Oct 7 was the anniversary of the diabolical Hamas attacks on Israelis living on a kibbutz not far from the Gaza-Israel border.
Many in Britain wanted to protest against what they see as the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza in retribution by the Israeli government for the Hamas atrocities.
On Oct 2 a terrorist attacked Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, a synagogue in Higher Crumpsall, a northern suburb of the city of Manchester in North West England. His intention was to kill Jews.
In the wake of that attack Sir Kir Starmer (PM) said that it was un-British to march in London in favour of the Palestinians. He pleaded with the organisers to re-schedule the march. The organisers refused.
In response the PM denounced the protestors as un-British. Is he correct? No.
It is perfectly acceptable to be condemn the killing and displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and condemn any expression of antisemitism at the same time.
To stress: it is not beyond the abilities of British people to hold these two beliefs at the same time.
The alleged genocide of Palestinians in Gaza is a political act. It keeps Bibi in power. Many Jews across the world are horrified by his actions and strongly disagree with them.
The march for Palestinians is not antisemitic. It is a march for the rights of a race of people who are being persecuted by the Israel government.
Starmer has conflated the march for Palestinians with antisemitism it seems to me. He is wrong to do that.
They are all horrendously wrong:
- Hamas’ atrocities on 7 Oct’;
- The alleged genocide of Palestinians in Gaza by the Israeli government and;
- Antisemitism.
It is perfectly feasible for the same person to protest against all three at the same time. In doing so they are demonstrating their support for Palestinians and Jews.
What is wrong is to conflate the behaviour of the Israeli goverment with Jews in general. Hating the Isreali government is not antisemitism it seems to me. Supporting Palestinians does not preclude supporting Jews in Israel.
Legitimate criticism of the Israeli government is similar to criticism aimed at any other country’s government. It is focused on specific policies, actions, or decisions, not on Jewish people as a group. Many Israelis, human rights activists, and Jewish people inside and outside of Israel are critical of the Israeli government’s policies.
It is antisemitic to hold all Jewish people, both in Israel and in the diaspora, collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli government. Like citizens of any other country, Jewish individuals should not be blamed for their government’s actions simply based on their identity.
