Part 1 – I think anti-Zionism is inherently antisemitism
Firstly, once people assert anti-Zionism is unacceptable etc.; then they invariably hold Israel to ridiculous & absurd standards - well beyond any other country. And certainly not to a commensurable standard as the Palestinian side.
Secondly, the concept of an ethnic nation would suggest that they are entitled to self-determination as an independent nation state. For Jews, that nation state is Israel – not (only) on the grounds of a genuine historical provenance, but on the grounds of international law via UN resolution.
When someone says “I’m anti-Zionist ... not an antisemite”, they are accepting and tolerant of the Jew if he’s consigned to his role as the “wandering jew”. Otherwise, they are not entitled to a collective nationhood, the preservation of their history and archaeological sites. There would be no government on Earth ever prioritising Jewish safety. The anti-Zionist wants the Jew to resigned as a perpetual stranger in a country, nothing more.
Today, 11 pro-Palestine (or, more probably, pro-Hamas) protesters were arrested as thousands marched to Israeli embassy in London. The idiot below was photographed in the march.
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Part 2 – Antisemitism is on the rise in England
Partly the fascists islamists - “poor Hamas ...!” and the left-wing identity politics groups who see Jews as white and privileged (despite being a minority that has historically been the target of discrimination).
In a recent article in The Telegraph:
Anti-Semitism hit an all-time high last year in an “explosion of hatred” against the Jewish community following the Hamas terror attacks on Israel, official figures show.
The Community Security Trust (CST) said the surge in anti-Jewish attacks, threats and abuse amounted to a “celebration” of Hamas’s October 7 massacre by anti-Semites whose own hatred was fuelled by the brutality of the attacks.
Its annual report said that there were 4,103 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK last year, nearly double the previous record in 2021, covering all types of “hate” against Jewish people.
Mark Gardner, the CST chief executive, said: “British Jews are strong and resilient, but the explosion in hatred against our community is an absolute disgrace.”
Another article recently by Danny Cohen showing the nasty sides of antisemitism:
When a nation state is attacked, as Israel was, it has the right to respond and defend itself. I deplore the increase in anti-semitic 'sentiment' - too many useful idiots ready to fall in with the loudest and most hysterical propagandists.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. well said.
DeleteThese days I have come across several comments in Blogland against Zionism, ridiculous claims and of course that beneath this lies great ignorance and disguised anti-Semitism. I personally no longer have the mental strength to argue with those bloggers and I prefer to write for the time being about flowers and other things that are not really important. Your voice is so important and good to be heard. thank you
ReplyDeleteWell I like writing about it. :)
DeleteWhen we lived in London and Herts decades ago, it was safe and warmly welcoming. Everything has changed :(
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Herts :)
DeleteYou are spot on in your arguments. My best buddy is agreeing with what you have been writing about. The world is going authoritarian these days.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great pity people have to fight against each other and I agree with what you have written..
ReplyDelete