Former New York City mayor Ed Koch, an indefatigable friend of Israel, sends this comment via e-mail on Mary Robinson:

Mary Robinson is perceived by supporters of Israel as having engaged in anti-Semitic actions by her denigrating of Israel over the years, particularly at Durbin, South Africa. Anti-Semitism is exhibited when hostility is directed at Israel for reasons that would not be the basis of hostility to any other country engaging in the same actions. Mary Robinson now says that she has always been a friend of Israel. Some friend! Not until she by some actions and deeds, not simply words, convinces supporters of Israel of her good will towards Israel will she be seen as other than anti-Semitic. President Barack Obama, like every other person, makes mistakes. Awarding Mary Robinson the Medal of Freedom is one of his worst mistakes to date.

The question remains for Obama: How to correct the error? Pretending that Robinson is something other than she is—an anti-Israel activist—is fooling no one. It merely convinces those who care about Israel that Obama does not.