Don’t blame Israel for the surge in antisemitism

[Social Media]

 

The discourse surrounding antisemitism has become increasingly convoluted, with blame often misplaced and misconceptions prevailing. A particularly contentious aspect of this discussion revolves around the relationship between Israel's actions and the surge in antisemitic incidents worldwide. While some argue that Israel's policies exacerbate antisemitism, attributing the rise in hatred towards Jews to its defensive measures against terrorist threats like Hamas, this perspective fails to grasp the multifaceted nature of antisemitism and its root causes.

 

The notion that Israel bears responsibility for the surge in antisemitism is flawed on several levels. Firstly, it overlooks the fact that antisemitism has deep historical roots and exists independently of Israel's actions. Throughout history, Jews have faced persecution and discrimination irrespective of their nation-state's policies. Antisemitism predates the establishment of the State of Israel and has manifested in various forms, ranging from religious intolerance to racial prejudice.

 

Furthermore, attributing antisemitism to Israel's defensive measures against groups like Hamas ignores the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hamas, a designated terrorist organization committed to the destruction of Israel, poses a legitimate security threat that necessitates defensive actions. Israel's efforts to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks cannot be equated with aggression or oppression. To conflate self-defense with antisemitism is to misinterpret the underlying dynamics of the conflict.

 

Moreover, the idea that a "kinder, gentler" approach by Israel would mitigate antisemitism fails to address the underlying motivations of antisemitic individuals and groups. Antisemitism is rooted in deep-seated prejudices and conspiracy theories that demonize Jews as scapegoats for societal ills. These prejudices persist regardless of Israel's policies and are perpetuated by a myriad of factors, including historical biases, religious bigotry, and political extremism.

 

It is also essential to recognize that antisemitism often masquerades as criticism of Israel, obscuring its true nature. While legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies is valid and necessary, antisemitism manifests when such criticism crosses the line into demonization, delegitimization, or double standards applied exclusively to Israel. Criticizing specific Israeli policies should not be conflated with blanket condemnation of the Jewish state or its people.

 

Furthermore, the narrative that blames Israel for antisemitism risks legitimizing antisemitic rhetoric and violence. By framing Israel as the root cause of antisemitism, detractors inadvertently absolve antisemitic individuals and groups of responsibility for their actions. This narrative shifts the focus away from combating antisemitism itself and undermines efforts to address the underlying prejudices that fuel it.

 

In confronting antisemitism, it is essential to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israel and antisemitic discourse. Holding Israel accountable for its actions is not inherently antisemitic, but using Israel as a pretext for targeting Jews is. It is crucial to challenge antisemitism wherever it arises, whether it manifests in overt acts of violence or subtle forms of prejudice.

 

Furthermore, fostering understanding and dialogue is essential in combating antisemitism and promoting mutual respect and coexistence. Rather than perpetuating divisive narratives, efforts should be directed towards fostering empathy, tolerance, and reconciliation. By acknowledging the complexities of antisemitism and its root causes, we can work towards a future where Jews and Israelis can live free from fear and discrimination.

 

In conclusion, blaming Israel for the surge in antisemitism oversimplifies a complex issue and detracts from efforts to combat hatred and prejudice. Antisemitism is a multifaceted phenomenon with deep historical roots, and attributing it solely to Israel's actions is both misguided and counterproductive. Instead, we must confront antisemitism in all its forms and work towards building a more inclusive and tolerant society for all.

 

22.03.24

Source

 

[JonnyF]

Anti-semitism has always been there. Primarily from the left and amongst Muslims. 

 

The terror attack on Israel on October 7th has allowed people to justify expressing it openly, mainly due to Israel's robust military response. 

[impulse]

2 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Anti-semitism has always been there. Primarily from the left and amongst Muslims. 

 

The terror attack on Israel on October 7th has allowed people to justify expressing it openly, mainly due to Israel's robust military response. 

 

That's partly true.  But a large component of the recent increase in antisemitism has been the redefinition of the word to include any criticism of Israel and its response to the atrocities.  Agree or disagree with either side, legitimate criticism isn't antisemitism.

 

 

[JonnyF]

1 hour ago, impulse said:

 

That's partly true.  But a large component of the recent increase in antisemitism has been the redefinition of the word to include any criticism of Israel and its response to the atrocities.  Agree or disagree with either side, legitimate criticism isn't antisemitism.

 

 

 

There is some truth to that.

 

There is also some truth to the fact that some people use "Israel" or "Zionists" as a euphemism for Jews to avoid being called out as an anti-semite.

[Bkk Brian]

1 hour ago, impulse said:

 

That's partly true.  But a large component of the recent increase in antisemitism has been the redefinition of the word to include any criticism of Israel and its response to the atrocities.  Agree or disagree with either side, legitimate criticism isn't antisemitism.

 

 

Not sure about that.

 

Horror as London house is torched in 'anti-Semitic hate crime': Four people are hurt and man in his 60s 'who was making threatening comments' is arrested for 'arson'

A fire which gutted a house in east London where four people were hurt is being investigated as a possible 'antisemitic hate crime', police have said.  

Police have arrested a man in his 60s on suspicion of starting the fire and for allegedly shouting 'threatening comments some of which were allegedly antisemitic.'  

It is believed the fire on Newick Road, Hackney, was started deliberately at around lunchtime yesterday. 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13224029/house-flames-suspected-hate-crime-arson-east-London-anti-Semitism-probe.html

[stevenl]

I blame Israel for the present anti semitism and Hamas for the anti muslimism.

[impulse]

23 hours ago, Bkk Brian said:

Not sure about that.

 I'm not claiming that there's no antisemitism.  There has always been... 

 

Just that a lot of what's recently being called anti-semitism is actually legitimate criticism of Israeli policy.  But rather than debate the merit of the criticism, the response is to scream anti-semitism in hopes of shutting them up.

 

They're doing the same with "racist", and with "mysogynist".  Rather than argue on the merits, the standard response on one side is to shut down all discussion with a veiled threat of being cancelled, or fired, or arrested, or attacked for being (for example) anti-semitic.

 

 

[ozimoron]

23 hours ago, Bkk Brian said:

Not sure about that.

 

Horror as London house is torched in 'anti-Semitic hate crime': Four people are hurt and man in his 60s 'who was making threatening comments' is arrested for 'arson'

A fire which gutted a house in east London where four people were hurt is being investigated as a possible 'antisemitic hate crime', police have said.  

Police have arrested a man in his 60s on suspicion of starting the fire and for allegedly shouting 'threatening comments some of which were allegedly antisemitic.'  

It is believed the fire on Newick Road, Hackney, was started deliberately at around lunchtime yesterday. 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13224029/house-flames-suspected-hate-crime-arson-east-London-anti-Semitism-probe.html

 

He did say legitimate criticism. Nobody is suggesting that arson is legitimate criticism.

[Jingthing]

16 hours ago, stevenl said:

I blame Israel for the present anti semitism and Hamas for the anti muslimism.

Of course you do.

[transam]

There has always been religious groups that don't like the other because each think the other is wrong.

Perhaps the reason I have no affiliation to any ancient unfounded, thought up by man belief........🤗

[Jingthing]

On 3/22/2024 at 8:51 AM, JonnyF said:

Anti-semitism has always been there. Primarily from the left and amongst Muslims. 

 

The terror attack on Israel on October 7th has allowed people to justify expressing it openly, mainly due to Israel's robust military response. 

No.

From the left.

From Muslims.

From the right.

Traditional Christian based blood libel etc.

[Wobblybob]

When a 9 year old Jewish boy is removed from his hospital bed by nurses wearing Palestine Flag badges and made to lay down on the floor it simply says it all about antisemitics!

 

An NHS trust is investigating claims a nine-year-old Jewish patient was "denied correct medical care" by a number of "Pro-Palestine" nurses at a hospital in Manchester.

 

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/jewish-child-hospital-nhs-treatment-pro-palestine-manchester-rachel-rile/

[couchpotato]

11 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

No.

From the left.

From Muslims.

From the right.

Traditional Christian based blood libel etc.

left, right, blood libel....you are definitely on a roll this morning Judge J

[Jingthing]

37 minutes ago, couchpotato said:

left, right, blood libel....you are definitely on a roll this morning Judge J

Maybe you are just not familiar.

 

Anti-Semitism in Christianity - Wikipedia

[Jingthing]

56 minutes ago, transam said:

There has always been religious groups that don't like the other because each think the other is wrong.

Perhaps the reason I have no affiliation to any ancient unfounded, thought up by man belief........🤗

A trivialization of this issue.

Also not understanding that Jew hatred is a form of racism as Jews are an ETHNORELIGIOUS group. 

[Bkk Brian]

1 hour ago, impulse said:

 I'm not claiming that there's no antisemitism.  There has always been... 

 

Just that a lot of what's recently being called anti-semitism is actually legitimate criticism of Israeli policy.  But rather than debate the merit of the criticism, the response is to scream anti-semitism in hopes of shutting them up.

 

They're doing the same with "racist", and with "mysogynist".  Rather than argue on the merits, the standard response on one side is to shut down all discussion with a veiled threat of being cancelled, or fired, or arrested, or attacked for being (for example) anti-semitic.

 

 

Have you ever been to one of the weekend London pro Palestinian demonstrations?

[Bkk Brian]

1 hour ago, ozimoron said:

 

He did say legitimate criticism. Nobody is suggesting that arson is legitimate criticism.

I know what he said, I was the one who replied directly to his post.

[RayC]

2 hours ago, Wobblybob said:

When a 9 year old Jewish boy is removed from his hospital bed by nurses wearing Palestine Flag badges and made to lay down on the floor it simply says it all about antisemitics!

 

An NHS trust is investigating claims a nine-year-old Jewish patient was "denied correct medical care" by a number of "Pro-Palestine" nurses at a hospital in Manchester.

 

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/jewish-child-hospital-nhs-treatment-pro-palestine-manchester-rachel-rile/

 

If that claim is proven, then it is disgusting behaviour and the nurses in question need to be dismissed immediately.

[ozimoron]

22 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

If that claim is proven, then it is disgusting behaviour and the nurses in question need to be dismissed immediately.

 

The source is spurious and I doubt that it's a credible source under the rules of this forum. It's a radio talk show apparently.

 

https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/london-broadcasting-company-lbc/

 

Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: United Kingdom
Press Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Radio Station
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY

 

 

[Social Media]

For information purposes https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/ is a credible news org

[RayC]

1 hour ago, ozimoron said:

 

The source is spurious and I doubt that it's a credible source under the rules of this forum. It's a radio talk show apparently.

 

https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/london-broadcasting-company-lbc/

 

Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: United Kingdom
Press Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Radio Station
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY

 

 

 

As the mods have stated, LBC is far from a spurious source. 

 

I'd suggest Mediabiasfactcheck might want to revisit its' methodology if its' ratings of LBC are anything to go by 

[candide]

On 3/22/2024 at 4:12 AM, JonnyF said:

 

There is some truth to that.

 

There is also some truth to the fact that some people use "Israel" or "Zionists" as a euphemism for Jews to avoid being called out as an anti-semite.

Right! Just as there is some truth to the fact that some other people frequently use "antisemitism" accusation against legitimate critics of Israel policy (for example in the OP). 

 

 

[stevenl]

11 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Of course you do.

And of course you don't. Your point?

[KhunLA]

On 3/22/2024 at 5:53 PM, stevenl said:

I blame Israel for the present anti semitism and Hamas for the anti muslimism.

Yep ... they're made for each other.  Wish they'd nuke each other, so the rest of the world could move on ...