceptable to stop reporting on suicide bombings by extremist Muslims because it would draw a bad image for Arabs.

Furthermore, it really doesn't portray the guy as being *that* bad..

One final note, to whoever was telling him to go home: He is home.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Shoba T.S, Kuala Lumpur — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:06:32 GMT

what did u expect fm the last jew standing in a war torn land? Mr Smiley? the least u could hv done is cheer him up with some money or whiskey, since u will be making money off him with this article!!!!!

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Larry Wasserman Beverly Hills California — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:22:41 GMT

I don't understand why the "writer" of this story would find it worthy of publication. It tells us absolutely nothing of the topic it portends to. It is a profile of an isolated, and most likely, mentally ill, man. The writer of this storoes seems to have either an ani semitic agenda or is just plain dense. But I find it hard to believe he's this dense.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

ignat — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:24:41 GMT

Some of the blogs Iv'e read here smack of prejudice and down right indifference to the fact that this man is living in a country where, according the usual spin,should be cut to pieces and his Synagog burnt down by now. Yet, the Taliban only jailed him for failure to pay a debt. This character probably sold the scrolls but people are so filled with hate of Muslims, the Taliban just HAD to have stolen the scrolls. The Quran tells us Muslims to respect the previous Holy Books, not pile them up and burn them like the Bibles in Israel nor to use them for target practice and other numerous defamations by US troops in Iraq. Futhermore, Afganies are not Arabs who only make up 10 percent of the total world Muslim population, a large percentage of which can trace their root to the true Sons of Israel not those generic Western converts.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Bob, Harlingen, Texas — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:00:14 GMT

The clown in this pathetic story is Mr. Fletcher. The title of the article is intriguing and caught my eye, but the content is pathetic journalism by a supposed professional. There was no story worth reporting on and the poor man was cast by the reporter in the worst light posssible, giving an unnecessary antisemitic read to the frivolous. I will be sure to overlook any material under the byline of Martin Fletcher in the future.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

freind — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:23:04 GMT

we needed to root out evil and love one another, every thing we need is here on earth, but we have put a price on it, love.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Ms. S, Washington — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:28:26 GMT

Roni,

That land is not theirs! They took it away and they keep taking it away. Justice will come in this life or the next but it will come!

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Ruel Alexander — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:44:12 GMT

From some of the comments, I realize just how people little many people about how life is in other parts of the world. It seems that instead of enlightening themselves they judge without knowing. Part of the writers resopnsibility is to give hints to the uninformed whose imagination does not go beyond their own world or can who can empathize.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Cameon Mitchell/ Saudi Arabia — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:53:42 GMT

Why has the man chosen to remain alone in a hostile land? That is the story I would like to hear. Other than bitterness what sustains this man? Plenty of questions and for a bottle, I could have had those answers...

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Darin Willis — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:56:39 GMT

I didnt really see the story here either, I saw a great possibly story, but as soon as I read....you expected to see a religious man but found a clown. I knew it was a bash piece. Something simple my mother taught me that so many intelligent people dont seem to grasp. " If you can't say something nice, dont say it at all".

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Patrick Tarimu, Dar es Salaam Tanzania — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:38:30 GMT

Newsman, the guy is defending his faith, the Jewish faith, in a hostile remote part of the world, all alone. He is a frustrated man. The average mind shd understand Simantov, given the hostility surrounding him. To me,Martin too,adds hostility to Simantov by his profiteering actions. Simantov is never a clown, as the pressman suggested. The other guy cd be. Newsman, u r well-off, at least, when compared to that Jewish guy. Just by the fact that u could afford to be in Afganistan, from thousands of miles away. Boy,I don know how someone would love to profit out of poor frustrated fellow human beings. I'm glad the Jew is intelligent enough to outsmart someone who did not know the basic application of "Quid pro quo" on planet Earth. Dear pressman, why don u just ask someone average in economics what that term, Quid pro quo, is supposed to mean & stop writing incompletely-researched articles?

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Hussain , Qateef — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:34:58 GMT

This man living alone in a retrogressive country like afghanistan has to be brought out of it ...this is the only solution...this really naive reporter is just bringing shame to himslef if just presenting this story as a folly , instead he should have given a handout to this human..where the hell is the so-called "state of god's chosen people (israel)" they must help him rather than spending time one bloody weapons against humans

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Leroy, Barbados — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:23:11 GMT

Mr. Fletcher,
You made one basic mistake. When you heard that there was a Jew in Afghanistan, your first thought must have been about religion and religous conflict. Mistake. Not every Jew is religous; neither is every Christian nor every Muslim or Hindu. You went to interview a "Jew", you should have gone to interview a man; then there would have been a great story of survival against odds.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Tawab Malik, Kabul — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:29:35 GMT

I would love to find him and help him. Maybe he has so many things to share with the right person. People living in this corner of the world has gone through so money troubles

The last Jew in Afghanistan

bc Indiana — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:47:28 GMT

I appreciate the wry, dark humor - things are not always what we hope them to be.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Jack, Toronto, Canada — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:05:39 GMT

A custodian of Judaism whose devout passion is to ensure that in the event that any "coreligionist" is in the area for any reason he or she has a place of worship. To cast him as someone who merely cares for whisky is a weak characterization. It seems like this Jew has every reason to long for a drink from someone who should understand his sacrifice. Mr. Fletcher; I would make it a point to go back with two bottles of Black Label; share a drink, and really get to know the man that is - the last Afghan Jew.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Marie, Newark, NJ — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:43:46 GMT

I thought this story was hilarious and refreshing and oddly real. I am sure anyone Jew, Hindu, Buddist, would act like that living in Afganistan.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Miles — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:53:15 GMT

Knowing that the Bolsheviks have wiped out a hundred million souls to install their religious systems world wide based on money - why would you believe one of your own disgarded souls would do any better than what he's been taught? You are all silly and sorry people. The world is nothing but a circus for your clowns who have gotten lost in the way to the grave yard created by your technology and insane manic brain chemisty. Go back and give the guy two bottles of whiskey: One being Johnny Walker Blue Label and One Jack Daniels Black Label. Did he really ask for any more than you ask for when you ask for your wretched sould to be saved? I don't think so! Give hime a pack of smokes, too.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

jdtseattlewa — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:13:24 GMT

The point of maintaining a synagogue in a place where all fellow jews have left and gone...is pride. Just like the pride that drives a journalist to visit the last man who...and expecting to find someone noble and amazing. Imagine the marriage his wife must have had to endure before she escaped.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Dianne Sahakian Philadelphia PA. — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:32:02 GMT

I would like to know what the story is of being the last Jew in Afghanistan. I think he is very couragous for staying there. Why did his wife and children leave? What kind of work does he do? How does he shop? What does he do for enjoyment? Is there any taliban he gets along with, without discussing religion. Why did he want to stay there? so where is the story about him and why he's there?

The last Jew in Afghanistan

M Onger — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:56:57 GMT

Great story, but an even more fascinating line of commentaries. Why does anything less than favorable need to be called anti-semitism? It doesn't apply to other ethnics groups, except when phrased outside the PC boundaries. We may be chosen people, but not perfect people.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

clovis — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:04:07 GMT

If I lived in the apparent meager, impoverished conditions this guy lives in, I'd be spitting nails also. Good luck to him.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Roninlord, PA — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:16:53 GMT

well I never knew there were jews in Afgan, so I do thank you for the story. The fact that this guy survived under the Taliban is amazing. I agree with most of the posts, you should have been smart enough to bring an offering for his story. Very sad bitter man. I disagree with Roni "What is the purpose in maintaining a synagogue in a place where all fellow jews have left and gone to a place of milk and honey. There is no reason for them to return, they are where God intended them to be in their own land. So please, Mr. Simantov give it up and return to your land of milk and honey - go home. " THe so called land of milk and honey should be helping this guy out and now that the taliban government is ousted the Jews should be helping this guys maintain and inlarge there faith in that country. I wish the Roman Church had a presence there.

The last Jew in Afghanistan

Sarah Mohmedali, Jourdanton, Texas — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:20:43 GMT

i was very supprised with what that man answered. did he answer any of the questions that u asked?