On the one hand, the Labour Party has quite obviously become the playground of those we called, back in the 70's, "Trots". Socialist Worker Party activists back then pushed the "anti-Zionist" agenda, despite its clear association with the Soviet agenda in the Middle East. The Trots are now in charge.
On the other hand, as others have pointed out, calling out those who don't support Israeli policies as "anti-Semitic" is indulging in the worst kind of smear tactics, and justifies comparison with the evil dictatorship of your choice.
On the other hand, as others have pointed out, calling out those who don't support Israeli policies as "anti-Semitic" is indulging in the worst kind of smear tactics, and justifies comparison with the evil dictatorship of your choice.
5
The British left (and indeed some portion of the left in the US) has come to the conclusion that rank anti-semitism is useful to their electoral agenda. They recognize the growth of segments of the population that are taught Jew hatred from birth and are more than happy to exploit this for electoral gain. It is sad but not all that surprising given the marxist roots of many of the members of the party.
13
Any country whose policies are rooted in a religion is guilty of theocracy, which is antithetical to democracy, as democracy requires the equality of all its citizens. Theocracy thrives on inter-group inequality and violence.
It doesn't matter what the religion is. The same spoiled result will follow. What next: a new Missouri Compromise for the House of Lords?
It doesn't matter what the religion is. The same spoiled result will follow. What next: a new Missouri Compromise for the House of Lords?
9
Corbyn is just the latest mouthpiece for a rich tradition of British Anti-semitism, the birthplace of official modern anti-semitism in fact. So odd considering there are so few Jews in that country. While not genocidal, Brits are some of the most virulent and consistent antisemites in European history. So all this should not surprise anyone. Why Jews should continue to live there and continue to add to British prosperity as they have done for hundreds of years (at least since they were allowed back after their exile) is the real puzzle. Muslims, on the other hand, some of whom actively seek the destruction of their adopted home in a way British Jews never did, are largely tolerated and even warmly embraced by this otherwise antisemitic culture. British Jews should stop trying to please and convince their adopted countrymen of their loyalty and Britishness - Britain's Jews would be well advised to emigrate to the US and be welcome here without having to apologize or endure such hateful tradition.
26
This is just a part of the left's "basket of deplorables." It exists on this side of the Atlantic as well. I'm sure Hillary will be commenting upon this any day now. Right?
13
Corbyn is Hugo Chavez in Mr. Rodgers clothing. He praised Chavez repeatedly while he was alive. And look at Venezuela, where society has totally collapsed. He is the mild-mannered monster of the Far Left; his Hatchet Man, Seumas Milne, as op-ed editor of The Guardian, once published Osama Bin Laden. The historically illiterate have found their champions. The unfortunate decline and fall of Great Britain is in its final stages.
20
Of course the left is anti-Semitic. They have to be, for fear of an uprising by the many Arabs who have taken over sections of the country. They cut off heads-- they don't play!
14
British labor, historically, has never been "pro zionist" as far as I can tell. In 1947 Britain's labor foreign minister, Ernest Bevin, enforced a strict blockade of Jewish entry to mandatory palestine leading to the EXODUS ship matter ......In 1949, RAF fighter planes, ordered into combat by a labor government engaged IAF fighter planes over the negev. The fledgling IAF (flying messerschmitts ironically) shot down 5 RAF spitfires.....More recently one could hardly cast such labor stalwarts as Michael Foote or Tony Benn as anything other than anitpathetic to Jews in general and Israel in particular ......Nothing new in Corbyn, he is simply too tone deaf to try and hide his disdain
10
It's just silly all this dancing around Corbyn's views. He's a friend of Hamas. Therefore he's an anti-Semite. When people single out Israel, like the BDS movement does, and ignores far worse crimes by other countries, that's anti-Semitic. (Corbyn is on record supporting BDS.)
What has happened to the Left in Britain and a much of Europe and to a lesser extent in the U.S. is the result of adopting a nearly uncritical view of Palestinians and Muslims in general, doubtless in the U.K. partly fueled by eagerness for the Muslim vote. Since many Muslims consider Jews their worst enemy, so do their political supporters like the British Labour party. It's like a win-win except for the Jews, of course.
What has happened to the Left in Britain and a much of Europe and to a lesser extent in the U.S. is the result of adopting a nearly uncritical view of Palestinians and Muslims in general, doubtless in the U.K. partly fueled by eagerness for the Muslim vote. Since many Muslims consider Jews their worst enemy, so do their political supporters like the British Labour party. It's like a win-win except for the Jews, of course.
16
As a Jeremy Corbyn supporter in New York (and Zionist), I have to work extra hard to find accurate reporting of almost anything he does. This pretty shoddy op-ed is just one of many attempts at smearing Jeremy and the Labour Party as anti-semitic. These attempts have gone on from the day he was elected. This is a man who has dedicated his life to campaigning against racism, sexism and homophobia.
Yet he has experienced the sort of media hostility not seen since the US press were so vocally critical of the likes of Muhammad Ali.
This op-ed is light on facts, extremely partisan and completely misleading, if not outright lying. The 'insider' gossip used as quotes was in fact supplied by an embittered former employee of Mr Corbyn who now works for his rival for the leadership, Owen Smith. A fact the NYT curiously fails to mention. It also fails to talk to any of Mr Corbyn's Jewish supporters - of whom there are very many. The Jewish Socialists Group for example.
Shame on the NYT for publishing such incendiary and unbalanced nonsense.
Yet he has experienced the sort of media hostility not seen since the US press were so vocally critical of the likes of Muhammad Ali.
This op-ed is light on facts, extremely partisan and completely misleading, if not outright lying. The 'insider' gossip used as quotes was in fact supplied by an embittered former employee of Mr Corbyn who now works for his rival for the leadership, Owen Smith. A fact the NYT curiously fails to mention. It also fails to talk to any of Mr Corbyn's Jewish supporters - of whom there are very many. The Jewish Socialists Group for example.
Shame on the NYT for publishing such incendiary and unbalanced nonsense.
15
Why must there always be a litmus test involving support for Israel? If Israel, after all this time, can't even defend itself from the Palestinians it has so successfully oppressed, why do we or the Brits need to constantly express and provide support? Israel is not a great country, it has repeatedly spied on us and poked us in the eye, not to mention that it suppresses an entire population. A country founded on religion is no better than the radical Islamists. Superstitious nonsense can always justify new settlements and murders in the Palestinian lands.
14
With all due respect, this article is high on accusation, but low on any evidence.
The article makes quite clear that Corbyn denounces anti-Semitism, that he has taken action of against those who have been anti-Semitic.
As for the Jewish MP leaving in tears from a forum, it was because she WAS playing a role in undermining the leader and she was called on it. How is that anti-Semitic? That's called politics. None of the accusations against her were anti-Semitic. They were in fact true. She is a Blairite.
You'll recall that Bernie Sanders was subjected to, ironically, the same sort of anti-Semitic accusation by the Clinton camp during the Democratic primaries. The DNC thought of accusing him of not being sufficiently "Jewish" (i.e. religious) as cudgel against him. It was disgraceful.
Much like this, the Blairites who have been rejected by the base of the Labour Party, are using this cudgel against Corbyn.
God-forbid the Labour Party might have a policy of denouncing the Israeli occupation and colonization of the West Bank and Gaza. This is painted as "anti-Semitism" it isn't. Neither is pointing out the authoritarian and theocratic trends in Israeli society.
The article points labour Zionists as early founders of the Labour Party. That's true, but they certainly weren't the Zionists of the Likud or Yisrael Beiteinu variety. These parties are committing crimes of chauvinism against Palestinians that was once (and is) directed against Jews. Don't confuse the two.
The article makes quite clear that Corbyn denounces anti-Semitism, that he has taken action of against those who have been anti-Semitic.
As for the Jewish MP leaving in tears from a forum, it was because she WAS playing a role in undermining the leader and she was called on it. How is that anti-Semitic? That's called politics. None of the accusations against her were anti-Semitic. They were in fact true. She is a Blairite.
You'll recall that Bernie Sanders was subjected to, ironically, the same sort of anti-Semitic accusation by the Clinton camp during the Democratic primaries. The DNC thought of accusing him of not being sufficiently "Jewish" (i.e. religious) as cudgel against him. It was disgraceful.
Much like this, the Blairites who have been rejected by the base of the Labour Party, are using this cudgel against Corbyn.
God-forbid the Labour Party might have a policy of denouncing the Israeli occupation and colonization of the West Bank and Gaza. This is painted as "anti-Semitism" it isn't. Neither is pointing out the authoritarian and theocratic trends in Israeli society.
The article points labour Zionists as early founders of the Labour Party. That's true, but they certainly weren't the Zionists of the Likud or Yisrael Beiteinu variety. These parties are committing crimes of chauvinism against Palestinians that was once (and is) directed against Jews. Don't confuse the two.
15
Dave Rich concludes by saying that "there remains a strong progressive tradition among Jews that now has no political home."
This is also becoming very much true in the United States. The predominant view among the far Left, and even increasingly the moderate left, is increasingly that Israel has no right to exist at all--that it is a racist, imperialist state that must disappear into a larger Palestinian entity. If you doubt this, go to the comments section of any Leftist website.
You can see this attitude on display within the Green Party, where presidential candidate Jill Stein is in favor of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement which seeks to wage economic war against Israel. BDS is also making strong inroads within the Democratic party. Although Bernie Sanders himself supports Israel as a state, he appointed two BDS supporters, Cornell West and James Zogby, to represent him on the Democratic platform committee.
The great historical irony is that, as in Britain, people on the American political Left historically were among the strongest supporters of Israel. In 1948, for example, Progressive Party candidate Henry Wallace attacked Democrat Henry Truman on the left for embargoing American arms shipments to Israel while that nation was desperately fighting for independence.
This is also becoming very much true in the United States. The predominant view among the far Left, and even increasingly the moderate left, is increasingly that Israel has no right to exist at all--that it is a racist, imperialist state that must disappear into a larger Palestinian entity. If you doubt this, go to the comments section of any Leftist website.
You can see this attitude on display within the Green Party, where presidential candidate Jill Stein is in favor of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement which seeks to wage economic war against Israel. BDS is also making strong inroads within the Democratic party. Although Bernie Sanders himself supports Israel as a state, he appointed two BDS supporters, Cornell West and James Zogby, to represent him on the Democratic platform committee.
The great historical irony is that, as in Britain, people on the American political Left historically were among the strongest supporters of Israel. In 1948, for example, Progressive Party candidate Henry Wallace attacked Democrat Henry Truman on the left for embargoing American arms shipments to Israel while that nation was desperately fighting for independence.
11
Interesting piece. The same process is in play in the United States with the BDS movement. We see it play out in academic hiring - Salaita case, in point.
The problem is that the left and anti-Zionists cannot come to grips with the difference between groups. Israelis and Jews faced existential threats. The Palestinians and Arab world never did. The rhetoric of folks like Corbyn just reinforce that the existential threats still are alive and well.
End the existential threat rhetoric to Jews and Israel and perhaps, the Israelis would back off on such seemingly harsh measures. But in the history of the state of Israel, that rarely happens. An Arab leader who proposes such faces terrible risk and also using the issue as a tool for political control of their own country.
The problem is that the left and anti-Zionists cannot come to grips with the difference between groups. Israelis and Jews faced existential threats. The Palestinians and Arab world never did. The rhetoric of folks like Corbyn just reinforce that the existential threats still are alive and well.
End the existential threat rhetoric to Jews and Israel and perhaps, the Israelis would back off on such seemingly harsh measures. But in the history of the state of Israel, that rarely happens. An Arab leader who proposes such faces terrible risk and also using the issue as a tool for political control of their own country.
16
British anti-Semitism tends to be a genteel and relatively benign prejudice. It should not be confused with radical anti-Zionism, which entails demonization of Zionists well beyond any legitimate reasons for criticizing them. Even Jews can embrace it despite a complete absence of anti-Semitism. It is driven by the need to find and eliminate demons, not that different from what drove the Inquisition and countless other depradations. Anti-Semitism can contribute to anti-Zionism, and often does, especially in the Middle East, but much of the anti-Zionism of the British Left (and the Left in general) should be correctly labeled as virulent demonization. The dichotomy between anti-Semitism and "legitimate criticism of Israel" is false, and gives refuge to the notion that all criticism of Israel is legitimate as long as it isn't anti-Semitic. It allows Israel bashers to have their hate and beat it too.
10
How dare the Left now take up the cause of other oppressed people. This global campaign against the American, British and European Left is being spearheaded by Netanyahu himself, Ron Dermer, Frank Luntz, and other right wing political luminaries.
They're busy doing silly things --- like attempting to censor political speech, for example, the use of "Zio", short for Zionist. What they're not busy doing is seeing to it that Israel withdraw from the occupied territories of Palestine.
Just another game of distraction
They're busy doing silly things --- like attempting to censor political speech, for example, the use of "Zio", short for Zionist. What they're not busy doing is seeing to it that Israel withdraw from the occupied territories of Palestine.
Just another game of distraction
13
Let me start by saying that any one of Israel’s policies, just as the policies of any other country can be fairly subjected to criticisms and denunciations. That is one on the we can promote peaceful coexistence between peoples and nations.
Most reasonable people would agree that the only realistic hope for seeing a peaceful resolution of the Israeli Palestinian conflict lays in the two state solution.
However any analysis of the true aims of some of the critics of Israel such as the Corbyn-type British left and the supporters of the BDS campaign shows that their goal is not the two state solution but the eradication, by means of economic warfare of the state of Israel, opening the way for the establishment of something else, something that would not be too different from what we have seen in Syria Iraq or Lebanon. Wishing this for half the Jewish population of the world, and destroying the safe heaven that Israel represents for Jews all over the world, which a could again become a persecuted minority at any time is clearly anti-Semitic. And this, by the way shows, that what Israel faces with the British Left and more generally with BDS is something completely different from what is faced by any other country, such as say Cuba, Korea, Egypt, Turkey, Venezuela, China, France or the US, when they are subject to criticisms of some of their policies.
Most reasonable people would agree that the only realistic hope for seeing a peaceful resolution of the Israeli Palestinian conflict lays in the two state solution.
However any analysis of the true aims of some of the critics of Israel such as the Corbyn-type British left and the supporters of the BDS campaign shows that their goal is not the two state solution but the eradication, by means of economic warfare of the state of Israel, opening the way for the establishment of something else, something that would not be too different from what we have seen in Syria Iraq or Lebanon. Wishing this for half the Jewish population of the world, and destroying the safe heaven that Israel represents for Jews all over the world, which a could again become a persecuted minority at any time is clearly anti-Semitic. And this, by the way shows, that what Israel faces with the British Left and more generally with BDS is something completely different from what is faced by any other country, such as say Cuba, Korea, Egypt, Turkey, Venezuela, China, France or the US, when they are subject to criticisms of some of their policies.
27
"The Palestinian branch of the Brotherhood is Hamas, the radical group that governs Gaza — and which Mr. Corbyn has praised for its commitment to “peace and social justice and political justice.” " I'd like to hear an explanation from Mr. Corbyn and his ilk of how placing artillery up against hospitals and schools and then firing into Israel from them shows said "commitment to peace and social justice and political justice." One doesn't have to look too closely to show the absurdity of that statement.
8
This seems to be a largely contorted series of arguments without much substance although the British have a long history of anti-Semitism (along with anti-everything). Where is the injustice? Is the left demanding the deportation of England's Jews? Will they build a wall to keep then out? Are the police shooting and killing Jews in England at 3.5 times the rate of whites? A title for a better article would be "How Israel's Policies Have Alienated Most of Humanity".
8
I think that part of the British Jewish community is little different than our Danial Pipes or Sheldon Adelson. Once anyone shows concerns over Israel's far-right government, the apartheid (recognized by over 70% of Israelis), and the continuing theft of Palestinian lands, they are fair game to be labeled a bigot.
Why not, it has worked well here; as one can witness from our president's near complete silence on this continuing crime. Take note of HRC's recent chastisement of her own Methodist Church that was considering joining the Israeli boycott.
The meddling of religious groups in any country's national politics is sad business, when it concerns stifling the voice of others; not only sad, downright ugly.
Why not, it has worked well here; as one can witness from our president's near complete silence on this continuing crime. Take note of HRC's recent chastisement of her own Methodist Church that was considering joining the Israeli boycott.
The meddling of religious groups in any country's national politics is sad business, when it concerns stifling the voice of others; not only sad, downright ugly.
6
It is as if,somehow 2 millennial have vanished and nothing is ever hiding behind the door.As Jews you must be imagining once again that this is only some legitimate critique on Israeli transgressions.That violence in France towards Jews are just some anomaly and somehow explained away as violence in response to Israel.That egregious actions from other groups rarely elicit the same kind of response.Jews are considered to be accepted part of society,with upward mobility into the middle class.Antisemitism is given a backseat and placed on a shelf,separated from other forms of bigotry.Its ugly head is thriving in the west from both the left and the right.Thank you Mr.Rich,for your fine piece.
5
As a Jewish American and as a supporter of a Two State solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict, and as someone who despises the current Prime Minister of the State of Israel I find it laughable that people try and have it both ways and try to deny that criticism about Israel does not often cross the line into vile anti-semitism and against the existence of the Jewish State.
One only has to read some of these comments about Israel's treatment of the Palestinians and Arab Israeli citizens to learn quickly that none of these people have ever visited Israel and base their opinions on emotions from things they hear on left wing media or some videos on youtube they have watched.
Israeli Arab citizens have the right to vote. They are not required by law to serve in the Israeli military. They receive free health care and a free college education. They serve in the Israel Knesset (Parliament) and one of the justices on the Israeli Supreme Court is an Arab Israeli.
I have non Jewish friends who, when speaking about Israel, suddenly launch into a diatribe about Jews controlling Congress, the White House, Hollywood, the economy, our foreign policy, and even accusing Jews of being responsible for the war in Iraq.
The Israeli occupation of the West Bank is not benign. However, the line between valid criticism of Israel and the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish State is crossed every single day. Anti semitism is real and is prevalent in Europe and the Middle East today.
One only has to read some of these comments about Israel's treatment of the Palestinians and Arab Israeli citizens to learn quickly that none of these people have ever visited Israel and base their opinions on emotions from things they hear on left wing media or some videos on youtube they have watched.
Israeli Arab citizens have the right to vote. They are not required by law to serve in the Israeli military. They receive free health care and a free college education. They serve in the Israel Knesset (Parliament) and one of the justices on the Israeli Supreme Court is an Arab Israeli.
I have non Jewish friends who, when speaking about Israel, suddenly launch into a diatribe about Jews controlling Congress, the White House, Hollywood, the economy, our foreign policy, and even accusing Jews of being responsible for the war in Iraq.
The Israeli occupation of the West Bank is not benign. However, the line between valid criticism of Israel and the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish State is crossed every single day. Anti semitism is real and is prevalent in Europe and the Middle East today.
21
When criticism of right-wing Israeli apartheid policies is called anti-semitic, isn't that the same as saying such politics and policies are intrinsically semitic?
8
British anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism is ironic given the role they played in creating the Jewish state.
In 1922, in what has become known as the "British Mandate," the League of Nations mandated Britain to "establish in Palestine a national homeland for the Jewish people." At the time "Palestine" included not only what is now Israel and the West Bank, it included Jordan. In 1922, the British decided, as documented in the "Transjordan Memorandum," that the Jews may settle in the area west of the Jordan river (now Israel and the West Bank), and the area to the east of the Jordan river, now known as Jordan, went to the Hashemite kingdom.
Of course, the Brits dropped the ball on this, abandoned the mandate, and left the problem to the UN, which didn't do much either. The UN recommended a partition plan in 1948, which the Arabs rejected (the Jewish agency accepted it and formed Israel).
In 1922, in what has become known as the "British Mandate," the League of Nations mandated Britain to "establish in Palestine a national homeland for the Jewish people." At the time "Palestine" included not only what is now Israel and the West Bank, it included Jordan. In 1922, the British decided, as documented in the "Transjordan Memorandum," that the Jews may settle in the area west of the Jordan river (now Israel and the West Bank), and the area to the east of the Jordan river, now known as Jordan, went to the Hashemite kingdom.
Of course, the Brits dropped the ball on this, abandoned the mandate, and left the problem to the UN, which didn't do much either. The UN recommended a partition plan in 1948, which the Arabs rejected (the Jewish agency accepted it and formed Israel).
7
Always interesting to see that there would be about 50% fewer comments (maybe even fewer) if the NY Times editors refused to publish comments that meet the US Government's definition of antisemitism namely demonization of Israel, double standards with regard to Israel, and delegitimization of Israel (i.e, the three Ds of classic antisemitism with regard to criticism of Israel).
5
Anti Semitism is always there. Lurking
When we allow our leaders to pick on any group we Jews know that they will eventually swing to us.
And so it begins
When we allow our leaders to pick on any group we Jews know that they will eventually swing to us.
And so it begins
11
The classic pro Israel fallacy in full display, from an elitist supporter of capital and its imperialist ambitions. To the Jewish working class in the diaspora, they say "support Israel at all costs", while they enrich themselves with lucrative settlement and arms deals being the #1 recipient of u.s. Military aid. "The radical left is anti-Semitic" they cry, while the left of the political spectrum has defended the Jewish diaspora community for centuries and the right has taken up the cause for cynical strategical significance for a few decades. Lies upon lies upon lies. Six decades on and what has the state of Israel done for impoverished Jews in Europe, America or Israel?, except blur the lines between boss and worker, confusing the masses and prolonging the inevitable and fantastic death of imperialist capital.
7
Nothing new here. The British have always had a large segment of Jew-haters for centuries. Too bad they forget the Jews who helped lead and make their nation great in the past.
5
Another silly piece by an Israel supporter, claiming that any criticism of Israel is tantamount to anti-Semitism. Ho hum. Let's just laugh and shake our heads. The term anti-Semitism is made totally useless by these Israel apologists.
I am not Jewish but I support and contribute to Jewish Voice for Peace, a group which is very critical of the Israeli government. Thus I am an anti-Semite because I support a group of Self-Hating Jews. So be it.
I am not Jewish but I support and contribute to Jewish Voice for Peace, a group which is very critical of the Israeli government. Thus I am an anti-Semite because I support a group of Self-Hating Jews. So be it.
13
Shamefully and falsely attacking British liberalism. A shameful and false attempt to ruin Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, the attempt will of course rightfully fail.
I am appalled.
I am appalled.
9
I would recommend that we Jews impose a BDS movement against Jeremy Corbin and his ilk. The next time they need any vaccine, medicine or medical procedure invented or provided by Jews they should be turned away. Let them get their medical treatment in Gaza or the West Bank.
14
Anti-semitism on the left is real. But there's more than a touch of paranoia in this article. For example, 'Mr Corbyn looked on in silence' when a member of parliament who happened to be jewish was accused (at a press conference) of conspiring against the party leader, and fled the room in tears. So what? Ms Smeeth's religion and ethnicity are neither here nor there: she was accused of conspiring, not of being jewish.
I very agree with those who have commented that it is a disservice to treat criticism of Israel as overt or crypto anti-semitism. The accusation of anti-semitism is far too often and easily cast as a response to justified criticism of Israeli practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where the admirable Israeli concept of 'purity of arms' has long since been abandoned. I wish that the Diaspora could read mainstream Israeli newspapers such as Haaretz on a regular basis: it would come as a real eye opener.
I very agree with those who have commented that it is a disservice to treat criticism of Israel as overt or crypto anti-semitism. The accusation of anti-semitism is far too often and easily cast as a response to justified criticism of Israeli practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where the admirable Israeli concept of 'purity of arms' has long since been abandoned. I wish that the Diaspora could read mainstream Israeli newspapers such as Haaretz on a regular basis: it would come as a real eye opener.
11
It may not be popular to state this here, in Israel or in British universities. Anti-Semitism is the other side of the moral coin: Do unto others the way you would want them to do to you. It's easy to reject outright expressions of bigotry. It's not easy for too many people to feel outraged when the bigot is mistreated. But a lack of sympathy even for bigotry against the bigot enables anti-Semitism to persist. None of us would want to be Jewish, right or wrong, dealing with an anti-Semite, anymore than we would want to be a Palestinian Arab dealing with an Israeli government that rejects their human rights. Anti-Semitism is evil because of our moral standards. Anti-Palestinian Arab is also evil according to the same standards.
To reduce tolerance for the first evil, we have to reject the hypocrisy of Israeli defenders. To see Israeli violations of Palestinian human rights shows equivalent evil no matter what we're told it's not or why it's necessary by Jewish Israelis, particularly when no Jewish commentator defending the violations ever wants to be in the shoes of any mistreated Palestinians. As the song lyrics go, "Love doesn't love no one." Neither does Hate "hate no one." We're all potential victims.
To reduce tolerance for the first evil, we have to reject the hypocrisy of Israeli defenders. To see Israeli violations of Palestinian human rights shows equivalent evil no matter what we're told it's not or why it's necessary by Jewish Israelis, particularly when no Jewish commentator defending the violations ever wants to be in the shoes of any mistreated Palestinians. As the song lyrics go, "Love doesn't love no one." Neither does Hate "hate no one." We're all potential victims.
2
Anti-Semitism is just the logical corollary of the anti-nationalism of the Left, as expressed in "Rather than being a legitimate expression of Jewish national longing, Zionism was then labeled a racist ideology akin to apartheid."
When the Left dismisses any "national longing" as nativism, racism, bigotry, apartheid, etc., in favor of open borders, universalism, cosmopolitanism, etc., it is simply extending that sentiment to Jews and Israel, instead of making an exception for them.
When the Left dismisses any "national longing" as nativism, racism, bigotry, apartheid, etc., in favor of open borders, universalism, cosmopolitanism, etc., it is simply extending that sentiment to Jews and Israel, instead of making an exception for them.
1
Is that what theft of other people's property and subjecting the inhabitants to basic slavery called today? Nationalism?
3
Alon Ben-Meir, professor of intn'l relations at the Center for Global Affairs at NYU:
"Netanyahu’s message to the Israelis, especially the settlers, is that the construction of illegal outposts will retroactively be legalized, thereby signaling that they can continue this practice with impunity.
"It takes Netanyahu’s typical chutzpah to call for demolishing Palestinian villages like Susiya and other housing units built on their own land while retroactively legalizing illegal Jewish settlements on Palestinian land that were expropriated by Israel, which is nothing less than a travesty.
"What message does that send to the international community, and how does that square with Israel’s presumed moral standing among the community of nations? This does not seem to bother him in the least."
Dave Rich: "What was missing [from Ms. Chakrabarti’s report] was any broader analysis of why such language [Zio; Nazis] has become so prevalent on the British left. Many British Jews believe it is connected to strident anti-Israel politics with which Mr. Corbyn sympathizes...
In the vernacular of the day: ya think??
Rich: "Mr. Corbyn himself appears bemused. The mantra he repeats — that he is opposed to racism, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia (he rarely speaks solely of anti-Semitism)..."
Ah! The real problem, in a nutshell: Corbyn's failure to distinguish between racism and antisemitism. World of difference, in Rich's world, and anyone who disagrees is -- you guessed it -- an antisemite.
"Netanyahu’s message to the Israelis, especially the settlers, is that the construction of illegal outposts will retroactively be legalized, thereby signaling that they can continue this practice with impunity.
"It takes Netanyahu’s typical chutzpah to call for demolishing Palestinian villages like Susiya and other housing units built on their own land while retroactively legalizing illegal Jewish settlements on Palestinian land that were expropriated by Israel, which is nothing less than a travesty.
"What message does that send to the international community, and how does that square with Israel’s presumed moral standing among the community of nations? This does not seem to bother him in the least."
Dave Rich: "What was missing [from Ms. Chakrabarti’s report] was any broader analysis of why such language [Zio; Nazis] has become so prevalent on the British left. Many British Jews believe it is connected to strident anti-Israel politics with which Mr. Corbyn sympathizes...
In the vernacular of the day: ya think??
Rich: "Mr. Corbyn himself appears bemused. The mantra he repeats — that he is opposed to racism, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia (he rarely speaks solely of anti-Semitism)..."
Ah! The real problem, in a nutshell: Corbyn's failure to distinguish between racism and antisemitism. World of difference, in Rich's world, and anyone who disagrees is -- you guessed it -- an antisemite.
3
I have no doubt that anger at Israeli policies has hardened into something like simple, unadulterated antagonism toward that country in general. (The racism of Israeli foreign policy that engenders such anger shall forever go unanalyzed.) But is that anti-semitism? There will always be a very large group of people and institutions eager to conflate the two. Should we count the NYTimes among them? Given recent history--probably. If the "paper of record" is eager to counter that perception, it should provide space for an adequate response from within the Labour Party.
Meantime, let's not forget the RIGHT-WING British policies of appeasement and worse that brought us the likes of real murderers of Jews like Adolph Hitler, helping to get us into this position in the first. And by all means, let's drop the deeply derogatory "Zio," since--rather than being racist--it points straight at the heart of the settler ideological construct itself. Far too sharp an instrument for such blunt times.
Meantime, let's not forget the RIGHT-WING British policies of appeasement and worse that brought us the likes of real murderers of Jews like Adolph Hitler, helping to get us into this position in the first. And by all means, let's drop the deeply derogatory "Zio," since--rather than being racist--it points straight at the heart of the settler ideological construct itself. Far too sharp an instrument for such blunt times.
5
And no mention of Labour's rising leader London Mayor Sadiq Khan's strong criticism of Jeremy Corbyn for not calling out on ant-Semitism and his visit to the Holocaust Memorial as his first official act? Many others in Labour hold the same view. A side note on these Labour members would have put things into perspective.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/12/sadiq-khan-accuses-jeremy-cor...
http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/news/1.718546
A side-note would have put things into perspective
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/12/sadiq-khan-accuses-jeremy-cor...
http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/news/1.718546
A side-note would have put things into perspective
3
It's amusing to see broad statements about Israel without ever having been there. I suppose it's worthwhile to mention yet again that Israeli Arabs enjoy the same rights and freedoms as Israeli Jews, as a trip to a school, mall, hospital, or commuter train would show.
I would posit that Netanyahu's policies are more detrimental to secular and middle class Jews in Israel, due to his cozy and expedient relationship with the religious ultra right.
Zionism is interpreted these days with a very different meaning than intended. It is simply the right of Jews to return to their ancient homeland. That the Palestinians find themselves in their current situation is a testament to their refusal to allow Jewish self-determination in their midst. It doesn't have to be this way.
And there is no excuse for permitting terrorism as an only option. Of course the Brits will bring up Begin and the King David Hotel. It can easily be countered with Ben-Gurion's acquiescence to assassinating Begin as a threat to Jewish independence. British anti-semitism is alive and well.
I would posit that Netanyahu's policies are more detrimental to secular and middle class Jews in Israel, due to his cozy and expedient relationship with the religious ultra right.
Zionism is interpreted these days with a very different meaning than intended. It is simply the right of Jews to return to their ancient homeland. That the Palestinians find themselves in their current situation is a testament to their refusal to allow Jewish self-determination in their midst. It doesn't have to be this way.
And there is no excuse for permitting terrorism as an only option. Of course the Brits will bring up Begin and the King David Hotel. It can easily be countered with Ben-Gurion's acquiescence to assassinating Begin as a threat to Jewish independence. British anti-semitism is alive and well.
6
There are 50 laws on the books in Israel that discriminate against Arabs.
Just go to our own US State Department website to see the travel warnings issued for anyone of Arab descent, it is revealing and appalling.
Just go to our own US State Department website to see the travel warnings issued for anyone of Arab descent, it is revealing and appalling.
6
There has always been a deep strain of Anti-Semitism in the British psyche.
7
As an American Jew living in England, I appreciated the quick history this article has to offer. I agree with the comments that the discussion is complicated and deserves more nuance and time than our short attention span society can give it. With reference to Anti-Zionism and Anti-Semitism though, I'll say this: The only country to get as much negative attention as Israel does here in the UK is the US which may tell you something.
Many of us would like to see different policies in Israel. But we would also like to see different policies in Iran, China, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, the DR Congo etc etc. But those countries do not receive nearly the attention or the press that Israel does. The treatment and policies towards women in many countries is abysmal yet we don't hear demands for boycotts etc. It makes one think that the attention to Israel has another motivation.
Many of us would like to see different policies in Israel. But we would also like to see different policies in Iran, China, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, the DR Congo etc etc. But those countries do not receive nearly the attention or the press that Israel does. The treatment and policies towards women in many countries is abysmal yet we don't hear demands for boycotts etc. It makes one think that the attention to Israel has another motivation.
23
Britain has yet to apologize for its centuries of colonial abuse, exploitation and cunning "divide and rule" policies that it used around the world, including in the Americas before we officially became the US of A. This also means for all the yakkity yak the Anglo English spew out about how America is not diverse enough, etc., UK has not had a single person of color running for the PMship. Even among women It is always conservative women, like the Moronic May with her entourage of juvenile men, Vicar's daughter my foot, who come to power. And the woman needed a Brexit to come to grab the PMship.
The UK was notorious for looting the world while practicing socialism to share its plunder among its British elite and some of its backside kissing servant class. This is a country that would be better off under the US. There...I said it!
What we have spent on that country, and its security, is huge. We have also given a lot more to Israel than England that talks a good talk...but rarely delivers. And look what the Brits do to people like Blair or Gordon who do sympathize with the US. The Brits want it both ways: a sense of superiority or global power while doing very little innovation, invention and cooperation with anyone other than their "accented elites..many of whom are idiots". There...I said it.
Time for America to cut off England...and lets call it Brexit II
The UK was notorious for looting the world while practicing socialism to share its plunder among its British elite and some of its backside kissing servant class. This is a country that would be better off under the US. There...I said it!
What we have spent on that country, and its security, is huge. We have also given a lot more to Israel than England that talks a good talk...but rarely delivers. And look what the Brits do to people like Blair or Gordon who do sympathize with the US. The Brits want it both ways: a sense of superiority or global power while doing very little innovation, invention and cooperation with anyone other than their "accented elites..many of whom are idiots". There...I said it.
Time for America to cut off England...and lets call it Brexit II
4
The alienation from Labour of UK Jews is greater than that of American Jews from the more leftist side of the Democratic party, but the trend is there and it is also an omen.
6
It's not just the British left, but the American left as well. I recall numerous instances, almost to the extent of cliché, of Bernie supporters ranting about how Israel controlled U.S. foreign policy, about how U.S. politicians were more loyal to Israel's wishes than those of their own country, etc. We heard the message loud and clear.
10
It's true, there are many "israel firsters" in the US with considerable influence in the Congress!
5
If accurate commentary is antisemitism, so be it.
4
Unfortunately I don't find British anti--semitism amazing. It's an almost casual element of some parts of British culture. What I do find amazing is Mr Corbyn's idea that Hamas somehow stands for peace and justice. He apparently hasn't read what Hamas has to say about itself in its own charter. But I guess Mr Corbyn is an old man and doesn't have either the time or the stomach to read such things as "The time(16) will not come until Muslims will fight the Jews (and kill them); until the Jews hide behind rocks and trees, which will cry: 0 Muslim! there is a Jew hiding behind me, come on and kill him!" Not to mention what Hamas has to say about women, but I guess Corbyn never needed to worry about that either.
10
The issue is the brutal inhumane treatment of Palestinians by the Israeli government. To call those who oppose it anti-Semites is the cynical game of the current media that completely ignores what is happening to these people in their own land.
6
Not this again. Let me say (again): as long standing member of the British Labout Party and from a Jewish family I have never once encountered anything remotely antisemitic from colleagues (and comrades). By definition, you cannot be an international socialist and be a racist. If you want antisemitism, I'll take the author to the orthodox Haredi community near me in London where they will tell you who is scratching swastikas onto their cars - and trust me, it's not members of the Labour party.
As for criticising Israel, many others, including many Jews, do not confuse this with antisemitism. There is no nuance or hedging here - political struggles are about competing interests of factions, and the race and religion of ordinary people are not and never will be the targets of socialists.
As for criticising Israel, many others, including many Jews, do not confuse this with antisemitism. There is no nuance or hedging here - political struggles are about competing interests of factions, and the race and religion of ordinary people are not and never will be the targets of socialists.
11
Criticism of Israel is not necessarily a function of anti-Semitism. But why is it so difficult for some to believe that anti-Semitism can exist among Israel critics? One can certainly be both anti-Semitic and anti Zionism. The two are *not* mutually exclusive!
5
There are 22 Arab dictatorships ruling over 99% of the land in the middle east, there are 57 Islamic countries. There is one tiny Jewish majority democracy in the world. With the Arab world turning into a series of failed states, a process which climate change will accelerate, the British should be working with their Arab friends to learn from Israel, not try to destroy it. Israeli desalinization and drip irrigation could save millions in the Arab world.
Unfortunately, destroying Israel is much more important to the Arab world than saving their own populations. It has become the same for the far left of Britain. Disgraceful.
Unfortunately, destroying Israel is much more important to the Arab world than saving their own populations. It has become the same for the far left of Britain. Disgraceful.
11
Pro-zionist supporters of israel have come to have an outsized influence in Britain as well as in the US and France!
Zionism is a political party no different from any other political party. Judaism is a religious tradition, no more or less flawed than all of the other"religious" entities seeking to control human behavior!
An elderly NYC rabbi told me, a long time ago, that zionism and the state of israel would corrupt Judaism and bring about more anti-Semitism, not less!
Obviously, he was right!
Zionism is a political party no different from any other political party. Judaism is a religious tradition, no more or less flawed than all of the other"religious" entities seeking to control human behavior!
An elderly NYC rabbi told me, a long time ago, that zionism and the state of israel would corrupt Judaism and bring about more anti-Semitism, not less!
Obviously, he was right!
4
"Zion" is written repeatedly in the Hebrew Bible and has been repeatedly uttered daily in prayers for thousands of years. It's here to stay. Get over it!
7
Anti-Semitism is certainly not new. As a Jew, one has grown to expect it. It gives ambition. I look beyond the faces of anti-Semitism. I know the comfort of family and the joy of my people. I know this world can be a better place, be it in Britain, America, Israel, anywhere there are people, diverse and empathetic. Progress begins here, among us all.
1
I know how the English rearranged the Middle East after WWI, and then after WWII fought the Zionists to suppress the creation of Israel, but what does Palestine have to do with current British politics? Why do Palestinians have a say in how the British govern themselves? Am I missing the point or is it akin to the rabid racist reactionaries who support the current republican candidate in this country? How is supporting a group which believes the Jewish state has no right to exist a part of any Western government's platform? How does this help the British people in any way? Hate does funny things to governments, which in turn adversely affect its people. But like I said, maybe I missed the point....
6
The notion that anti-semitism on the left in Britain derives solely from their antipathy towards the United States and Israel for their "imperialism" and "all that is wrong in the world" and Zionism as not a legitimate expression of national longing but "racism" is an example of the same old wine in new bottles. Similar accusations have been at Jews by all anti-semitic movements. They date back to early Christian Church, which accused Jews, especially the Jewish establishment of the time, of rejecting God and thus being amoral, racist by considering themselves a chosen people and rejecting other nations, and in the end, condemned them to never again having a polity of their own in Israel, banishing them instead to a life of persecution and condemnation as a wandering people, because of the crime of Deicide. The British left, good liberal Christians, all, are just acting out another passion of the Christ, this time in the form of Jeremy Cobryn
4
Dave Rich was assertive that anyone who criticizes Israeli policies promotes antisemitism. He , however states "Islamism" " at worst malign — not least because it overlooks Islamism’s history of murderous repression toward democratic socialists in Muslim-majority countries." Using his logic, he is anti-Muslims.
In truth, the occupation of and waging war at other people and preventing any real democratic transformation in the Arab World is a form of terrorism. In fact, denying the existence of others as Rich did is the highest form of racism.
In truth, the occupation of and waging war at other people and preventing any real democratic transformation in the Arab World is a form of terrorism. In fact, denying the existence of others as Rich did is the highest form of racism.
1
Anti-Zionism isn’t conflated with Anti-Semitism. It’s infused with it.
Some anti-Zionists hate everything about Israel, and they hate Jews no matter where they live.
Some anti-Zionists are well-intended. They want peace and justice for the Palestinians. But there are anti-Semitic aspects to their cause, even if they angrily refuse to see them. They include:
--Placing all of the blame for the conflict, throughout its entire history, on the Israelis and completely absolving the Palestinians and the nations that have attacked Israel of any responsibility.
--Blaming Israel for problems that ought to be blamed on others, e.g., the civilian deaths in Gaza that Israel tried hard to prevent but couldn’t because Hamas was firing rockets at Israel from schools and other civilian buildings.
--Singling out Israel for harsh criticism, coupled with a lack of concern about far worse actions by other nations, e.g., boycotting Israel for occupying the West Bank while doing nothing in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
It’s easy to be blind to one’s own biases. There are zealots on all sides of this conflict who are blind to theirs. The anti-Zionist movement may claim to be as pure as the driven snow, but they’re not.
If you truly want justice for the Palestinians, stop treating them like they’re nothing but innocent victims, and stop treating Israel like a pariah.
Some anti-Zionists hate everything about Israel, and they hate Jews no matter where they live.
Some anti-Zionists are well-intended. They want peace and justice for the Palestinians. But there are anti-Semitic aspects to their cause, even if they angrily refuse to see them. They include:
--Placing all of the blame for the conflict, throughout its entire history, on the Israelis and completely absolving the Palestinians and the nations that have attacked Israel of any responsibility.
--Blaming Israel for problems that ought to be blamed on others, e.g., the civilian deaths in Gaza that Israel tried hard to prevent but couldn’t because Hamas was firing rockets at Israel from schools and other civilian buildings.
--Singling out Israel for harsh criticism, coupled with a lack of concern about far worse actions by other nations, e.g., boycotting Israel for occupying the West Bank while doing nothing in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
It’s easy to be blind to one’s own biases. There are zealots on all sides of this conflict who are blind to theirs. The anti-Zionist movement may claim to be as pure as the driven snow, but they’re not.
If you truly want justice for the Palestinians, stop treating them like they’re nothing but innocent victims, and stop treating Israel like a pariah.
9
But wait; is t it really Bibi's fault?
1
Although they may start from different places, both the British Left and the British Right conflate opposition to the policies of the Israeli government with blanket anti-Semitism. As does the author.
1
In any modern Capitalistic Democracy any "-ism" of any political party is defined by the PACs and lobbies behind that "-ism". The pro-Israeli "-ism", in America, is because of IAPAC and similar organizations with similar financial and other clout.
Europe, on the other hand is reverse. The increasing Muslim immigration, and their clout, defines a pro-Palestine (and therefore, by modern definition via association, antisemitic) "-ism" by the Labour Party.
The real problem is the clout.
Europe, on the other hand is reverse. The increasing Muslim immigration, and their clout, defines a pro-Palestine (and therefore, by modern definition via association, antisemitic) "-ism" by the Labour Party.
The real problem is the clout.
1
It is difficult to write about this topic. We are so conditioned to be repelled by any word or deed that has even a hint of anti-Isralie or Jewish sentiment. Such conditioning comes from the guilt of the holocaust for all of us were silent when we should have acted. But such restraint also creates a chilling effect upon speech, history and truth. The Brits lost more than 80 citizens when two future Prime Ministers, Begin and Shamir, blew up the King David Hotel. In 1967, Israel attacked the USS Liberty and killed more than 30 American sailors - and wounded many more. Google it - please. And yes Israel paid Jonathan Pollard a monthly stipend to gather secrets for it from his post at CIA. Yet how many of us know about the murder of our sailors on the Liberty or about Pollard? It's not politically OK to talk about these things. And only the NY Times got Israel to stop its soldiers from breaking the hands of Arab boys who thru rocks at them. Those soldiers used the butt of our M-16s to do that task. The Times printed many photos of those soldiers, with pronounced joy on their faces, smashing those hands. So what to do? Is our guilt for the horrors of WW II upon the Jews so great that we deny that Pollard was spy or say that the Liberty attack was a mistake. It is strained to compare Israel's conduct towards its Palestian population to what the Nazis did. The Nazis were unique in horror. Yet what Israel is doing is wrong. Truth is a difficult concept to deny.
7
All but one newspaper in the UK hysterically oppose Corbyn because he threatens the status quo (Oh, he's not wearing a tie! Oh, he didn't bow deep enough at the memorial service! Oh, he wears sandals! Oh, he's not interested in meeting the Queen!). Now here's the NYT doing its own smear job to help prop up the pro-Israel status quo.
Not sure I'd continue reading this paper if there were no comments to re-balance things.
Not sure I'd continue reading this paper if there were no comments to re-balance things.
4
Do the Europeans really believe that Muslims and Jews will live peacefully side by side?? Come on Angela Merkel and the rest of them. The Muslims will replace the Jews. No Jew will feel safe in Germany or Britain. I would have preferred the peaceful Jewish people to these dangerous Islamists.
4
"This may be of little electoral consequence to Labour, since Jewish voters influence the outcome in only a handful of parliamentary seats."
Yet to vilify Jews or any other group based solely upon their ethnicity and/or religion is always of great consequence as the horrors of the Holocaust demonstrated.
Here in the USA the actions of Israel have made the situation more complicated: Israel annually receives billions of dollars from our treasury - something a technologically advanced state should not be doing - and Ariel Sharon (backed by popular Israeli public opinion) has sought to swing American elections in favor of the Republican party which has evolved into an anti-democracy, neo-Fascist movement.
Under these circumstances, Israel is not the friend of the USA by a long shot.
And given Israel's current values it would be prudent to cut Israel off from our budget expenditures where it does not belong, and to wish the Israelis all the best as they navigate their way forward into their future.
Yet to vilify Jews or any other group based solely upon their ethnicity and/or religion is always of great consequence as the horrors of the Holocaust demonstrated.
Here in the USA the actions of Israel have made the situation more complicated: Israel annually receives billions of dollars from our treasury - something a technologically advanced state should not be doing - and Ariel Sharon (backed by popular Israeli public opinion) has sought to swing American elections in favor of the Republican party which has evolved into an anti-democracy, neo-Fascist movement.
Under these circumstances, Israel is not the friend of the USA by a long shot.
And given Israel's current values it would be prudent to cut Israel off from our budget expenditures where it does not belong, and to wish the Israelis all the best as they navigate their way forward into their future.
1
It was the British who were responsible for the 1948 to destroy Israel, the division of Jerusalem and the deaths of thousands of Jews in Israel -- an action for which they never made an official apology. In the 1930’s they appointed as The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem a man who led the 1929 Hebron riots that killed over 70 Jewish yeshiva students including 12 Americans. He created more riots and deaths and during WW II spied and organized SS Troops for the Nazis, spending the war in Berlin as Hitler’s guest. He tried to convince Hitler to bring “The Final Solution” to the Middle East. He later caused the war against the newly formed Israel and it is because of him that the Palestinians did not have their state in 1948.
Jerusalem, which was supposed to be an undivided International city was divided in 1948 because the British officer led Jordanian Legion attacked Israel. The American pressured the British to withdraw their officers but they returned in violation of their orders. They were never court-marshaled.
Neither the British nor the Palestinians have shown any regret for their actions.
Jerusalem, which was supposed to be an undivided International city was divided in 1948 because the British officer led Jordanian Legion attacked Israel. The American pressured the British to withdraw their officers but they returned in violation of their orders. They were never court-marshaled.
Neither the British nor the Palestinians have shown any regret for their actions.
11
Any rational person realizes that not all criticism of Israel is anti semitic. But, to think that a large percentage of that criticism is NOT based on Jew hatred, is also incorrect. Anti semitism is alive and well in today's internet and social media obsessed world. Many claim that anti semitism today is at its highest since WW2. It only makes sense, that in this climate, many of these haters will choose to mask their Jew hatred by simply criticising the only Jewish state in the world...and why wouldn't they ? So let us not try to pretend that much of the criticism aimed at the worlds most scrutinized and criticised nation, is NOT based on pure primitive hatred.
7
If a non-Jew criticize the State of Israel's oppression of the Palestinians, that critic is labeled as anti semitic in an effort to stifle those legitimate criticisms.
4
This article has many contradictions. It point out
the mistake of doubting Jews loyalty to Britain.
However, British Jewry is against the left in labor party
for criticism of Israel and demanding justice for
Palestinians. Who are they loyal to? Apparently
Israel. Another ironic contradiction is labelling
left with anti-semitism but heaping criticism for
association with muslim association. It is bad to
be anti-semitic but good to be anti muslim. It is
bad to have it both ways. It is not surprising that
Jews have moved to support conservatives. Philip
Hammond, now chancellor of Exchequer, went to Israel
to stand by Benjamin Netanyahu when Israel was
pummeling Gaza in 2014. No doubt, being a cheerleader
of Israel wins automatic support from the jewry. There
are many fair minded Jews who call for justice for
Palestine and are critical of Israel's policies. Most are
for Israel, right or wrong.
the mistake of doubting Jews loyalty to Britain.
However, British Jewry is against the left in labor party
for criticism of Israel and demanding justice for
Palestinians. Who are they loyal to? Apparently
Israel. Another ironic contradiction is labelling
left with anti-semitism but heaping criticism for
association with muslim association. It is bad to
be anti-semitic but good to be anti muslim. It is
bad to have it both ways. It is not surprising that
Jews have moved to support conservatives. Philip
Hammond, now chancellor of Exchequer, went to Israel
to stand by Benjamin Netanyahu when Israel was
pummeling Gaza in 2014. No doubt, being a cheerleader
of Israel wins automatic support from the jewry. There
are many fair minded Jews who call for justice for
Palestine and are critical of Israel's policies. Most are
for Israel, right or wrong.
1
It should be noted that in America, too, leftist components of the Democratic Party are strongly Anti-Semetic. BLM and other black 'revolutionary' groups, the Occupy crowd, university professors who welcome the most vile Jew hating Muslim suprematists on campus while treating BDS with fealty, along with Its LGBT and totalitarian feminist cohorts. All Jew haters and Islamist supporters, including Israel hating Jews behind leftist media like the Nation, Salon, MM, Democracy Now, Daily Kos and all other Soros funded fronts, and, frankly, all of Obama's mentors, including Franklin Marshall Davis, Reverand Wright, Bill Ayers, Rashid Khalidi, and other black and other Third World white male haters, especially Jews. Sorry, but thems the facts. Why most American Jews vote Democrat and often favor BDS and genocidal Muslim suprematists over Israelis and other bulwarks against them is self hatred manifested.
1
The so-called "new antisemitism" equates criticism of the Israeli government, especially harsh criticism. as antisemitism. It is a fraudulent view create in the Israeli Foreign Office. It is used to deflect criticism, even stifle it. What would be fair criticism for others, like Serbia in the '90s, is called antisemitism when applied similarly to Israel.
1
Strangely, this article was written about Liberal Anti Semitism in Britain & just as well been an article about anti Semitism in the Liberal movement in the United States, in which the same anti Israel, anti Jewish, sentiment exists, led by Black Liberals, who have always been Pro Palestinian In every conflict, between Israel & it’s Arab neighbors.Like our brethren in England our progressive values do not have a political home.The conservative Republicans have become far more supportive of Israel then Democratic Liberals. However, the Republican Platform is too reactionary & theocratic to suit secular progressive Jewish voters, who for the most part are staunch supporters of the separation of Church & State.I for one will vote for Clinton, stay within the Democratic Party and vote for candidates that are Pro Israel & progressive, regardless of their Political Affiliation.
4
Readers can understand this article better if they read the Wikipedia article on Community Security Trust https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_Security_Trust
Readers can understand this article even better if they read the sections that the Community Security Trust deleted from the Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Community_Security_Trust&...
The deleted article, from the Electronic Intifada, https://electronicintifada.net/content/ei-exclusive-uk-charity-mossad-li... documents how the Community Security Trust was trained by the Israeli security agency Mossad. They equated criticism of the right-wing government of Israel, even by Jews, with anti-Semitism and spied on those critics in local Jewish communities for the Mossad.
They would classify Jews like me as anti-Semites, since I believe in international law and human rights, and support effective non-violent ways to end the occupation, even boycotts, divestments and sanctions.
Yes, I am an anti-Semite because I can't watch Palestinian children being killed, and Palestinian hospitals being bombed, without fighting to stop it. So be it.
Readers can understand this article even better if they read the sections that the Community Security Trust deleted from the Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Community_Security_Trust&...
The deleted article, from the Electronic Intifada, https://electronicintifada.net/content/ei-exclusive-uk-charity-mossad-li... documents how the Community Security Trust was trained by the Israeli security agency Mossad. They equated criticism of the right-wing government of Israel, even by Jews, with anti-Semitism and spied on those critics in local Jewish communities for the Mossad.
They would classify Jews like me as anti-Semites, since I believe in international law and human rights, and support effective non-violent ways to end the occupation, even boycotts, divestments and sanctions.
Yes, I am an anti-Semite because I can't watch Palestinian children being killed, and Palestinian hospitals being bombed, without fighting to stop it. So be it.
3
But you are ok with Jewish children (and adults) being killed indiscriminately by suicide bombers? I guess you are an anti-Semite. Thanks for admitting it.
10
The snobbish anti-Semitism of England's upper classes, quelled for a time during World War II when Winston Churchill helped save Jewish children from the Nazi death camps, and the horrors of Auschwitz were made known, has reasserted itself. Now the British like to justify it with egregiously inappropriate comparisons between Israel and the Third Reich.
When British university types snub Israeli schoolgirls, and elevate their boycott-divestment movement above human decency, you know there's more to it than sympathy for the Palestinians -- whose worst enemies have been their own leaders, and who could have had a country over thirty years ago had they responded to the United Nations resolution granting both the Jews and the Arabs their own countries.
Funny I never heard the term "Jordanian-occupied West Bank" when I was a kid.
When British university types snub Israeli schoolgirls, and elevate their boycott-divestment movement above human decency, you know there's more to it than sympathy for the Palestinians -- whose worst enemies have been their own leaders, and who could have had a country over thirty years ago had they responded to the United Nations resolution granting both the Jews and the Arabs their own countries.
Funny I never heard the term "Jordanian-occupied West Bank" when I was a kid.
6
That is to say, almost 70 years ago.
That's a long time for Arabs to keep shouting "Death to Israel."
That's a long time for Arabs to keep shouting "Death to Israel."
3
When will the anti-Israel commentators admit that the majority of Jews in that nation are from, or descendants, of Jews exiled from Islamic countries? The myth that European Jews (and their descendants) refugees are the largest group in Israel is contradicted by every census! Stop the chants that Israel's Jews are European colonizers, and not legitimate long term residents of the Middle East! so stop repeating it!
4
Supporters of Israel should be made to explain why Zionism embodied in state power does not lead inexorably to something like apartheid. I'm listening.
5
..and I'm listening for why it is ok for the Palestinian government to official say that Jews will not be permitted in their future state.
7
The idea of Israel as any power's "implant" in the Middle East is absurd. Jews called the Middle East "home" centuries before Islam even existed.
I do not say this to condone the implacably brutal policies of the current Israel government, for they are deplorable, but to support the Hebrew legitimacy of Israel alongside that of other people, Muslim and Christian, who have inhabited the region for millennia.
Declaring that only “someone with roots” in Britain, i.e., a British non-Jew, should fill the ambassadorial post to Israel is analogous to Donald Trump disqualifying American-born Judge Gonzalo Curiel from adjudicating the Trump University case because he is "Mexican." Both utterances are despicable.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
I do not say this to condone the implacably brutal policies of the current Israel government, for they are deplorable, but to support the Hebrew legitimacy of Israel alongside that of other people, Muslim and Christian, who have inhabited the region for millennia.
Declaring that only “someone with roots” in Britain, i.e., a British non-Jew, should fill the ambassadorial post to Israel is analogous to Donald Trump disqualifying American-born Judge Gonzalo Curiel from adjudicating the Trump University case because he is "Mexican." Both utterances are despicable.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
3
Why don't we just outlaw any criticism of Israel globally? In US, local governments are busy doing just that by passing unconstitutional anti-BDS legislation across the country.
Mr. Rich writes a lengthy op-Ed here without mentioning a word about Michael Foster (who subsequently got suspended from party membership) calling Coburn's supporters "Nazi stormtroopers". Basically, if you can't buy a rare politician with a moral compass, you might as well call them Nazis and pull out the antisemitism card.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-3739516/Why-despise-Jeremy-Cor...
Mr. Rich writes a lengthy op-Ed here without mentioning a word about Michael Foster (who subsequently got suspended from party membership) calling Coburn's supporters "Nazi stormtroopers". Basically, if you can't buy a rare politician with a moral compass, you might as well call them Nazis and pull out the antisemitism card.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-3739516/Why-despise-Jeremy-Cor...
3
No, US governments are not outlawing criticism of Israel. They are outlawing the anti-semitism of the BDS movement namely demonization of Israel, calls for the destruction of Israel, and double standards with regard to Israel. These three Ds are the premise of BDS
6
Nice try Mark.
There sure is a double standard in our foreign policy. We sanction Putin's Russia but send $4 Billion a year to Israel that has annexed Palestinian East Jerusalem and Syrian Golan. So you are right, we definitely have double standards that makes us look like hypocrites in the eyes of the world.
There sure is a double standard in our foreign policy. We sanction Putin's Russia but send $4 Billion a year to Israel that has annexed Palestinian East Jerusalem and Syrian Golan. So you are right, we definitely have double standards that makes us look like hypocrites in the eyes of the world.
5
i am jewish. anti-zionism IS NOT anti-semitism. one can be against the creation of an illegal nation state based on religious and racial nationalism and still be for the well being of jews around the world. the two ideas are not mutually exclusive.
5
There are some many absurdities regarding the ironies of characterizing Israel as a 'colony' state and its 'mistreatment' of 'Palestinians' . Suffice it to stay that the 'Israelites' have been located in Israel since time eternal; that the Israel was created by the 120+ nations of the UN; vs. the creation of the the Middle East as a result of various Treaties negotiated by the Turks; British and French. Israel's treatment of the Palestinian people is subject to criticism but in whole is more humane better than Shiites treat Sunnis and vis a versa; than Arabs treat each other. Maybe those who criticize Israel's treatment of the Palestinians should also ask how the Iranians treat its own populations and dissidents (we don't hear of course of the many that were executed after the last 'revolution' in 2009); how the Saudi's treat dissent and is controlled by the 10,000 members of the Saudi Royal Family; how the Egypt's Spring Revolution turned out for the thousands in jail; how you have to watch out were you cross the boundaries in Lebanon ; how the Syrian's have fared and lets not forget our Turkish friends; how Hama's 'democratic' system is as corrupt as any African nation. If Israel were to disappear tomorrow, I am sure the Palestinians would be at each other's throats; and Israel would become another battleground for the Hezbollah vs. the 'Palestinians' and the other Islamic factions that would want a foothold in the Region.
6
This article attempts to falsely conflate criticism of Israel's behavior with anti-Semitism. Every American (and, every Briton) has the absolute right to criticize Israel and its behavior towards the Palestinians in any way they wish. This right extends to Jews outside Israel who are pressured to stay silent in the face of Israel's wretched behavior, or be ostracized from their community.
4
I would "respect" these anti-Semites more if they had the guts to express their hatred of Jews in plain terms. In response to AFH, I am so sick of the false denials that current anti-Israel "sentiment" (talk about a euphemism for hatred!) is not merely anti-Semitism cloaked in respectable language. You Jew haters should come right out and say what you mean in plain language---you'll feel better getting it out in the open.
4
Is saying Israel oppresses Palestinians anti-Semitic? If so, is saying Israel does not oppress Palestinians pro-Semitic? Is it either or? Can Israel be judged without reference to being for or against Jews?
5
An effective leader should not deliberate attack or alienate a particular constituent group which is not part of a criminal gang. And we all know that Jeremy Corbyn, like David Cameron, has been a failure as a leader. So I wouldn't defend either person.
But Western governments are so one-sided in favor of Israel, which continues to convert East Jerusalem into a Warsaw ghetto, that many of us are tired of hearing Israeli justifications for their final solution for the Palestinians based on the Holocaust of the Jews.
MANY peoples have experienced "holocausts". Most NEVER got any attention or expression of regret. Native Americans are a HUGE example of this. Most genocidal criminals NEVER pay for their crimes.
But Western governments are so one-sided in favor of Israel, which continues to convert East Jerusalem into a Warsaw ghetto, that many of us are tired of hearing Israeli justifications for their final solution for the Palestinians based on the Holocaust of the Jews.
MANY peoples have experienced "holocausts". Most NEVER got any attention or expression of regret. Native Americans are a HUGE example of this. Most genocidal criminals NEVER pay for their crimes.
3
Jeremy Corbyn is a Marxist and as all Marxists he follows the beliefs, calling it ideology would do the religion like devotion of Leftists to the ideas of their found fathers no justice, that Karl Marx has set.
Marx himself was an adept anti Semite as one can very clearly see in his writings like "On the Jewish Question".
All that Marx did was to cover his rampant anti Semitism by a rampant class struggle.
Other of his ilk, e.g. Bakunin, were less careful with their words but even more radical anti Semites and all of them have shaped Socialism and Communism way up to today.
They also have shaped the thought processes of Corbyn and his fellow Socialists all over the world.
So it is no wonder that Corbyn and his party are still full fledged anti Semites as all they do is to devotedly follow the religion of their founding fathers.
And whatever did not work for some 150 years and produced more than a hundred million victims and has destroyed countless societies and countries, more than any other ideology in the past two centuries, cannot be wrong?
Or can it?
Marx himself was an adept anti Semite as one can very clearly see in his writings like "On the Jewish Question".
All that Marx did was to cover his rampant anti Semitism by a rampant class struggle.
Other of his ilk, e.g. Bakunin, were less careful with their words but even more radical anti Semites and all of them have shaped Socialism and Communism way up to today.
They also have shaped the thought processes of Corbyn and his fellow Socialists all over the world.
So it is no wonder that Corbyn and his party are still full fledged anti Semites as all they do is to devotedly follow the religion of their founding fathers.
And whatever did not work for some 150 years and produced more than a hundred million victims and has destroyed countless societies and countries, more than any other ideology in the past two centuries, cannot be wrong?
Or can it?
3
'Marx himself was an adept anti Semite as one can very clearly see in his writings like "On the Jewish Question".'
I would say that if Marx, himself a Jew, was writing about the Jewish Question more than 150 years ago, and we're still writing about the Jewish Question, then the answer to the question lies in its subject, the Jews, nowhere else. And why it's still being written about 150 years later is because people like Rich refuse to either recognize that, or address it. And judging from the outright dishonesty of this piece, that's still a ways away.
I would say that if Marx, himself a Jew, was writing about the Jewish Question more than 150 years ago, and we're still writing about the Jewish Question, then the answer to the question lies in its subject, the Jews, nowhere else. And why it's still being written about 150 years later is because people like Rich refuse to either recognize that, or address it. And judging from the outright dishonesty of this piece, that's still a ways away.
2
The "British left" is nothing like American progressives. Let's keep that straight. Jeremy Corbyn, and his like, have crawled out from under a slimy rock, somewhere in Britain. They are xenophobes, and they should be ashamed of what they have done to Britain and to Europe. I wouldn't spit on him if he were on fire.
2
I agree with a lot of this article. But it is unfortunate, and a sign of the times, that an article alleging and condemning veiled anti-Semitism is replete with conspiratorial references that are veiled Islamophobic ones: "Despite the initial mass protests against the Iraq war, the coalition was run by an activist core of far-left groups like the Socialist Workers Party allied with Islamists like the Muslim Association of Britain. "
3
Corbyn's worldview is the same worldview that came out in Durban II. Everyone is against racism, particularly the world's most brutal dictators. The far left identifies with this - as many of the world's dictators share similar views on capitalism and individual liberty.
2
For reality and truth's sake, Labour Party poison is better spewed out than swept under a rug.
The Jewish community (pick any country) is very adept at playing the race card against anyone who might criticize the right wing Likud dominated government currently in power in Israel.
There is, however, a material difference between disliking the policies of a government and being anti-Semitic.
Both ends of the political spectrum would do well to remember the difference.
There is, however, a material difference between disliking the policies of a government and being anti-Semitic.
Both ends of the political spectrum would do well to remember the difference.
5
How else to get away with murder and $4 billion a year from US to boot?
2
The truth is that this is all about Israel. As the Israeli government has become more radical, incorporating people like Lieberman who would be denounced (by Jews) as "far-right extremists" if they appeared in Europe, so, too, has the critical attitude towards Israel in the European Left and in Europe generally.
Many of Britain's Jews seem to see it as their mission to lobby for this foreign government. It is entirely reasonable to find this behaviour objectionable. Some people will find the actions of the Israeli government itself questionable. Others will find the general phenomenon of an ethno-religious group mobilising as a collectivity to pursue a political agenda designed to advance the interests of its country of ancestral origin morally dubious, regardless of the actions of that country's government. The fact that so many Jews seem to see themselves as lobbyists for this foreign country raises legitimate questions of loyalty in sensitive positions such as ambassadorships.
Far from being caused by antisemitism, the anti-Corbyn campaign by Britain's Jews will be a significant source of antisemitism for years to come. Millions of people who have vested their hopes in Jeremy Corbyn are in danger of seeing their dreams thwarted by a tiny but powerful minority pursuing an agenda of its own that has absolutely nothing to do with Britain, but instead relates to a foreign country. Those millions of people are not going to forget.
Many of Britain's Jews seem to see it as their mission to lobby for this foreign government. It is entirely reasonable to find this behaviour objectionable. Some people will find the actions of the Israeli government itself questionable. Others will find the general phenomenon of an ethno-religious group mobilising as a collectivity to pursue a political agenda designed to advance the interests of its country of ancestral origin morally dubious, regardless of the actions of that country's government. The fact that so many Jews seem to see themselves as lobbyists for this foreign country raises legitimate questions of loyalty in sensitive positions such as ambassadorships.
Far from being caused by antisemitism, the anti-Corbyn campaign by Britain's Jews will be a significant source of antisemitism for years to come. Millions of people who have vested their hopes in Jeremy Corbyn are in danger of seeing their dreams thwarted by a tiny but powerful minority pursuing an agenda of its own that has absolutely nothing to do with Britain, but instead relates to a foreign country. Those millions of people are not going to forget.
1
The funny thing to me is when people think that the left can't have an antisemitism problem. Antisemitism is endemic on the political left, starting with Voltaire, and Sartre and Marx. Marx was that most vile of creatures, the ex-jew who was always reminded of being born Jewish and who turned to vile hatred of his former people to try and fit in. He succeeded.
Then there are the repeated accusations of bad faith, or exaggeration, or that Jews use antisemitism as a club to silence opposition. And this isn't even opposition to Jews, but opposition to what have been consistently described in the comments as evil acts. This accusation makes all Jews complicit in the perceived (since most of these charges are hilariously false to anyone who has actually studied the region) crimes. This accusation has preceeded nearly every major pogrom in the world, and is generally followed by a justification on why antisemitism is ok.
Since when does the political left allow victim blaming? Or collective punishment? Which is the only group subjected to hate crimes they ignore? 57% of all religious hate crimes in the US target Jews, and that percentage is higher in Europe. Where are our solidarity marches? The truth is that there is one minority that does not warrant the same considerations as far as the left is concerned. Once again it all comes back to Jews.
Then there are the repeated accusations of bad faith, or exaggeration, or that Jews use antisemitism as a club to silence opposition. And this isn't even opposition to Jews, but opposition to what have been consistently described in the comments as evil acts. This accusation makes all Jews complicit in the perceived (since most of these charges are hilariously false to anyone who has actually studied the region) crimes. This accusation has preceeded nearly every major pogrom in the world, and is generally followed by a justification on why antisemitism is ok.
Since when does the political left allow victim blaming? Or collective punishment? Which is the only group subjected to hate crimes they ignore? 57% of all religious hate crimes in the US target Jews, and that percentage is higher in Europe. Where are our solidarity marches? The truth is that there is one minority that does not warrant the same considerations as far as the left is concerned. Once again it all comes back to Jews.
5
I agree with the comments here that this piece is not nuanced and is far too broad a sweep. At one point the writer suggests that somehow those who were opposed to the Iraq war are narrowly anti-Israel, and those who supported it are all fine citizens and none of them have any racist sentiments. This is complete nonsense - there are vast numbers of Labour supporters who were opposed to the Iraq war who are not opposed to Israel's existence. This article is yet another example of the "either or" approach to the Israeli-Palestinian question. It implies that pretty much all critics on the left are anti-semitic. Let's please, please have a "both and" approach. Yes, some people on the left - and the right - are anti-semitic - and that should be very strongly opposed. However, the vast majority of people on the left are not anti-semitic - he quickly glosses over the fact that the last left-leaning Labour leader Ed Miliband, elected by party members, was Jewish - and it was a non-issue for voters. And the even more obvious point - you can be a critic of Israeli government policy and be strongly opposed to anti-semitism. And you can be strongly opposed to anti-semitism and Islamophobia. It's both and, not either or.
2
The rise in Islamophibia will eventually lead to a rise in anti-semitism. The more people look at the "other" as the source of their problems the easier it will become to conflate Jew and Muslims as outsiders and the cause of "the problem" rather than the legacy of colonial exploitation and racism.
Most intelligent people, including the British left, have recognised that Israel wants land, not peace. Palestinian land. It is content to bargain the one for the other.
People, get resentful and hostile when repeated attempts are made to mislead them, to obfuscate the blindingly obvious. That is not anti-semitism, it is simple frustration at deception, unfairness and racism.
People, get resentful and hostile when repeated attempts are made to mislead them, to obfuscate the blindingly obvious. That is not anti-semitism, it is simple frustration at deception, unfairness and racism.
3
"Most intelligent people," particularly those who have read the history of three allied Arab invasions of Israel, recognize that Israel has not had the option of "choosing peace." It has been forced to take land as a defensive protection against those who have sworn its destruction and repeatedly acted to carry out that goal. If Israel truly had the option of peace with its neighbors it would choose peace in a second.
1
The outstanding Labour government of 1945-1951, which created Britain's National Health Service, gave India its freedom, and enacted much other progressive legislation, was not pro-Zionist. It endured the Zionist attack on the King David Hotel, which killed 91 British civil servants, the assassination of British soldiers by Zionists, and other deplorable acts. This enraged the then foreign secretary, Ernest Bevin, a good friend of the United States and a proponent of NATO and the Atlantic Alliance. It had its intended effect, however, causing Britain to give up its mandate in Palestine, allowing the Zionists to take over.
2
"Rather than being a legitimate expression of Jewish national longing, Zionism was then labeled a racist ideology akin to apartheid."
I guess this means that it's atheists, agnostics, Christians, Buddhists and Hindus who are pushing Palestinians on their lands and a pure coincidence that Zionists are the ones who end up as settlers there.
I guess this means that it's atheists, agnostics, Christians, Buddhists and Hindus who are pushing Palestinians on their lands and a pure coincidence that Zionists are the ones who end up as settlers there.
3
Just as it's true that "racism is as American as apple pie", in the words of Stokely Carmichael and others, it's also true that anti-Semitism is a British as tea and crumpets.
This is especially true among the "privileged classes" of Britain: the landed gentry, the peerage, and the graduates of those ingrained bastions of buggery (homosexual rape, essentially) and anti-Semitism known as public schools (Eton and Harrow lead the list) who make up the political and economic leadership of the United Kingdom. Oddly, the list of notorious anti-Semites also includes British labor union leadership, and the Labor Party itself.
It is indeed a disgrace.
This is especially true among the "privileged classes" of Britain: the landed gentry, the peerage, and the graduates of those ingrained bastions of buggery (homosexual rape, essentially) and anti-Semitism known as public schools (Eton and Harrow lead the list) who make up the political and economic leadership of the United Kingdom. Oddly, the list of notorious anti-Semites also includes British labor union leadership, and the Labor Party itself.
It is indeed a disgrace.
4
"Anti-Semitism is a British as tea and crumpets. This is especially true among the "privileged classes" of Britain"
Who are these privileged classes? Politicians? But the previous Labour leader, Ed Miliband, is Jewish, as is the Speaker of the Commons. Indeed Jewish MPs number eight times higher than their share of the population. The disparity is even greater in the House of Lords. The judiciary? But the current president of the UK supreme court is Jewish, as was his predecessor. Journalism? The head of all the BBC's news output is Jewish and was previously the editor of the London Times.
In short, as I pointed out earlier, Jews are far more widely accepted in Britain than in the US.
In contrast to these verifiable facts, you present no evidence at all.
Who are these privileged classes? Politicians? But the previous Labour leader, Ed Miliband, is Jewish, as is the Speaker of the Commons. Indeed Jewish MPs number eight times higher than their share of the population. The disparity is even greater in the House of Lords. The judiciary? But the current president of the UK supreme court is Jewish, as was his predecessor. Journalism? The head of all the BBC's news output is Jewish and was previously the editor of the London Times.
In short, as I pointed out earlier, Jews are far more widely accepted in Britain than in the US.
In contrast to these verifiable facts, you present no evidence at all.
1
I wonder if Mrs. Clinton would be surprised, given her rant on Trump's people, to see members of the "left" in Britain accused of xenophobia (anti-Semitism)?
There are two sides to this argument; on the one hand you have those who care little about religious affiliation, but care deeply about a political policy steeped in injustice and inequality and without legal precedent. On the other side you have a population unable to separate politics from religious zealotry and nationalism - which, consequently, is a working definition of fanaticism.
Good article.
Europe's pervasive bigotry gets a free pass from most American media.
As for white Europe's attitude towards Blacks, I look forward to a Times article about the prevalence of "monkey noises" directed to Blacks on the street and in public transit and the throwing of banana skins onto the field/court when a Black player enters.
Europe's pervasive bigotry gets a free pass from most American media.
As for white Europe's attitude towards Blacks, I look forward to a Times article about the prevalence of "monkey noises" directed to Blacks on the street and in public transit and the throwing of banana skins onto the field/court when a Black player enters.
4
Once again, anti Zionism is not anti-semitism. Corbyn is the best possible leader Britain has but, since he is a populist and a socialist not pandering to corporate interests, I expect the smears and inane accusations to continue in the major media and in this paper.
1
"This segment of party members tends also to subscribe to a worldview that blames the United States and its allies — foremost among them, Israel — for all that is wrong in the world."
This author belongs to a segment of "journalists" who tend to carry water for political groups and special interests through the use of innuendo, nebulous smears and the systematic discrediting of legitimate policy views with charges of antisemitism.
It gets old.
This author belongs to a segment of "journalists" who tend to carry water for political groups and special interests through the use of innuendo, nebulous smears and the systematic discrediting of legitimate policy views with charges of antisemitism.
It gets old.
4
I see parallels between the political situations in Britain and the U.S.
In both cases, the purported "left" party of the two major parties has drifted steadily rightward, both failing to undo the excesses of the rightist party and adding annoyances of its own.
In both cases, the higher-ups in the "left" party have acted offended that anyone would DARE run against the officially approved candidates or that rank-and-file members would DARE vote that way.
In both cases, the mainstream media have been hostile to the left-wing upstart. The New York Times and other outlets ignored Bernie Sanders until he started winning primaries, and they turned to ridiculing him. One of the accusations was that he couldn't deal with African-Americans.
In Britain, even the Guardian has been hostile to Corbyn and urged moderation, in spite of the tremendous suffering that the Tories have inflicted on the most vulnerable Britons. The accusations of anti-Semitism are part of the package.
Some--certainly not all--Jews see even justified criticism of Israel as "anti-Semitism," and Corbyn's concern for the Palestinians is viewed in that light. Certainly there are cases in which Israel has administered collective punishment for the actions of small groups.
(Personally, I see the Israelis and Palestinians as caught up in a vicious revenge cycle that will not end until one side or the other gives up the idea of mass reprisals.)
In both cases, the purported "left" party of the two major parties has drifted steadily rightward, both failing to undo the excesses of the rightist party and adding annoyances of its own.
In both cases, the higher-ups in the "left" party have acted offended that anyone would DARE run against the officially approved candidates or that rank-and-file members would DARE vote that way.
In both cases, the mainstream media have been hostile to the left-wing upstart. The New York Times and other outlets ignored Bernie Sanders until he started winning primaries, and they turned to ridiculing him. One of the accusations was that he couldn't deal with African-Americans.
In Britain, even the Guardian has been hostile to Corbyn and urged moderation, in spite of the tremendous suffering that the Tories have inflicted on the most vulnerable Britons. The accusations of anti-Semitism are part of the package.
Some--certainly not all--Jews see even justified criticism of Israel as "anti-Semitism," and Corbyn's concern for the Palestinians is viewed in that light. Certainly there are cases in which Israel has administered collective punishment for the actions of small groups.
(Personally, I see the Israelis and Palestinians as caught up in a vicious revenge cycle that will not end until one side or the other gives up the idea of mass reprisals.)
1
There is one fairly large difference between the British and American left: The Democrats know that they can't win when they co-opt the extreme left's positions, and as a result they tend to acknowledge it but not give it any meaningful power within the party or the presidency. Look at the most recent Democratic administrations' cabinet members and key officials (the Andrew Young affair in Carter's presidency being the major exception) and you will see that the extreme left does not have a single seat at the table. Sadly. the same cannot be said for Republicans and the extreme right.
1
The irony is that the mess that is the Middle East was created by Britain.
5
Progressives love accusing conservatives of racism. But when they look into the mirror they never see the classism and anti-Semitism they often represent. Rich.
3
The rise of anti-Semitism is the fault of Benjamin Netanyahu. They way ht treats the Palestinian people is the cause of it. When you see soldiers mistreating children and shooting civilians, it tends to make people angry in Europe. Here in American we have concluded that what he does is fine, after all our politicians need the Jewish vote so they don't dare complain about illegal settlements or mistreatment of the Palestinian people.
6
Your statement is exactly what this opinion piece is trying to point out. Israel is wrong, therefore antisemitism rises, therefore we can understand antisemitism in context, and therefore it is ok. Not to mention your implication that the Jewish vote controls the United States. Anti-semitism is not ok and for the record, Jews don't control the vote in America.
4
Right. Because anti-Semitism did not exist to any great degree before Netanyahu.
5
When will people get it in their heads that opposing a country's public policies that have been deemed corrupt by many world organizations (illegal settlements), is NOT the same as anti-semitism. Preventing comment or even stated opposition to such for fear of being labeled 'anti-semitic' is the antithesis of democracy.
5
My simple analysis identifies two key ingredients to British anti-semitism.
Firstly, anti-semitism is deeply rooted in British culture - ample evidence exists in British literature spanning centuries, for example.
Secondly, there are many more voting muslims, including especially those with middle-eastern roots, than there are voting jews. Simple politics.
Firstly, anti-semitism is deeply rooted in British culture - ample evidence exists in British literature spanning centuries, for example.
Secondly, there are many more voting muslims, including especially those with middle-eastern roots, than there are voting jews. Simple politics.
1
I have a very good friend in England, who is of the correct opinion on most issues. However, he is extremely antipathetic toward all religion, more so against the middle eastern religions. I couldn't imagine where this was coming from, although I keep reading about the anti-Semitic left in this country, which is completely at odds with my personal experience. I chalked it up to projection, which I see constantly coming out of one side of the political spectrum. Thank you for an explanation of what is going on over there.
All smoke, no fire. The author hasn't even exposed a credible heat source.
Conspicuous mudslinging and irrational hate?
Physician, heal thyself.
Conspicuous mudslinging and irrational hate?
Physician, heal thyself.
3
The author demonstrates a fundamental bias toward Israel. THere is a silent presumption that Israel is beyond reproach and therefore critics of Israel are by definition anti-semites. This pro-Israel bullwark leads to lack of intellectual rigor and worse pushes those with real concerns about the policies of the Netyahu policy of Trump-like walls, overt and covert settlement expansion and a disregard for the plight of millions of refugees into the opposition. The Left may have issues but to absolve Israel of any responsibility for policies bent on destroying a two state solution is wrong.
4
The illogic of the anti-Semitic left is to judge Israel in a vacuum, as if it bordered on Canada for instance. Israel has been attacked three times in the last 65 years by allied "neighbors" wihose clearly stated intention is to murder all Jewish Israelis. Israel has been regularly attacked with missiles fired into its civilian areas by a terrorist government "freely elected" by its Gazan "neighbors." If anything, Israel has shown great restraint in dealing with these provocations. When Britain or the US has been faced with such threats they have invaded and occupied the offending countries. I have no doubt that Israel would be satisfied with peaceful coexistence with its Arab neighbors just as I have no doubt that its Arab neighbors would not.
3
Jeremy Corbyn -- and the utterly reprehensible Seamus Milne -- have demonstrated that they simply do not believe there is an anti-Semitism problem, and therefore they have no intention of solving it.
That pattern of denial, stonewalling, tone-deafness, and frenetic ineptitude they first displayed with the anti-Semitism issue from March onward has come to be seen as the Corbyn calling card. It should be no surprise that someone as fundamentally inadequate as Jeremy Corbyn would then go on to ignore a vote of no-confidence that went against him more than four to one. But it's also true that, once again, it is the Jews who were the canary in the coal mine.
Corbyn will win re-election as Labour leader -- and then he will lead the party to record losses in the next general election. What a disaster the man is.
That pattern of denial, stonewalling, tone-deafness, and frenetic ineptitude they first displayed with the anti-Semitism issue from March onward has come to be seen as the Corbyn calling card. It should be no surprise that someone as fundamentally inadequate as Jeremy Corbyn would then go on to ignore a vote of no-confidence that went against him more than four to one. But it's also true that, once again, it is the Jews who were the canary in the coal mine.
Corbyn will win re-election as Labour leader -- and then he will lead the party to record losses in the next general election. What a disaster the man is.
1
Israel of today is not the Israel of 1965.
The people of Western Europe are very aware of the change.
It the same old trick of equating being against some Israeli policicies and being anti Semitic.
It is no longer working in Western Europe.
AIPAC makes sure the trick still works here.
The people of Western Europe are very aware of the change.
It the same old trick of equating being against some Israeli policicies and being anti Semitic.
It is no longer working in Western Europe.
AIPAC makes sure the trick still works here.
5
The latent racism that informs the left on both sides of the Atlantic is longstanding and obvious to all with an objective political lens. Their level of hypocrisy is matched only by the deficit in their thinking.
1
Britain's Jews, like America's Jews, are going to have to break up with Israel if they care about their progressive values. If someone wants to support a brutally enforced race-based state, there isn't going to be a lot of room for them in any left-leaning party. It's unfortunate the NYT allows discredited anti-Palestinian propaganda to appear unchallenged, or that it tacitly endorses the equation of criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. Of course in the UK as in the US, there are many Jews who reject the legitimacy of a settler-colonial state that displaces, steals from and oppresses the longstanding indigenous popilation, and who support nonviolent pressure on Israel such as protest, BDS, international justice and a cutoff of all military aid.
6
"...the legitimacy of a settler-colonial state that displaces, steals from and oppresses the longstanding indigenous population...". Sounds like you're describing where you live, Mr. Feld!
I'm sure that, given your strong feelings on the subject, you're giving your property to an indigenous peron and moving back to ...??
I'm sure that, given your strong feelings on the subject, you're giving your property to an indigenous peron and moving back to ...??
2
There is not a shred of legitimate evidence of British Left anti semitism offered in this piece. I had had enough of this rubbish nonsense when I read the line: 'This segment of party members tends also to subscribe to a worldview that blames the United States and its allies-foremost among them, Israel-for all that is wrong in the world' The writer should understand that much of the world rightly believes this to be the case. Nowhere else in the world would you be allowed to print such rubbish in which you use the term anti semitism in place of anti zionism or anti-rogue terrorist state.
2
Does the writer disagree with President Carter, who also described the Palestinian occupation as "apartheid"? Or is this recognition taken to be "anti-Semitic" on its face?
2
Why do news stories refer to Israelis as Jews and Palestinians as Palestinians.? Shouldn't it be Jew and Muslim, or Israeli and Palestinian? The bias is inherent and ubiquitous. So, Britain's left house garden variety bigots. New?
Antisemitism and anti-Israel are synonymous. Completely absent from these comments are the reasons Israel is perpetually embroiled in a silent war with Palestinians. What would you do, how would you feel if virtually every Canadian and Mexican were quietly or loudly intent on the destruction of the USA and periodically went on a rampage stabbing your neighbors? How would you feel is you knew every classroom north and south of the border spewed hatred and dehumanization as the daily lesson, legitimizing murder? Don't you think it odd that streets in in the West Bank or Gaza are named for killers of women and children? You gild lily when you gloss over the reasons Israelis are bending to the right.
The settlements are wrong. Yet to the mind of many Israeli mothers they are a buffer against genocide waiting on the other side of the border.
Antisemitism is real, it's active, it's pervasive, and at this point in time its center is the Mid-East, with ugly spirals that bleed into every corner of the earth. Britain's Labour party is not unique.
Antisemitism and anti-Israel are synonymous. Completely absent from these comments are the reasons Israel is perpetually embroiled in a silent war with Palestinians. What would you do, how would you feel if virtually every Canadian and Mexican were quietly or loudly intent on the destruction of the USA and periodically went on a rampage stabbing your neighbors? How would you feel is you knew every classroom north and south of the border spewed hatred and dehumanization as the daily lesson, legitimizing murder? Don't you think it odd that streets in in the West Bank or Gaza are named for killers of women and children? You gild lily when you gloss over the reasons Israelis are bending to the right.
The settlements are wrong. Yet to the mind of many Israeli mothers they are a buffer against genocide waiting on the other side of the border.
Antisemitism is real, it's active, it's pervasive, and at this point in time its center is the Mid-East, with ugly spirals that bleed into every corner of the earth. Britain's Labour party is not unique.
6
Palestinians are not all Muslim, many are Christian.
I wouldn't like it if Mexicans were stabbing my neighbors, but that is a very facile analogy. Here is a more apt one: If my neighbors moved into the heart Mexico and tossed out the inhabitants of the town they were occupying, and then installed military protection to protect their new lifestyle that routinely abused, jailed, and killed those displaced Mexicans, then while I would never approve of violence, I might feel a bit of empathy for the Mexicans.
International law would side with the Mexicans in this scenario too, as it specifies the right of the occupied to resist occupation by any means necessary.
I wouldn't like it if Mexicans were stabbing my neighbors, but that is a very facile analogy. Here is a more apt one: If my neighbors moved into the heart Mexico and tossed out the inhabitants of the town they were occupying, and then installed military protection to protect their new lifestyle that routinely abused, jailed, and killed those displaced Mexicans, then while I would never approve of violence, I might feel a bit of empathy for the Mexicans.
International law would side with the Mexicans in this scenario too, as it specifies the right of the occupied to resist occupation by any means necessary.
3
Right wing Israeli supporters of whatever Israel does, of any and every abuse, have alienated the British Labour Party.
That is how politics works. You alienate them, and they don't like you.
That is how politics works. You alienate them, and they don't like you.
7
Let us all continue to malign Israel over the status of its Muslim minorities in its borders. It will keep us from contemplating the much harder problem regarding the far lower status of being a Muslim in Muslim majority countries, or the absolutely abysmal status any of us would enjoy in their countries.
32
The old definition of anti-Semitism was someone who disliked Jews. The new definition is someone whom Jews dislike and that includes anyone who dares to criticize Israel and its brutal occupation and oppression of the Palestinians. This phony claim against the British left is just another attempt to silence any criticism of Israel. Long live the BDS movement.
91
100% correct.
1
Sir,
Your conjunctive phrasing "Israel *and* its brutal occupation and oppression of the Palestinians" illuminates the issue. As others here have pointed out, one can fairly criticize Israel's treatment of the Palestinians and not deserve to be called an anti-Semite. However, your phrasing "Israel and..." suggests a broader criticism of Israel qua Israel, regardless of its policies or borders. In other words, Israel, as a Jewish state, deserves criticism simply for its existence. Perhaps you did not intend such a meaning, but others do, and that treads far closer to the line of anti-Semitism.
Your conjunctive phrasing "Israel *and* its brutal occupation and oppression of the Palestinians" illuminates the issue. As others here have pointed out, one can fairly criticize Israel's treatment of the Palestinians and not deserve to be called an anti-Semite. However, your phrasing "Israel and..." suggests a broader criticism of Israel qua Israel, regardless of its policies or borders. In other words, Israel, as a Jewish state, deserves criticism simply for its existence. Perhaps you did not intend such a meaning, but others do, and that treads far closer to the line of anti-Semitism.
3
Spend some time in any Islamic country and see what the status of any non-Muslim is, not just of Jews.
9
First things first, being anti-Israel is different from being anti-semitic. Israel itself has a 20% non-Jewish Arab population, including many assimilated Palestinians. So to say being against Israel automatically means being against all Jews and agains Judaism itself is bad faith to say the least. What is not bad faith is to say Israel is enforcing an imperialist, genocide adventure against Palestine and Palestinians.
Second, to say there's an underground anti-semitic Iluminati-like sect in the Labour Party or the British Left in general is more transcends the absurd and reaches the territory of madness. Nothing in the narrative of the author slightly sugests Corbyn and the Labour Party is anti-semitic.
PS: Zionism is a real movement that was very important in the creation of Israel. Some Zionist groups in England even supported Hitler's Germany during the WWII because they clearly saw the synergy between his anti-semitism and the opportunity to create the geopolitical scenario for the foundation of a Jewish State. To write Israel's history without mentioning Zionism is a bit difficult don't you think?
Second, to say there's an underground anti-semitic Iluminati-like sect in the Labour Party or the British Left in general is more transcends the absurd and reaches the territory of madness. Nothing in the narrative of the author slightly sugests Corbyn and the Labour Party is anti-semitic.
PS: Zionism is a real movement that was very important in the creation of Israel. Some Zionist groups in England even supported Hitler's Germany during the WWII because they clearly saw the synergy between his anti-semitism and the opportunity to create the geopolitical scenario for the foundation of a Jewish State. To write Israel's history without mentioning Zionism is a bit difficult don't you think?
12
No doubt the issue about anti-Semitism will be hotly debated next year, as it marks the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, which recognised for the first time that the British government was sympathetic to a growing movement - Zionism - which was calling for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. The letter written by the then British Foreign Secretary, Arthur James Balfour, to Lord Rothschild, a leader of the Jewish community in Britain became an important arm of the movement to create a Jewish state in Palestine. So far leaders from Winston Churchill to Gordon Brown to David Cameron have openly professed to be Zionists and stood guard against the scourge of antisemitism. Of course opposition to Israel is not always antisemitic, but if Corbyn openly called Hamas and Hezbollah "friends," it can be controversial in the eyes of many Jews, who feel the threat of these militant groups, even if they are critical of Netanyahu's government themselves.
34
In the US, Black Lives Matter has accused Israel of "genocide" against the Palestinians. Amazing, since this is not their objective.
Anti-Semitism is increasing in the US, too.
Anti-Semitism is increasing in the US, too.
66
And that matters here because . . . ?
1
So, using Dave Rich "logic", doesn't criticising Black Lives Matter necessarily make you (gasp) anti-African American?
1
You just accused the entire Black Lives Matter movement of antisemitism. Are you trying to discredit this important movement by smearing their members as bigots?
5
Unfortunately, some supporters of pro-Palestinian policies express anti-Semitic views. This problem has surfaced repeatedly on U.S. and British college and university campuses, for example.
Sadly, the injection of anti-Semitism into Palestinian support movements weakens the Palestinian cause.
Sadly, the injection of anti-Semitism into Palestinian support movements weakens the Palestinian cause.
55
Corbyn is always bemused. It's his natural state. The author of this piece pulls the usual trick of conflating anti Zionism with anti Semitism when in fact they are different. That said the Marxist far left in Britain, which is where Corbyn's support is located, frequently blurs the line between the two also because the historical stereotypes are useful in stirring up primitive passions. Nuances are quickly lost in this process. It doesn't matter much. It's all very fringe and doesn't really reflect how the typical Labour voter thinks and behaves; and then there's the reality that Labour under Corbyn is never going to come within a thousand miles of power, indeed it's currently hovering on the brink of breakup because of the extremism of Corbyn's followers.
11
There are undoubtedly antisemites on the left. But un acknowledged is that there are anti- Palestinian bigots on the left as well. That is the underlying logic behind the insistence that people walk on tiptoes when criticizing Israel. The fact is that Israel exists as a Jewish state because of an act of ethnic cleansing that occurred in 1948 and the settlement project is a natural extension of this. One can argue about what constitutes a practical solution to this mess, but if you pretend that the Nakba didn't occur and insist that Palestinians and others pretend it didn't happen and deny that there is a settler colonialist history behind Israel's existence, then you are engaged in a form of bigotry that is rarely called out in so- called liberal circles.
35
What you are calling ethnic cleasing is the repulsion of enemy militians who actually attacked Israel, as in war, and were pushed farther away. They attacked again and were repulsed farther. However, this time they gave back some of the land and reserved some of the land for muslims. They only got an Egyptian ally and drastically more friendly Jordan. However, they still get attacked by the same people.
Why should the be forgiven?
The so called Palestians, a geographic region group given that name by Britian that was a location with no unifying qualities or interactions except for their desire to kill Jews.
Secondly, all left-wing groups are inherently anti-jewish and very few right-wing groups are. A real right-wing group is a group that gives people the ability to have an ability without taking it from someone else. A left-group always always takes from somelse and gives it to people the group itself thinks is deserving of it.
Why should the be forgiven?
The so called Palestians, a geographic region group given that name by Britian that was a location with no unifying qualities or interactions except for their desire to kill Jews.
Secondly, all left-wing groups are inherently anti-jewish and very few right-wing groups are. A real right-wing group is a group that gives people the ability to have an ability without taking it from someone else. A left-group always always takes from somelse and gives it to people the group itself thinks is deserving of it.
1
No ethnic cleansing. That's the lie too many leftists have swallowed.
4
Donald, Palestine was a Jewish State over 4000 years ago and portions of Palestine has been inhabited by Jews continually during this time. The world did not begin in 1948. Israel was offered about 18% of the territory of the British Mandate over Palestine (most of the remainder was given away by Britain to form the Kingdom of Jordan). The Jews accepted this 18% but the new State of Israel was promptly attacked by the armies of 5 Arab States, who vowed to drive the Jews into the sea. The problem of Nakba ("the tragedy") for the Arabs is not that Israel survived but that their Arab armies failed to destroy Israel in repeated wars against it.
6
Racism is plain wrong and should be stamped out wherever it appears. Unfortunately the word anti-semitism has been so overused, often inappropriately that it has begun to lose its' real meaning.
Criticism of the Israeli government, criticism of Israeli excesses in the occupied territories, is not anti-semitism, although Israel and a section of the media would like you to believe it is.
Zionists do not mean Jews. There are Christian, Muslim and atheist Zionists. There are Jews who are anti-Zionists. But the pro-Israeli government side always tries to blur the very real fence distinguishing ordinary Jews from active Zionists. It's no different to when the Daily Mail tries to blur the fence distinguishing ordinary Muslims from Islamist extremists. The pro-Israel side do so at their own peril as attempting to paint all criticism of Zionism as hatred of Jewish people trickles down to the real haters and exposes innocent Jews to abuse and violence.
I don't personally believe Labour has an issue with anti-Semitism. I just think it has a problem with too many vocal dimwits to whom Zionism is a dog whistle and who are too ignorant to realize that many of the pillars for their anti-Zionist views are anti-Semitic in nature. This makes it look like Labour tolerates anti-Semitism.
And nobody should fool themselves that the question of antisemitism in Britain is either new or just political. Just check out the Blackshirt leader Sir Oswald Mosley who makes Ken Livingstone look like a saint.
Criticism of the Israeli government, criticism of Israeli excesses in the occupied territories, is not anti-semitism, although Israel and a section of the media would like you to believe it is.
Zionists do not mean Jews. There are Christian, Muslim and atheist Zionists. There are Jews who are anti-Zionists. But the pro-Israeli government side always tries to blur the very real fence distinguishing ordinary Jews from active Zionists. It's no different to when the Daily Mail tries to blur the fence distinguishing ordinary Muslims from Islamist extremists. The pro-Israel side do so at their own peril as attempting to paint all criticism of Zionism as hatred of Jewish people trickles down to the real haters and exposes innocent Jews to abuse and violence.
I don't personally believe Labour has an issue with anti-Semitism. I just think it has a problem with too many vocal dimwits to whom Zionism is a dog whistle and who are too ignorant to realize that many of the pillars for their anti-Zionist views are anti-Semitic in nature. This makes it look like Labour tolerates anti-Semitism.
And nobody should fool themselves that the question of antisemitism in Britain is either new or just political. Just check out the Blackshirt leader Sir Oswald Mosley who makes Ken Livingstone look like a saint.
28
Or read unbowdlerized Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers whodunits!
Here's the deal. It's pretty much impossible to be Jewish and not support the right of Israel to exist. One can, as I do, despise Netanyahu, the Israeli Right and the Settler Movement, One can, as I do, be supportive of Palestinian rights.
But, to repeat, it's pretty much impossible to be a Jew and not support the right of Israel to exist. It's baked into anyone who claims a Jewish identity. There's a lot of room to discuss how Israel should exist, what policies the country should follow and about the meaning of Zionism. But the belief in the right for Israel to exist is a baseline belief shared by virtually all Jews.
That includes opposing groups like Hamas that advocate for the destruction of Israel (and looking crosseyed at BDS because it tacitly embraces Hamas).
In this manner opposition to Israel's right to exist is, in fact, anti-Semitic.
But, to repeat, it's pretty much impossible to be a Jew and not support the right of Israel to exist. It's baked into anyone who claims a Jewish identity. There's a lot of room to discuss how Israel should exist, what policies the country should follow and about the meaning of Zionism. But the belief in the right for Israel to exist is a baseline belief shared by virtually all Jews.
That includes opposing groups like Hamas that advocate for the destruction of Israel (and looking crosseyed at BDS because it tacitly embraces Hamas).
In this manner opposition to Israel's right to exist is, in fact, anti-Semitic.
90
True and I agree that Jews have a right and much cause to think this way. They have my sympathies. However, it is the policies of Israel that is causing many to regret that it does exist and to think that a democratic and Jewish state is a house divided.
If only it were true that it is baked into Jews to support Israel's right to exist as the Jewish state. There are too many Jews who lack this identity. They do not have a Jewish identity and are only steps from being completely assimilated and in the next generation will go all the way there unless something happens to clear their minds from desperately wanting acceptance in the academic world, for example, or with "progressive" elements who are against Israel, such as Black Lives matter people who conflate Israel with "colonialism" and want Israel not to survive as Israel, the Jewish state.
3
Obviously you've never heard of Neturei Karta - Orthodox Jews United Against Zionism. www.nkusa.org
1
I contend the vast majority of posters have a superficial understanding of today's Mddle East. This includes people on all sides of the issue.
6
What bothers me most of all is that the ugly charge of "dual loyalty" continues to smear all Diaspora Jews who reside outside of Israel. We're still treated like unwelcome guests in someone else's house who have overstayed our welcome. Diaspora Jews still held responsible for the actions of the Israeli government. The not so subtle implication is that Jews just aren't good citizens because they really owe their allegiance to another power.
Here's an uncomfortable question for the British left and so many bloggers: When are the Palestinians held accountable for their despicable actions like stabbing innocent Jews all over Israel and saying NO to all offers of their own State??
Here's an uncomfortable question for the British left and so many bloggers: When are the Palestinians held accountable for their despicable actions like stabbing innocent Jews all over Israel and saying NO to all offers of their own State??
66
when they acquire the same kind of weapons and foreign aid as the Israelis?
1
Children all over the Near East are indoctrinated with hatred of Jews from toddlerhood. All one needs to do is spend a few weeks there and watch TV, listen to the radio and read a few newspapers, or look at school textbooks.
5
All over "Israel"? Do you know that most of these incidents have taken place at military occupation checkpoints that are set up inside Palestinian territory? These are tantamount to an armed foreign military cordoning off your neighborhood in NY and making you go through a barricaded maze to get to work, or to leave your town. Violence is sure to pop up, no?
While any kind of violence is wrong, it is important to have a basic understanding of the context and geography of a conflict.
While any kind of violence is wrong, it is important to have a basic understanding of the context and geography of a conflict.
1
Zionism is the movement for a Jewish polity and homeland in the Jews historic homeland. It is not specific to the present government of Israel. One can be an ardent Zionist while not approving or disapproving of specific policies of Mr Netanyahu or the Likud party. The problem of Mr Corbyn and the British Labour party is that they elide this distinction. This simultaneously blurs the separationbetween "anti-Zionism" and anti-Semistism. The hypocrisy of Corbyn and his associates is that they approve and foster this intellectual dishonesty.,
22
The British and European treatment of Jews was why Zionism was created. Mr. Corbin and others should be consistent and ignore everything that has been developed in Israel, such as the technology for cell phones and the successful treatment for ALS (Lou Gerhrig's disease).
22
This seems to be the age of absurd politicians. We have Trump, England has Corbyn. His objection to the House of Lords is but one example of his stupidity. Does he think our Congress works better? If so, he really hasn't paid attention. Further, referring to Lords as "unelected privilege" is misleading. Most members are life peers, nominated by the elected leaders of the party in power, to form, ideally, a body of seniors selected on the basis of merit and accomplishment. Granted that is the ideal and not always the reality but it is an ideal with much to recommend it. Regarding those occasions when this ideal falls short in reality, one also notes that the U.S. ideal of electing legislators based on the pure and untrammeled wisdom of "the people" doesn't always work out very well either.
5
The author belongs to a professional grievance mongering organisation, one whose funding to the tune of million of pounds from the British taxpayer each year depends on its ability to conjure up an atmosphere of constant crisis.
The truth is that antisemitism is not a problem of any practical significance in Britain. Jews are not attacked or threatened in the streets. They are not firebombed in their homes or businesses. They are not discriminated against in high-level employment. The bogus statistics the author's organisation reliably churns out could equally well be produced by almost any distinguishable group in the country - cyclists, Scorpios, people with red hair, Geordies - if it had grievance-mongering organisations representing it, complete with their 24/7 incident hotlines to report every "attack", almost none of which seem to involve any actual violence.
The complaints of antisemitism are entirely confected. Many relate to the period before Corbyn assumed power, when it had a Jewish leader, Ed Miliband. Incidentally, the author says Britain's tabloids made thinly veiled antisemitic attacks on Miliband. I recall no such attacks, unless you count the Daily Mail's article on his communist father who wanted to overthrow parliamentary democracy in Britain, an article written by a Jew. Under this Jewish leader, only 14% of Jews voted Labour, so the disaffection clearly predates the rise of Corbyn.
The truth is that antisemitism is not a problem of any practical significance in Britain. Jews are not attacked or threatened in the streets. They are not firebombed in their homes or businesses. They are not discriminated against in high-level employment. The bogus statistics the author's organisation reliably churns out could equally well be produced by almost any distinguishable group in the country - cyclists, Scorpios, people with red hair, Geordies - if it had grievance-mongering organisations representing it, complete with their 24/7 incident hotlines to report every "attack", almost none of which seem to involve any actual violence.
The complaints of antisemitism are entirely confected. Many relate to the period before Corbyn assumed power, when it had a Jewish leader, Ed Miliband. Incidentally, the author says Britain's tabloids made thinly veiled antisemitic attacks on Miliband. I recall no such attacks, unless you count the Daily Mail's article on his communist father who wanted to overthrow parliamentary democracy in Britain, an article written by a Jew. Under this Jewish leader, only 14% of Jews voted Labour, so the disaffection clearly predates the rise of Corbyn.
30
For Mr Rich antisemitism is a job.Finding it is his source of income. I myself have never seen anti semitism in British Labour, and the current series of problems that Mr Corbyn seems to suffer from has a very loud ring of spin doctor's opportunism. Mr Corbyn 'was not anti Brexit enough', he is 'not severe enough against anti Israel remarks of party members', remarks that are quickly and arbitralily reformatted into some form of anti semitism. Pressure about correctness of expression replaces true discussion of very important topics. The goal is to get rid of Corbyn, not to discuss.
28
Anti-Zionism has indeed become anti-semitism because leftists seemingly cannot distinguish between rightful criticism of Netanyahu's conservative policies (many of which I am opposed to) and centuries-old smears and lies. Surely, support for Israel cannot equal opposition to Palestinian rights? Can we not support Jews and Arabs alike? The empowerment of one group does not have to mean the disenfranchisement of the other.
I do believe that Mr. Corbyn means well by proclaiming to be against racism, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia, but his record and association with far-left groups and Islamist parties should leave members of the Labour Party extremely skeptical of his intentions regarding this particular issue. Even here in the United States, Marxists and other leftists accused Bernie Sanders of being a shill for the "Zionist bankers". The Green Party, like other fringe groups, view the United States and its allies (including Israel) as the living embodiment of evil in the world, no matter what Israel does.
It seems as though Jews are the only minority group in the West that is not allowed to fully embrace their heritage, lest they be cast by the extreme ends of the political spectrum as evil and conniving. How utterly saddening.
I do believe that Mr. Corbyn means well by proclaiming to be against racism, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia, but his record and association with far-left groups and Islamist parties should leave members of the Labour Party extremely skeptical of his intentions regarding this particular issue. Even here in the United States, Marxists and other leftists accused Bernie Sanders of being a shill for the "Zionist bankers". The Green Party, like other fringe groups, view the United States and its allies (including Israel) as the living embodiment of evil in the world, no matter what Israel does.
It seems as though Jews are the only minority group in the West that is not allowed to fully embrace their heritage, lest they be cast by the extreme ends of the political spectrum as evil and conniving. How utterly saddening.
24
Kenan Malik has a much better article on the subject elsewhere on the NYT web site. One of the problems Malik points out is that the conflation of Jews, Israel, and the government of Israel is a two-way street. True anti-semites use criticism of Israel as a cover to make old-fashioned anti-semitism socially acceptable. Criticisms of Israeli policy often go hand-in-hand with classic anti-semitic images of the greedy Jew or conspiring Jew.
On the other hand, defenders of Israel's foreign and Palestinian policies are also unprincipled in the way they accuse all critics of anti-semitism (and if the critic is Jewish, then the critic is a "self-hating Jew.") Suddenly, criticism of Netanyahu and Likud is an attack against Jews all over the world.
With muddling of policy with prejudice from two directions, it's no wonder there is a problem. But even so, Corbyn is not doing a particularly statesman-like job of taking a principled stance.
On the other hand, defenders of Israel's foreign and Palestinian policies are also unprincipled in the way they accuse all critics of anti-semitism (and if the critic is Jewish, then the critic is a "self-hating Jew.") Suddenly, criticism of Netanyahu and Likud is an attack against Jews all over the world.
With muddling of policy with prejudice from two directions, it's no wonder there is a problem. But even so, Corbyn is not doing a particularly statesman-like job of taking a principled stance.
6
This is from Jeremy Corbyn's office: " The allegation that Seamus Milne or any other Corbyn aide asked for the Hebrew Passover greeting to be removed from the Passover message earlier this year is categorically untrue"
'Chag Kasher Vesameach' appeared in Corbyn's Paver statement published in the Jewish News on 21st April 2016.
Far from being overruled on its contents, it was Seamus Milner who signed off the full statement, as confirmed by the documentary records.
The person making these claims is a disgruntled former member of staff who was moved out of the leader's office after leaking stories - and who now supports Jeremy Corbyn's opponent in the leadership election."
'Chag Kasher Vesameach' appeared in Corbyn's Paver statement published in the Jewish News on 21st April 2016.
Far from being overruled on its contents, it was Seamus Milner who signed off the full statement, as confirmed by the documentary records.
The person making these claims is a disgruntled former member of staff who was moved out of the leader's office after leaking stories - and who now supports Jeremy Corbyn's opponent in the leadership election."
9
Ah, yes. The now familiar "anti-Semitism" attack on any who dare criticize the actions of an Israeli government. It's convenient and it works. The British ruling class has long had an anti-Semitic strain; one strain among many in a long history of Britiish bigotry which included such notables as Winston Churchill.
So now it's PR/propagandists such as Mr. Rich who apply the "anti-Semitic" broad brush to the "leftists" of Corbyn's era. Rightwingers arise to prevent any movement away from Tory rule. How ironic given that party's long ties to the anti-Semitic ruling class. Ironic but predicatable.
So now it's PR/propagandists such as Mr. Rich who apply the "anti-Semitic" broad brush to the "leftists" of Corbyn's era. Rightwingers arise to prevent any movement away from Tory rule. How ironic given that party's long ties to the anti-Semitic ruling class. Ironic but predicatable.
16
"Most British Jews had long since moved on from their origins in a prewar immigrant working class,"
This is a statement calculated to mislead American readers. I assume the author is American so perhaps he knows no better.
Jews have been in Britain, of all classes, for centuries. Certainly since the time of Henry II, and their community has been enriched from time to time by migration, whether prompted by a foreign expulsion or by better economic opportunity in the UK. or its predecessor England (until 1603).
They were and are far from uniformly working class, perhaps because of the same reverence for education that we see in the US.
Does the name Rothschild mean nothing to the author? The family financed much of the war against Napoleon. Disraeli is the only Jewish prime minister so far, more than a century ago. That is still ahead of the US. Miliband did not lose because of anti-Semitism. He lost because he became leader in a way widely regarded as stabbing his better-regarded brother David in the back. He lost because he was a terrible speech maker and worse at personal interviews. He lost because he pretended to be a 'man of the people' but it emerged that he lived in large house in Islington worth more than a million, about 5 x the price of an average dwelling in the UK. He showed it on TV with a very small kitchen. This turned out to be the smallest of three kitchens in the house.
Being dramatic, he was Cain to his brother's Abel, Macbeth without the charisma.
This is a statement calculated to mislead American readers. I assume the author is American so perhaps he knows no better.
Jews have been in Britain, of all classes, for centuries. Certainly since the time of Henry II, and their community has been enriched from time to time by migration, whether prompted by a foreign expulsion or by better economic opportunity in the UK. or its predecessor England (until 1603).
They were and are far from uniformly working class, perhaps because of the same reverence for education that we see in the US.
Does the name Rothschild mean nothing to the author? The family financed much of the war against Napoleon. Disraeli is the only Jewish prime minister so far, more than a century ago. That is still ahead of the US. Miliband did not lose because of anti-Semitism. He lost because he became leader in a way widely regarded as stabbing his better-regarded brother David in the back. He lost because he was a terrible speech maker and worse at personal interviews. He lost because he pretended to be a 'man of the people' but it emerged that he lived in large house in Islington worth more than a million, about 5 x the price of an average dwelling in the UK. He showed it on TV with a very small kitchen. This turned out to be the smallest of three kitchens in the house.
Being dramatic, he was Cain to his brother's Abel, Macbeth without the charisma.
15
Disraeli was nor a Jew, he renounced his Jewish faith decades before becoming PM
1
Must the default setting of our species be superstitious tribalism? Judaism has historically led mankind away from that blind alley, only to create a subsidiary blind alley in the extreme Zionism of Israel's far right.
6
This essay seems more about British Zionism than British anti-Semitism. I suspect the article is so deep in these issues that he cannot see the conflation he is making.
12
A nuance sorely lacking in these comments centers upon what exactly is being conflated in the broad and perhaps advantageously ambiguous phrase "critic(s|ism) of Israel". It is only with a clarification of one's criticism that we can say that anti-Semitism and criticism of Israel are not related. If your criticism extends beyond disapproval of Bibi's right-wing government and horrid policies to disapproval of Israel's very existence, then yes, you are expressing something very targeted and hostile to Jews.
As a progressive Jew, I typically find the discussion too volatile for any hint of nuance, and that is wholly regrettable.
As a progressive Jew, I typically find the discussion too volatile for any hint of nuance, and that is wholly regrettable.
161
Corbyn doesn't dispute Israel's right to exist. "http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/04/jeremy-corbyn-grilled-by-mps-... (see towards the end of the article).
As far as the “Chag Kasher VeSameach” story repeated in Rich's opinion piece is concerned, I suggest anyone interested looks at the documentation. It's yet another unfounded anti-Corbyn smear.
In general the piece seems to go out of its way to ferment discord. Take the paragraph "It was inauspicious that, at the news conference in June for its publication, Mr. Corbyn looked on in silence as one of his supporters accused Ruth Smeeth, a Jewish member of Parliament, of conspiring against the party leader. Ms. Smeeth left the room in tears." Well, of course. In many people's eyes that is precisely what she had done. Whether she was Jewish or not is not the issue here.
As far as the “Chag Kasher VeSameach” story repeated in Rich's opinion piece is concerned, I suggest anyone interested looks at the documentation. It's yet another unfounded anti-Corbyn smear.
In general the piece seems to go out of its way to ferment discord. Take the paragraph "It was inauspicious that, at the news conference in June for its publication, Mr. Corbyn looked on in silence as one of his supporters accused Ruth Smeeth, a Jewish member of Parliament, of conspiring against the party leader. Ms. Smeeth left the room in tears." Well, of course. In many people's eyes that is precisely what she had done. Whether she was Jewish or not is not the issue here.
13
So a Palestinian who objects to his or her ethnic cleansing in 1948 was by your definition an antisemite? Perhaps you should rethink this. Nuance on this subject does not mean setting up artificial lines regarding which atrocities one can criticize. This is not to deny that there are antisemites on the left, but frankly, there are quite a few people also on the left who tell Palestinians and others which Israeli injustices they are allowed to mention. This would be like saying that to avoid Islamophobia we are not allowed to condemn certain categories of crimes committed in the name of Islam.
7
Interesting how well over 90% of Israeli Jews supported their government's actions in the latest Gaza operation. This includes moderates and leftists within Israeli society. How often does a group of diverse Jews agree on anything by over 90%? If you go to Israel and talk to these people yourself, you will hear them say they do not know what else they can do in trying to bring peace.
3
Interestingly, with all the criticism of Israel, ie Jews, and their policies towards arabs, there is nary a word about the blatant antisemitism of Arabs in the Palestine. Many arabs with the courage to speak about this opine Palestinian arabs would have had no qualms about other muslims settling in to Palestine after the demise of the Ottoman Empire. The issue for them was that the new settlers were Jews.
31
It is surprising that the NYT would publish this nonsensical op-ed full of innuendo and suspicion. No facts reports in this piece suggest anti-Semitism. This writer fails to distinguish between anti-Israel view, and anti-Semitism. Israel today is dominated by a religious fanatic determined to dispossess the Palestinians of their homeland to remed a 2,000 year old religious right. No sensible government should support Israel. Surely not the U.S. that has suffered great damage in the world due to our support of Israel. On the 15th anniversary of 9/11, let remember by Al Qaeda struck the U.S.; because of our support for Israel and our military presence in the middle east.
24
@Bill, thanks for confirming the validity of this article, with your gross generalizations and complete falsification of history (for starters, Al Qaeda attacked the US because of our support for the Saudi government and secular Arab regimes in general)
3
Support for Hamas is a felony in the United States, so Corbyn's comparative attitude of praise for the organization suggests a profound disconnect between
the British left and the American public. If British leftists won't tolerate support for Zionism, one should hope they don't end up running Great Britain. It won't end well.
the British left and the American public. If British leftists won't tolerate support for Zionism, one should hope they don't end up running Great Britain. It won't end well.
8
In many ways this is an outrageous article. It screams antisemitism whenever Israeli policies of illegal settlements, harassment of the Palestinians ,total disregard for UN resolutions is raised.
The Labour Party for all its warts speaks out against the excesses of current Israeli policy and always has and always will. To label such criticism as antisemitic is playing the same old tired refrain.
The Labour Party for all its warts speaks out against the excesses of current Israeli policy and always has and always will. To label such criticism as antisemitic is playing the same old tired refrain.
42
The author is just being delusional and paranoid. Many incidents mentioned in this article have nothing to do with anti-semitism, it's just in the minds of the radical politically correct crowd who label, degrade & threaten anyone & anything that challenges their views. I bet if "Jewish" was replaced by "white male" in this article, the author would be calling the aggressors social justice warriors and champions of equality.
8
Utterly unconvincing.
16
Corbyn and his supporters - the unelectable elevated by the unemployable.
Corbyn has the lowest recorded poll ratings in British history; he will lead the Labour Party (the party of Blair that was an election winning machine that terrified the Tories) into electoral annihilation in 2020.
After then, or even before, the party will split into Corbyn's lunatic fringe of hysterical leftists, and a Blairite 'New Labour' centre left that ditches its corrupting relationship with the unions and refocuses on the centre ground.
Corbyn has the lowest recorded poll ratings in British history; he will lead the Labour Party (the party of Blair that was an election winning machine that terrified the Tories) into electoral annihilation in 2020.
After then, or even before, the party will split into Corbyn's lunatic fringe of hysterical leftists, and a Blairite 'New Labour' centre left that ditches its corrupting relationship with the unions and refocuses on the centre ground.
8
I started reading this article with great anticipations, not being familiar with the issue of the Labour Party, Israel, and anti-Semitism. The more I read, the more disturbed and then appalled I became. The writer, it seemed to me, was making no distinction between anti-Semitism and opposition to the policies of Israel. The fact that so many other readers came to the same conclusion reinforced my own. So I don't really know whether there is, in fact, a strong strain of anti-Semitism in the British left. I only know that this article did not make the case. There is some strong anti-Israeli sentiment, which many of us consider fully justified.
22
"Anti-Zionism" has turned into a thinly veiled cloak for antisemitism. Most "anti-Zionists" don't even know what Zionism is. They've never read the seminal publication that defines Zionism, Herzl's "A Jewish State," despite that it's short and available online for free. They routinely use ancient Jewish slurs accusing the "Zionist media," the "Zionist bankers," "Zionists in government," "Zionist control," and accusing Jews around the world of mixed loyalties. Double standards for Jews and Israel are the norm, not the exception. A Saudi prince with connection to the land rules Jordan with an iron fist? No problem. But Israel, a democracy - their next-door neighbor - is routinely vilified.
Nonsense like this, from a typical commentator, illustrate the problem: "They need to understand that one can celebrate the phenomenal contributions Jews have made to making the world a better place and still vigorously oppose the Zionist project." Jews don't need to have their "phenomenal contributions" celebrated. We just want to be treated the same as anybody else; no better and no worse. We don't want to be collectively celebrated nor collectively blamed. When this is done to Muslims it's quickly and rightfully labeled as Islamophobic. Similarly, when it's done to Jews - as it is all too often - it should be labeled exactly what it is, antisemitic.
Nonsense like this, from a typical commentator, illustrate the problem: "They need to understand that one can celebrate the phenomenal contributions Jews have made to making the world a better place and still vigorously oppose the Zionist project." Jews don't need to have their "phenomenal contributions" celebrated. We just want to be treated the same as anybody else; no better and no worse. We don't want to be collectively celebrated nor collectively blamed. When this is done to Muslims it's quickly and rightfully labeled as Islamophobic. Similarly, when it's done to Jews - as it is all too often - it should be labeled exactly what it is, antisemitic.
291
Many Middle Eastern arabs, when allowed to speak freely with no fear of retribution from their fellow arabs, admit if Palestine had been settled after WW1 by muslims, no problems would have occurred. But because these were Jews, hence the problems.
The current thawing of relations between Saudi Arabia and Isrsel could lead to a significant breakthrough in the region.
The current thawing of relations between Saudi Arabia and Isrsel could lead to a significant breakthrough in the region.
5
So you are really suggesting that anyone who is anti-Zionist (whether they have read Herzl or not) is necessarily anti-semitic? Seriously? So, by extension, to be critical of Russian domestic and foreign policy is anti-slav, for example? Get a grip - please. Putin and his cronies are not the slavic people anymore than Netanyahu and his cronies are the Jewish people. By misappropriating and abusing the term "anti-semitic" you are dangerously devaluing its intellectual potency.
5
"Jews don't need to have their 'phenomenal contributions' celebrated. We just want to be treated the same as anybody else; no better and no worse."
And a lot of people that you think hate Jews just want Israel to be treated the same as any other nation.
And a lot of people that you think hate Jews just want Israel to be treated the same as any other nation.
The International Left has been dead-set against Jews since the Israelis won the 6-day war.
14
I think the columnist fantasy overtakes the relaity and ditortes it.
4
Hatred of Jews and Israel has been common in left wing circles for years, both in Great Britain, the United States and elsewhere. It is evident from many left leaning news programs and prominent newspapers. Sadly, while these sources continue to spew biased propaganda, many listeners and readers do not see it as such. They interpret it as "the truth."
I am grateful that the NY Times has run an opinion piece on this issue, although the NY Times itself has not been particularly friendly to Israel.
I am grateful that the NY Times has run an opinion piece on this issue, although the NY Times itself has not been particularly friendly to Israel.
138
On of my Jewish friends -- once a proud card-carrying member of the American Communist Party and still might be, for all I know -- loathes "Israel".
And Israelis.
Go figure.
And Israelis.
Go figure.
2
What needs to be figured, Steve? What is there about being a Jew that makes it contradictory to loathe a particular nation-state?
1
"[T]he NY Times itself has not been particularly friendly to Israel."
I should like to see the Editorial Board of the New York Times respond to this statement.
I should like to see the Editorial Board of the New York Times respond to this statement.
1
it's the same sad story of accusing someone conspiring against what or who so ever ,'t is the same sad story conspiring theories about Jews....
't is done and will happen again by purpose ....
left or right ,perceptions emptied by politicians bit by bit,politicians fascinated by themselves only....
an excellent NYT contribution/article!
't is done and will happen again by purpose ....
left or right ,perceptions emptied by politicians bit by bit,politicians fascinated by themselves only....
an excellent NYT contribution/article!
3
As an unapologetic Israelophile, I applaud this column. The Palestinian problem is one created by the Muslim countries who refused to allow those in Gaza and elsewhere to immigrate into their societies. Because they wanted to keep them a festering sore at the border of Israel, and they have richly succeeded in that.
The ONLY country in the Middle East whose people are favorably disposed toward the West is Israel. That is key. We get some lip service from Turkey and Jordan and Albania (I know, Europe technically, but heck, the Balkans after all). But that is all it is, and mostly from the leaders, aside from the egotistical authoritarian weirdo in charge in Turkey.
Corbyn is Britain's Trump, from the other side (assuming Trump is a rightist, though in truth he is just a Trumpist). My response to the increasing drumbeat against Israel was rather pedestrian. A Gentile, I joined the Hillel chapter at one of my universities. It seemed the right thing to do.
The ONLY country in the Middle East whose people are favorably disposed toward the West is Israel. That is key. We get some lip service from Turkey and Jordan and Albania (I know, Europe technically, but heck, the Balkans after all). But that is all it is, and mostly from the leaders, aside from the egotistical authoritarian weirdo in charge in Turkey.
Corbyn is Britain's Trump, from the other side (assuming Trump is a rightist, though in truth he is just a Trumpist). My response to the increasing drumbeat against Israel was rather pedestrian. A Gentile, I joined the Hillel chapter at one of my universities. It seemed the right thing to do.
31
There is no equation between Judaism and Zionism. Both Jews and non-Jews who claim that Judaism and Zionism are one and the same are sadly mistaken. To equate Zionism with "progressive-ism" is also a mistake. It is a very old idea which has become tired with age. Those who are dedicated to seeing Israel thrive know that new ways must be found to integrate a Jewish homeland into the Middle Eastern economic community. There are opportunities here and now to do so, which were hitherto unknown. This is not merely a problem of the British left. It is a problem which Jews across the world must confront: What are the acceptable parameters of a Jewish homeland which fits into the larger Middle Eastern community of nations? With Syria as essentially a failed state, there can be no greater question for Jews at the moment: If Israel itself is not to be viewed as a theocratic racial enterprise, how does Israel create the reality--not merely the perception-- that it fits within the region? Some nearly 70 years into its existence, it is time for Israel and its neighboring states to figure out what peace & justice in the region actually means.
4
So is it anti-Zionism or anti-semitism that is the issue here? Oh, sorry, I forgot that in the mind of many pro-Zionists, there is no distinction. A most convenient (if entirely intellectually dishonest) conflation.
5
A few years ago, Congressman Barney Frank famously said that "Israel is bad for the Jews." This screed by Mr. Rich shows how right he was. Benjamin Netanyahu, the leader of the far-right in Israel, is making a systematic effort to blur the distinction between Judaism--an ancient and honorable religion, the foundation of both Christianity and Islam--and Zionism, a 19th century nationalistic ideology that became exclusive and authoritarian by the late 20th century.
Perhaps unwittingly, Mr Rich acts as a publicist and flack for Mr. Netanyahu and his associates: more precisely "a useful idiot."
Perhaps unwittingly, Mr Rich acts as a publicist and flack for Mr. Netanyahu and his associates: more precisely "a useful idiot."
8
Preferential treatment in Israeli society is based on adherence to a particular religious worldview (Judaism) and all who are not members of that religious community are second-class citizens with unequal rights. This is not unlike government policy in the Islamic countries, where Muslims are accorded preferential treatment and all non-Muslims are reduced to second-class status. Corbyn's tactics are possibly, in part, designed to appeal to working class immigrant voters from the Muslim world who harbor anti-Jewish sympathies (or, more likely, to protect those Labour candidates who represent such constituencies). They are also probably, in part, based on traditional left-wing solidarity with oppressed underclasses, and the condition of the Arab Muslims in Israel and Israel occupied Palestinian territory is one of the most prominent examples in the world of a people who are being unfairly oppressed.
No one, anywhere, who could genuinely say that they adhered to a "strong progressive tradition" would vote for the Tories (or especially for Thatcher, for that matter). This article has less to do with Corbyn then it does with attacking all people who harbor left-wing sympathies. I doubt that Dave Rich will ever be voting for Labour under any circumstances.
No one, anywhere, who could genuinely say that they adhered to a "strong progressive tradition" would vote for the Tories (or especially for Thatcher, for that matter). This article has less to do with Corbyn then it does with attacking all people who harbor left-wing sympathies. I doubt that Dave Rich will ever be voting for Labour under any circumstances.
6
"Preferentail treatment" for Jews in Israel? Here are just two examples proving the opposite, one on a national level, and one personal:
The head of the Election Commission that supervised the last Israel elections, in which Netanyahu (the demon responsible for all the world's ills) was reelected, was a former Supreme Court Justice - and, oh yes, an Israeli Arab.
In a recent visit to the emergency room in a Jerusalem hospital, two of the three physicians who examined me were Arabs.
Israel is the only country in the Middle East in which education and employment are open to all.
The head of the Election Commission that supervised the last Israel elections, in which Netanyahu (the demon responsible for all the world's ills) was reelected, was a former Supreme Court Justice - and, oh yes, an Israeli Arab.
In a recent visit to the emergency room in a Jerusalem hospital, two of the three physicians who examined me were Arabs.
Israel is the only country in the Middle East in which education and employment are open to all.
13
Well, since persecution of the Jews by countries ranging from Spain and Poland to England and Germany and to Arab countries for a thousand years was based on Judaism as a religion, I see no reason why Israel should not be a "Jewish" state.
In Israel, Jews are blonde, dark-haired, and black. They look like Arabs and Russians and Greeks.
The common denominator is their religion.
In Israel, Jews are blonde, dark-haired, and black. They look like Arabs and Russians and Greeks.
The common denominator is their religion.
3
Some of the criticism of the criticism of Jeremy Corbyn focuses on a campaign aimed at unseating him based in part on spurious claims of anti-Semitism. Corbyn has had a long-standing commitment to Palestinian rights, a commitment which does not hide a 'closet anti-Semite'-- one inference. Zionism (not necessarily Israel) has, tragically, become seen as justifying ethnic cleansing. That Zionism in whatever form had helped oppressed Jews facing violence has been obscured by continued incursions, approved by the Israeli leadership, into internationally recognised Palestinian territory. The writer must be mindful that many Jews in Britain do not go along with everything that Israel does and have come out in support of Jeremy Corbyn. In his general political outlook, Corbyn does not pander to prejudices against welfare recipients and immigrants in Britain and has provoked anxiety among the Parliamentary Labour Party who have in numbers been far more reticent in opposition to the government in power than he is on those fronts, citing electability. The membership, however, who elected him, are in support of his policies, by most accounts. Efforts to paint him as unsound in his judgements as opposed to principled and pursuant of essentially traditional social democratic policies are the name of the game among his opponents. Sensitivity abounds, but holding Corbyn's feet to the fire over Israel appears to many to be a contrivance.
5
I freely admit that this is the observation of someone outside the UK looking in, but it seems like Labour is getting lost in the wild under Corbyn's leadership. Even aside from ideology, Corbyn seems incapable of dealing with the pragmatic issues of leading his own party. If he can't even address something as damaging to his party's credibility as vulgar displays of anti-semitism, how can he lead his party in re-taking Parliament?
7
The "Loony Left" lives; Labour's leadership the best example.
What else can one say?
What else can one say?
8
It is dishonest in the extreme to say that the Left has a problem with anti-Semitism. The Left is mostly concerned with winning justice for the underdogs, in this case the Palestinians. Anti-Zionism is not anti-Semitism. The real problem is on the Right, which drags out all the age old anti-Semitic tropes, and is implicated in all hate crimes, anti-Semitic or otherwise.
10
Anti Zionism may lead to anti Semitism. As witnessed at a recent soccer match in Italy when the Nazi salute was given by fans to the Israeli team. It seems that the capo's running the show in Isreal are making the problem worse and people see their Muslim problem as a Jewish problem. Is it to late to make the distinction?
The Left absolutely has a problem with anti-Semitism, and also drags out the age-old anti-Semitic tropes. And that is true both here in the UK and in the US. In many cases, "Zionist" has become a code word for "Jewish". This is the converse of those who complain (correctly) that legitimate criticism of Israel is being denounced as anti-Semitism, and it absolutely exists.
Just two examples:
Malia Bouattia who is president of the National Union of Students in the UK has called Birmingham University a "Zionist outpost" and referred to "Zionist-led mainstream media".
Joy Karega, a professor of Rhetoric and Composition at Oberlin College in the US has put blatantly anti-Semitic tropes on her Facebook account as well as some outlandish conspiracy theories including, for example, that Isis is run by the CIA and Mossad. Although Oberlin has finally suspended her, the college cannot seem to bring itself to do what needs to be done.
The progressives on the Left need to acknowledge that this is a problem, and firmly draw the line between legitimate criticism of the Israeli government, and anti-Semitism.
Just two examples:
Malia Bouattia who is president of the National Union of Students in the UK has called Birmingham University a "Zionist outpost" and referred to "Zionist-led mainstream media".
Joy Karega, a professor of Rhetoric and Composition at Oberlin College in the US has put blatantly anti-Semitic tropes on her Facebook account as well as some outlandish conspiracy theories including, for example, that Isis is run by the CIA and Mossad. Although Oberlin has finally suspended her, the college cannot seem to bring itself to do what needs to be done.
The progressives on the Left need to acknowledge that this is a problem, and firmly draw the line between legitimate criticism of the Israeli government, and anti-Semitism.
3
From its beginning this is an obviously loaded message from anti-Corbyn forces. "The mantra he repeats"--why 'mantra?' Because it's intended to tell you that Corbyn is devious and can't be trusted and has secret designs. This is also a message intending to stifle anyone harboring sympathies for Palestinians--by lumping them with anti-Semites.
7
Jews the world over often suffer from unrequited love from the Left.
In this country, Jews were only about 2 percent of the population in the early 60's, but Jews were one third of the white freedom riders who traveled South to fight for black civil rights. Nevertheless, by the late Sixties many left of center blacks became vociferously antisemitic. In 1968, the NY radio station, WBAI, presented a black girl who read poetry. She said, "Hey you Jewboy with that Yamaka on your head, oh how I wish you would drop dead."
Britain is no exception. In the 30's and the 40's, British Jews were stalwart supporters of the Labor party. In Britain's post war election, Bevan, the leader of the labor party, voiced very strong support for Zionism. However, immediately after assuming office, Bevan renounced Zionism, restricted Jewish immigration to the nascent Jewish state, and aided Arabs which combated the Jews. In 1948, when 6 Arab nations attacked the Jewish state in its cradle, on the day it announced its statehood, the British were aiding the Jordanian and Egyptian armies.
Also, I must protest the charge that Israel was the product of colonialism and that Arabs were persecuted by Western colonials. For most of the past 5 centuries, the Arabs were dominated by Muslim Turks, not Europeans. England fought against Zionism. After Israel was born, not a single Western nation sold or tendered arms until France did, sometime in the 50's. US arms came much later.
In this country, Jews were only about 2 percent of the population in the early 60's, but Jews were one third of the white freedom riders who traveled South to fight for black civil rights. Nevertheless, by the late Sixties many left of center blacks became vociferously antisemitic. In 1968, the NY radio station, WBAI, presented a black girl who read poetry. She said, "Hey you Jewboy with that Yamaka on your head, oh how I wish you would drop dead."
Britain is no exception. In the 30's and the 40's, British Jews were stalwart supporters of the Labor party. In Britain's post war election, Bevan, the leader of the labor party, voiced very strong support for Zionism. However, immediately after assuming office, Bevan renounced Zionism, restricted Jewish immigration to the nascent Jewish state, and aided Arabs which combated the Jews. In 1948, when 6 Arab nations attacked the Jewish state in its cradle, on the day it announced its statehood, the British were aiding the Jordanian and Egyptian armies.
Also, I must protest the charge that Israel was the product of colonialism and that Arabs were persecuted by Western colonials. For most of the past 5 centuries, the Arabs were dominated by Muslim Turks, not Europeans. England fought against Zionism. After Israel was born, not a single Western nation sold or tendered arms until France did, sometime in the 50's. US arms came much later.
21
At long last, can we not do away with the simple-minded, transparently false equation that because Israel is majority Jewish, criticism of Israel is, ipso facto, anti-semitism. I believe that there might be anti-semitism on the British Left (I doubt extremely it is even faintly comparable in proportion and degree to the gross racial anti-semitism found traditionally and ineradicably on the Right). As an American Jew, I regard myself as pro-Israel but I disagree with many of Israel's actions and policies. I read nothing in this article that rates as anti-semitism on the scale that it implies, although it outlines much severe, and in my opinion, misguided, criticism of Israel. So long as we defenders of Israel's right to exist as a nation-state imbue its opponents' political critiques, regardless of merit, as religious slurs, there will be no discussion, only more and more hate.
6
Cutting across all of it is a Stop the War movement.
That most important part was glossed over, like who could be against war/aggressions if in our interests?
None of this has anything to do with Jewishness at all. It's stop the wars vs status quo.
That most important part was glossed over, like who could be against war/aggressions if in our interests?
None of this has anything to do with Jewishness at all. It's stop the wars vs status quo.
16
Nonsense. British antisemitism has a long history and runs deep. It has everything to do with hatred of Jews.
15
Will we see something like this from the left wing Bernie Sanders contingent now that their leader is silent?
5
Why is the NYT still allowing its writers to equate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism? It's 2016. It's not the same thing, and it has never been the same thing. Being opposed to the state of Israel or its policies is not anti-Jewish, any more than being against the state of Saudi Arabia and its policies is anti-Muslim. We must reject the constant barrage of Israeli rhetoric that equates anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, as this is a tricky and slippery slope leading to actual anti-Semitism. The fact that Ruth Smeeth left a room crying is not anti-Semitism. If you believe that she left the room crying because of anti-Semitism, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you, very very cheap. She simply left a room crying. SMH.
127
There is profound hypocrisy to this kind of statement. Opposition to the current Israeli government? Fair enough and there is plenty of that in Israel as well. But Zionism is not the property of Netanyahu and Likud and the anti-Zionism of the left is a rejection of the existence of Israel despite the fact that it is a state created by the West and the concept of separate Jewish and Arab states in Palestine was endorsed by the U.N. is indistinguishable from anti-Semitism. Plenty of Israelis seek a fair settlement of the conflict over the West bank and stronger protection of civil rights of Israeli Arabs, but these inconvenient facts are ignored by self-righteous leftists in the West.
13
The difference is that Saudi Arabia, a notorious human rights abuser, is on the UN Human Rights Commission. The same body that spews the vast majority of invective resolutions against Israel, while it ignores the many other countries doing the same thing. How many Balestinian supporters are raging over the oppressed, occupied Western Saharans? How many are outraged at the daily abuse and murder of Gays in Muslim countries? Holding Israel to a much higher standard than the rest is clear evidence of intentional anti-Semitism.
13
There is a difference between being against a government and against the existence of a country and it's people. For instance:
"I don't like that assad drops barrel bombs on people" is fine.
"Assad drops barrel bombs, so syria should be dissolved and all their people sent to other countries" is not fine. See the difference? The second one is antizionism by the way
"I don't like that assad drops barrel bombs on people" is fine.
"Assad drops barrel bombs, so syria should be dissolved and all their people sent to other countries" is not fine. See the difference? The second one is antizionism by the way
1
This column is a smear job, wildly exaggerating the views of UK Jews ... who have not been polled. Reeks of being an AIPAC-financed planted piece.
93
Leftist Anti-Semitism may not all be linked to Israeli mistreatment of Arab Palestinians. Only the fact is that most Israelis would not want to be a Palestinian, right or wrong, dealing with the Israelis. Thus Israeli injustice generates the same moral yardstick most of us use to condemn anti-Semitism. Israel's policies unfortunately help make British anti-Semitism seem fair to many people.
7
The British left is not the only left wing entity that is infected with anti semitism.
42
Corbyn has praised terrorists (like Hamas) as "peace loving". That shows that he is either completely ignorant or, more likely, nothing but a cheap anti-Semite. He should resign, the earlier the better.
52
The writer would have been better employed explaining why Jews are far less successful in the US than in Britain. Already in this young century both of Britain's major political parties (the eequivalent of the Republicans and Democrats) have been led into general elections by Jews (both of them the sons of Holocaust refugees), something that has never happened in the entire history of the US.
Notably, one of them was the previous leader of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband, who was elected by Labour's left wing and was consequently known as Red Ed.
Anti-Semites don't elect Jewish leaders.
Let's be blunt. These complaints about supposed anti-Semitism on the left is a familiar attempt to discredit criticism of Israel's brutality towards the Palestinians, and should be dismissed as such.
Notably, one of them was the previous leader of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband, who was elected by Labour's left wing and was consequently known as Red Ed.
Anti-Semites don't elect Jewish leaders.
Let's be blunt. These complaints about supposed anti-Semitism on the left is a familiar attempt to discredit criticism of Israel's brutality towards the Palestinians, and should be dismissed as such.
95
Labour and the left's"distinction" between Jews and Zionism is nonsense. Today, the majority of Jewish children in the world are born in Israel, and Israel is on the cusp of having a majority of world Jewry residing there. For a person to maintain that he's only against Zionism but is not anti-Semitic is a total lie!
15
The author conflates "anti-Semitism" with "anti-Zionism" and spends the entire length of this obnoxious diatribe whining without ever acknowledging that there may be some validity to Corbyn's position.
Israel is a bully, enabled by corrupt politicians and unthinking, hypocritical, anti-Islam whiners like Dave Rich.
Israel is a bully, enabled by corrupt politicians and unthinking, hypocritical, anti-Islam whiners like Dave Rich.
30
This article seems to want to confuse having an issue with the treatment of Palestinians by the state of Israel with being anti-Semitic and then it seems to want to tie that to Corbyn in some way. It fails at this latter effort and as to the prior effort, confusing of Israel with Judaism sets a dangerous precedent. Just as it would be uncalled for if one tried to tie all Muslims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Having a critique of a state (as is Israel) is not the same as having a critique of a religion or people that practice a religion.
53
The head of Israel's labor party and the head of the parliamentary opposition invited Corbyn to visit Yad Vashem, Israel's national Holocaust museum, to learn firsthand just what anti-Semitism is. Corbyn's refusal, claiming his calendar was full, speaks volumes.
11
Why should Corbyn go to Israel to visit a Holocaust Museum? The Holocaust took place in Europe, and there are Holocaust memorials in Europe that he can visit.
2
I don't know what Corbyn hopes to gain by being anti-Israel.
It can only bring out more radical Islamists who will gladly bring
Corbyn down with them.
It can only bring out more radical Islamists who will gladly bring
Corbyn down with them.
9
Corbyn's antisemitic views and hate of the democratic state of Israel, where Israeli Arabs are equal free citizens have all rights as all other Jewish Israelis, can be perhaps only explained by psychotic analysis of his personality. His appeal to to the antisemitic left and Israel's haters (such as Hamas, the terror group residing in Gaza completely dedicated to the destruction of Israel, which he labeled as his "friends" in speeches) is clearly a symptom of the leftist antisemitism views held by members of the Labour party, which unfortunately elected him as leader and regrettably cannot get rid of him.
11
When antisemitism is an issue in a major political party then it is not an issue but a fact. When racism is an issue in a political party, as it is now in the Republican Party, it is not an issue by a fact. Corbyn is leading labor right off a cliff and Britain will see what we are seeing, a political realignment that in England will put Labor out of business and in the U.S. will put a racist Republican Party out of business.
12
Progressives on the Left have always acted against the mass of Jewish people even while pushing tokens with Jewish names into their highest offices.
Since the 1970's, it has been a rule for Democrats to hate and fear Israel while bending over backwards for the dangerous terror-prone Muslims, and Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood are always welcome on Democrat officials' offices.
So even while future Justice Ginsburg led the ACLU, Jews wanting to come here got the back of the hand treatment and ''Israel'' became a cuss word for Dems.
Harry Truman is definitely not welcome in today's Democratic Party.
Since the 1970's, it has been a rule for Democrats to hate and fear Israel while bending over backwards for the dangerous terror-prone Muslims, and Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood are always welcome on Democrat officials' offices.
So even while future Justice Ginsburg led the ACLU, Jews wanting to come here got the back of the hand treatment and ''Israel'' became a cuss word for Dems.
Harry Truman is definitely not welcome in today's Democratic Party.
6
Is it a distorted Political Correctness that says that a person cannot be both for Palestinians rights and the integrity of Jewish Israel? Is it not Politically Correct for a person to be against Zionism when it is defined as the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in the territory designated as the historic Land of Israel (roughly corresponding to Palestine, Canaan or the Holy Land)?
4
Bosh. This trope has repeated so many times as to be mistaken for the truth but its still untrue. Now, it is true there are a lot of clueless Gentiles on the British Left who believe that Zionism "while evil" has no intrinsic relationship to Judaism.
And it is also true that there a lot of clueless Gentiles who believe that Zionism "while evil," may have an intrinsic relationship to Judaism but it shouldn't be held against the Jews.
But it is also true that Jon Lansman, the founder of the Corbynite pressure group Momentum, is from an Orthodox Jewish family, that Jon Trickett, a half Jewish advisor to Corbyn has been the victim of a fairly recent violent attack from an actual anti-Semite as opposed to a make believe one, and that further, many, many young Jews who are key active members of the Corbynite left reject this nonsense in Toto.
The upshot is that the mainstream of official Jewish organizations in the UK feel uncomfortable with the Corbynites having taken control of Labour, and they along with other members of establishment Labour are throwing everything they can think of at Corbyn and hoping some it sticks.
And it is also true that there a lot of clueless Gentiles who believe that Zionism "while evil," may have an intrinsic relationship to Judaism but it shouldn't be held against the Jews.
But it is also true that Jon Lansman, the founder of the Corbynite pressure group Momentum, is from an Orthodox Jewish family, that Jon Trickett, a half Jewish advisor to Corbyn has been the victim of a fairly recent violent attack from an actual anti-Semite as opposed to a make believe one, and that further, many, many young Jews who are key active members of the Corbynite left reject this nonsense in Toto.
The upshot is that the mainstream of official Jewish organizations in the UK feel uncomfortable with the Corbynites having taken control of Labour, and they along with other members of establishment Labour are throwing everything they can think of at Corbyn and hoping some it sticks.
9
Many Jews identify with Israel and thus unthinkingly equate opposition to Zionism and the state of Israel with anti-Semitism. They need to understand that one can celebrate the phenomenal contributions Jews have made to making the world a better place and still vigorously oppose the Zionist project. The left rejects any form of racism, even the racism of those who have been the victims of racism. The left also rejects any state religion and defends the separation of church and state, whether the religion in question is Christianity, Judaism, or Islam.
One hopes that what is happening in Britain is opening the door to the public acceptance of the fact that one can be an enemy of racism and an opponent of Zionism at the same time. In fact this is the only tenable position.
One hopes that what is happening in Britain is opening the door to the public acceptance of the fact that one can be an enemy of racism and an opponent of Zionism at the same time. In fact this is the only tenable position.
18
Why is the NYT still obsessing over England? We should focus more on Europe. The English (not Brits anymore, the Sun has set on their empire a long time ago) have cause a lot of damage by drawing international borders, with French assistance that cause tensions and wars to this day. The McMahon line, the border between India and Pakistan, the Sykes Picot line in the middle east. We should sideline them, in news coverage, until they become a leader in the world stage again. Right now they are an also ran. How about some more German coverage?
I still can't get over Angela Merkel allowing close to a million refugees into Germany while England is building a wall...in France! go figure.
And we, here, in the land built by refugees and the unwanted from all over the world are moaning over 12000 refugees and our dear President is patting himself on the back for accomplishing that pitiful number. Shame on us.
I still can't get over Angela Merkel allowing close to a million refugees into Germany while England is building a wall...in France! go figure.
And we, here, in the land built by refugees and the unwanted from all over the world are moaning over 12000 refugees and our dear President is patting himself on the back for accomplishing that pitiful number. Shame on us.
4
Bizarre rant.
For a start, 'Brits' refers to residents of the island of Great Britain, so the idea that they term is dependent on long abolished empires highlights your total geographical illiteracy.
Equally the idea that wars in the Indian subcontinent, or even more laughably, the Middle East, would not have happened if some 19th bureaucrats had not drawn some lines on a map is beyond idiotic. How can someone be so historically illiterate?
For a start, 'Brits' refers to residents of the island of Great Britain, so the idea that they term is dependent on long abolished empires highlights your total geographical illiteracy.
Equally the idea that wars in the Indian subcontinent, or even more laughably, the Middle East, would not have happened if some 19th bureaucrats had not drawn some lines on a map is beyond idiotic. How can someone be so historically illiterate?
10
As long as Jewish organizations and leaders characterize as anti-semitism opposition to Israeli policies, support for Palestinian national aspirations or even opposition to Israel as a Jewish rather than a secular state, it will always be difficult to tease out where anti-semitism begins and ends in the left. I'm sure it exists-- why wouldn't it since it is endemic in the world. But most claims of anti-semitism on the left turn out to be cynical or confused use of the term to squash opposition to Israel.
6
This is another example of how socialism is nothing more than fascism with a humanitarian pretense.
6
Dave Rich seems to think anyone with any association with Muslims or with any criticism of Israeli policy is an anti-Semite. Just imagine his reaction if Jeremy Corbyn’s U.K. had been ruling millions of Jews for half a century, while openly asserting that no more than a token handful would ever have the vote -- and none would ever be granted full independence. The better to steal their land.
In that hypothetical case, Rich would certainly call anti-Semitic anyone who referred to the U.K. as a democracy.
Yet the prime minister of Israel has said, "There cannot be a situation, under any agreement, in which we relinquish security control of the territory west of the River Jordan.” I.e., no full independence. Giving all his subjects in Judea and Samaria the vote, regardless of race, is so unthinkable it isn’t even discussed.
Perhaps Rich’s next step in his noble pursuit of non-discrimination should be to analyze his own complacent assumption that Israel is a democracy with equal rights for all.
In that hypothetical case, Rich would certainly call anti-Semitic anyone who referred to the U.K. as a democracy.
Yet the prime minister of Israel has said, "There cannot be a situation, under any agreement, in which we relinquish security control of the territory west of the River Jordan.” I.e., no full independence. Giving all his subjects in Judea and Samaria the vote, regardless of race, is so unthinkable it isn’t even discussed.
Perhaps Rich’s next step in his noble pursuit of non-discrimination should be to analyze his own complacent assumption that Israel is a democracy with equal rights for all.
14
I don't believe that the English ever got over being kicked out of Palestine by the Zionists.
9
You are kidding, right?
I am so sick of the false conflation of anti-Israel sentiment with anti-Semitism. This is an attempt to silence critics of Israel's systematic oppression of the Palestinians in the occupied territories. This is such a biased piece it's hard to discern the legitimacy of the evidence of anti-Semitism. I'm not arguing that anti-Semitism doesn't exist, just stop painting with such a wide brush. If you claim as evidence of anti-Semitism any support of Muslims/Palestinians and legitimate grievances with the current government in Israel it undermines your assertion that anti-Semitism is at play.
342
It is one thing to criticize Israel, but anothing to work towards its demise. Think about this.
16
I don't think its a false conflation.
It's certainly possible to distinguish between anti-semitism and anti-zionism. But there is a fine distinction between the two, and oftentimes one can collapse into the other. Oftentimes, you have anti-semites who hide behind the label of "anti-zionism." The Soviets had a decades-long history of doing just that, and that is recent history. And to Israel's supporters, at least, it's also hard to see how so-called anti-zionists who support a Islamist groups like Hamas or Hezbollah are solely against Israel. These Islamist groups operate in the West and, as the article points out, have allied with "hard left" to alienate English Jews more so than the Jews of Israel. The BDS movement in America has also had several anti-semitic incidents which cast suspicion upon the whole enterprise, even if BDS has Jewish supporters.
I also think anti-Zionism, without the strongest self-discipline, can devolve into anti-semitism. The Palestinian issue ignites strong passions, and passion tends to demolish the fine distinction between anti-zionism and anti-semitism. Passion creates a slippery slope. Some supporters of the Palestinians begin to lose sight of the fact that the Israeli state (with the tacit support of some, but not all, Israeli citizens) does the oppression and then extend their circle of hatred against all Israelis, and then all Jews. The fact that a contingent of American Jews strongly supports Israel also feeds conspiratorial thinking.
It's certainly possible to distinguish between anti-semitism and anti-zionism. But there is a fine distinction between the two, and oftentimes one can collapse into the other. Oftentimes, you have anti-semites who hide behind the label of "anti-zionism." The Soviets had a decades-long history of doing just that, and that is recent history. And to Israel's supporters, at least, it's also hard to see how so-called anti-zionists who support a Islamist groups like Hamas or Hezbollah are solely against Israel. These Islamist groups operate in the West and, as the article points out, have allied with "hard left" to alienate English Jews more so than the Jews of Israel. The BDS movement in America has also had several anti-semitic incidents which cast suspicion upon the whole enterprise, even if BDS has Jewish supporters.
I also think anti-Zionism, without the strongest self-discipline, can devolve into anti-semitism. The Palestinian issue ignites strong passions, and passion tends to demolish the fine distinction between anti-zionism and anti-semitism. Passion creates a slippery slope. Some supporters of the Palestinians begin to lose sight of the fact that the Israeli state (with the tacit support of some, but not all, Israeli citizens) does the oppression and then extend their circle of hatred against all Israelis, and then all Jews. The fact that a contingent of American Jews strongly supports Israel also feeds conspiratorial thinking.
8
But criticism of Israel while pandering to Palestinian arabs does not give the British Left credibility.
6
The headline is about anti-Semitism, but the article is largely a lament for lost support for Israel and Zionism. It's the equation of anti-Semitism with any questioning of Israel or misgivings about Zionism that is the problem, not the British Labour party.
17
On my first visit to England three years ago, in a small town near Bradford, I had dinner at the home of a highly cultured British gentleman who made a comment that to me, an American Jew, seemed overtly anti-Semitic. When I questioned the fellow's friend later about this, the reply was I was searching for insult where none existed: "He can't possibly be anti-Semitic. He's a real leftist."
116
The British have a long and entrenched concept of "races" amd their hierarchies, of which British is obviously at the top.
5
All American Jews run around the world looking for people who might be anti-Semitic and then go crying, 'Anti-Semitism, Anti-Semitism'. That's called playing the J card. In my case--I am not Jewish-- I have been given everything by American Jews and I am much more alarmed at what Islamic Fascists are doing around the world. Be careful about going after extreme people on the right. They are your friends. Your real enemy is the Fascist Left.
2
Increasingly, being a leftist, with its anti-capitalist and anti-democratic baggage, is becoming synonymous with being anti-Semitic! There is no longer a viable left in Israel, or the United States for these very reasons.
1
Perhaps it is because Israel has become so aggressively militaristic under Netanyahu, who has furthermore showed his disdain for Obama, that liberal democrats are cooling towards Zionism. After all, theocracy and democracy are not the same thing. However, it is a politically motivated canard to accuse the British Left of anti-Semitism: the Left has merely dared to consider the possibility that Palestinians have rights too.
14
Unless and until all politicians,writers and free thinkers in general start and end their opinions with a "hail Israel" they will be deemed antimsemetic or ,at least, with no positive views of Jews, an accusation that will soon gain wide spread.
The syndrome is almost universal with special stress on the West: media, politics and intellectual, endeavors and in general.
British Jews , with some noble exceptions, should give it and their special role within it particular consideration for in the inevitable anti Israel ,anti Zionism tidal wave to come the responsibility of Britain will stand out .
Having been pampered and over nicely dealt with they, Jews, can no longer stand any form of opposition or non support and will make an issue out of it!
The syndrome is almost universal with special stress on the West: media, politics and intellectual, endeavors and in general.
British Jews , with some noble exceptions, should give it and their special role within it particular consideration for in the inevitable anti Israel ,anti Zionism tidal wave to come the responsibility of Britain will stand out .
Having been pampered and over nicely dealt with they, Jews, can no longer stand any form of opposition or non support and will make an issue out of it!
4
"Many Jews welcomed its calls on the party to . . . avoid making comparisons between Nazi Germany and Israel."
As usual, when I see allegations of anti-Semitism in the mainstream media, what the evidence actually shows is criticism of the policies of the right-wing, ethno-nationalist, expansionist state of Israel. In fact, supporters of that state have cheapened the word "anti-Semitism" by using it to describe any criticism of Israel, to the point where I'm always suspicious when I hear the word used. I know there is actual anti-Semtism out there. As far as I can tell, it's mostly on the right, especially the alt-right here in the States. On the left, there is criticism of Israel and support for the Palestinians struggling against occupation, which supporters of Israel try to delegitimize by calling it "anti-Semitism."
As usual, when I see allegations of anti-Semitism in the mainstream media, what the evidence actually shows is criticism of the policies of the right-wing, ethno-nationalist, expansionist state of Israel. In fact, supporters of that state have cheapened the word "anti-Semitism" by using it to describe any criticism of Israel, to the point where I'm always suspicious when I hear the word used. I know there is actual anti-Semtism out there. As far as I can tell, it's mostly on the right, especially the alt-right here in the States. On the left, there is criticism of Israel and support for the Palestinians struggling against occupation, which supporters of Israel try to delegitimize by calling it "anti-Semitism."
19
I was surprised earlier this year when Israel was ranked 11th in a study of world happiness, two spots ahead of the United States.
Notwithstanding the threats and dire actions of Palestinian terrorists, Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran against it, Israel is doing quite well these days economically, militarily, scientifically and politically, even to the point where the next U.S. President -- Mrs. Clinton, I devoutly hope -- is likely to prove quite friendly to it.
It is not much loved by Mr. Corbyn, at elite universities and in media outlets such as the NY Times, but it is widely respected, admired and feared throughout the world for its economic heft and scientific, technological and military prowess, which in dangerous times, frequently counts considerably more than proclamations of love.
When the world looks today for experts on agriculture, the development of water resources, robotics, cancer research, cyber security and military hardware, it looks for Israelis.
I blame myself and other supporters of Israel for providing detractors of Israel and haters of Jews with the rare moments of cheer and consolation they are able to obtain in a world where Israel is growing more successful and powerful by the day. Who else but us and the NY Times is noticing these people?
Notwithstanding the threats and dire actions of Palestinian terrorists, Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran against it, Israel is doing quite well these days economically, militarily, scientifically and politically, even to the point where the next U.S. President -- Mrs. Clinton, I devoutly hope -- is likely to prove quite friendly to it.
It is not much loved by Mr. Corbyn, at elite universities and in media outlets such as the NY Times, but it is widely respected, admired and feared throughout the world for its economic heft and scientific, technological and military prowess, which in dangerous times, frequently counts considerably more than proclamations of love.
When the world looks today for experts on agriculture, the development of water resources, robotics, cancer research, cyber security and military hardware, it looks for Israelis.
I blame myself and other supporters of Israel for providing detractors of Israel and haters of Jews with the rare moments of cheer and consolation they are able to obtain in a world where Israel is growing more successful and powerful by the day. Who else but us and the NY Times is noticing these people?
10
"The Muslim Association of Britain has been described by a government minister as the British “representative” of the international Muslim Brotherhood organization"
I'm sorry, if you can't even name which minister I have a hard time believing you. Let alone your anonymous source.
Here's a better example:
Former Prime Minister David Cameron once called an organization lead by the founder of the Muslim Association of Britain a "political front for the Muslim Brotherhood."
citation: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/11398538/How-the-Mu...
I'm sorry, if you can't even name which minister I have a hard time believing you. Let alone your anonymous source.
Here's a better example:
Former Prime Minister David Cameron once called an organization lead by the founder of the Muslim Association of Britain a "political front for the Muslim Brotherhood."
citation: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/11398538/How-the-Mu...
1
British anti-semitic prejudices run deep. A few weeks ago, on its website, the Guardian, that paragon of Brifish 'sensible' left views had this commenton the multiculturalism of the winning USA women's gymnastic team. "... (it) is made up of two [African-Americans], a Hispanic, a Jew, and a white" No matter how Aly Raisman looks, she apparently can never really be 'white' if she is a Jew. Whether this was a conscious decision or an unconscious one, it was very reveaaling.
8
Is the NYT's point that anti-Semitism (or the claims of it) in England,
are more newsworthy than the unending subjugation, oppression, murder and abuse of Palestinians by Jews in Israel?
What about some editorials on "anti-Palesinianism?"
What about treating "anti-Palestinianism" as the racism & prejudice it is?
(instead of trivializing it by largely ignoring it)
It's not just "black lives matter." "Palestinian lives matter" too!
Jews in the UK aren't being thrown out of their houses. If they demonstrate they don't expect to be shot. If they want to buy toys for their kids, they expect to be able to get them. If they want to travel abroad they expect to go. If they want cement to build a new house, they expect to be able to buy it. If they want a good education for their children, they expect to get it. If they turn the electric switch on, they expect power. If they go to the grocery store, they expect full and varied shelves. If they want a good job, they expect to be able to get it. They do not expect to be regularly bombed, shot at and driven out of house and home.
Abuse by Jews in Israel of Palestinians in Gaza & the West Bank is not some philosophical & theoretical topic. It is action that results in death, destruction of families, lives & social fabric, catastrophic embargo & denial of the basics for social functioning, along with unending occupation & land grab by an oppressively suffocating power.
If the NYT wants to talk about "antis," talk about that!
are more newsworthy than the unending subjugation, oppression, murder and abuse of Palestinians by Jews in Israel?
What about some editorials on "anti-Palesinianism?"
What about treating "anti-Palestinianism" as the racism & prejudice it is?
(instead of trivializing it by largely ignoring it)
It's not just "black lives matter." "Palestinian lives matter" too!
Jews in the UK aren't being thrown out of their houses. If they demonstrate they don't expect to be shot. If they want to buy toys for their kids, they expect to be able to get them. If they want to travel abroad they expect to go. If they want cement to build a new house, they expect to be able to buy it. If they want a good education for their children, they expect to get it. If they turn the electric switch on, they expect power. If they go to the grocery store, they expect full and varied shelves. If they want a good job, they expect to be able to get it. They do not expect to be regularly bombed, shot at and driven out of house and home.
Abuse by Jews in Israel of Palestinians in Gaza & the West Bank is not some philosophical & theoretical topic. It is action that results in death, destruction of families, lives & social fabric, catastrophic embargo & denial of the basics for social functioning, along with unending occupation & land grab by an oppressively suffocating power.
If the NYT wants to talk about "antis," talk about that!
23
Good comment, but we're wasting our time expecting the NYT to publish any articles claiming to be pro Palestinian. Or for that matter most newspapers in the U.S., even if written by Jewish writers(of which there are many) who challenge Israel's policies.
1
Good op-ed. Its is becoming clear that Mr. Corbyn has a problem with recognizing the antisemitic tendencies in the British left. However, let me point out that the major force feeding antisemitism is Netanyahu’s conservative government with its continuation of settlements and other policies.
Likewise, the major force feeding Islamophobia are the irrational policies that violate the most basic human rights and make antisemitism one of their major goals.
Likewise, the major force feeding Islamophobia are the irrational policies that violate the most basic human rights and make antisemitism one of their major goals.
So, not being anti-Semitic is contingent on your liking Israel's policies? Such conditional acceptance of any ethnic/religious/national group as such is racism. Period.
8
Anti-zionism does not equate to antisemitism.
Neither does being opposed to the rogue state of Israel or her bizarre leader, Netanyahu equate to antisemitism.
Neither does being opposed to the rogue state of Israel or her bizarre leader, Netanyahu equate to antisemitism.
16
Anti zionism is not exactly the same as hatred of all Jews, but there is tremendous overlap. For example, Israel is the only Jewish nation in the world. It is home to about 7 million Jewish people while there are only 20 million Jewish people worldwide.
Therefore, when someone says, "I hate Israel but I am not an anti Semite" keep in mind that this person is directing hate at about 1/3 of the world's Jewish population who call Israel home.
IMO one does not have to hate ALL Jews to be considered an anti Semite. Hating 1/3 is enough.
Therefore, when someone says, "I hate Israel but I am not an anti Semite" keep in mind that this person is directing hate at about 1/3 of the world's Jewish population who call Israel home.
IMO one does not have to hate ALL Jews to be considered an anti Semite. Hating 1/3 is enough.
5
Fatso, Thank you for your response.
Cannot one love all Jews and have qualms about zionism and the manner in which Israel came into existence? Try to imagine an anti-zionist Jew. Ask yourself why a Jew would be or how a Jew could be anti-zionist. There are many reasons and there are many Jews that are anti-zionist. None of them are anti-semitic.
Even so, I understand what you write. All good points. Yes, I know there are anti-semites that use anti-zionism as a cover so I am always careful as I gauge a person's heart.
Cannot one love all Jews and have qualms about zionism and the manner in which Israel came into existence? Try to imagine an anti-zionist Jew. Ask yourself why a Jew would be or how a Jew could be anti-zionist. There are many reasons and there are many Jews that are anti-zionist. None of them are anti-semitic.
Even so, I understand what you write. All good points. Yes, I know there are anti-semites that use anti-zionism as a cover so I am always careful as I gauge a person's heart.
The Labour Party, and Jeremy Corbyn in particular, definitely has a problem with anti-Semitism. Corbyn has little credibility on this issue. Unfortunately, anti-Semitism is again becoming fashionable on the left, as well as the right.
However, it is also important not to use just complaints about anti-Semitism as cover for criticizing debates about Israel's actions and about Zionism. These issues do need to be fairly discussed. Dodging them, at this point, only plays into the hands of the anti-Semites. It would be better to actively bring in progressive Jewish voices, in particular. I wish Mr. Rich had mentioned the British group Jews for Justice for Palestinians, for instance, which has many distinguished members.
However, it is also important not to use just complaints about anti-Semitism as cover for criticizing debates about Israel's actions and about Zionism. These issues do need to be fairly discussed. Dodging them, at this point, only plays into the hands of the anti-Semites. It would be better to actively bring in progressive Jewish voices, in particular. I wish Mr. Rich had mentioned the British group Jews for Justice for Palestinians, for instance, which has many distinguished members.
83
What os Zionism? It is the concept of Israel as a homeland for Jews, not the leftist inspired belief of rampant aggression by Jews against anyone not Jewish.
5
What do you mean by Zionism?
2
And don't forget that venerable progressive group Delusional Jews Who Think Unilaterally Leaving the West Bank as It Did When Israel Left Gaza Will Bring Peace and Justice for Palestine?
6
"For many Corbyn supporters, talk of Labour anti-Semitism is a smear intended to silence advocacy for Palestinians."
I don't see anywhere in this op-ed any stated opinions of British Jews regarding the illegal Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Let their voices be heard.
I don't see anywhere in this op-ed any stated opinions of British Jews regarding the illegal Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Let their voices be heard.
12
There seems to be a very fine line between the concept of "anti-Semitism" and criticism of the Israeli government for its actions with regard to Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. It seems that disapproving the latter often leads one to being accused of the former. I have no issues with Semitic peoples (which, btw, includes the Palestinians), but I have a very big issue with Israeli government policy toward Palestine, and toward its Arab citizens.
This does not mean to say that the British left harbors no people with an animus against Jews. No political ideology is immune to unreasoning antipathy toward other human beings. But it begins to feel as if the charges of anti-Semitism are a way of distracting people from noticing the gross violations of human rights by the Israeli government, rather than attempting to deal with the very real political divide among left-leaning Britons.
This does not mean to say that the British left harbors no people with an animus against Jews. No political ideology is immune to unreasoning antipathy toward other human beings. But it begins to feel as if the charges of anti-Semitism are a way of distracting people from noticing the gross violations of human rights by the Israeli government, rather than attempting to deal with the very real political divide among left-leaning Britons.
276
Criticizing the current Israeli government is not the same as working towards the demise of Israel, which much of the Left in GB's intentions are really all about.
9
Lark,
When those same Palestinians finally admit Israel has a Right to EXIST,...then the conversation can move towards a just peace.
When those same Palestinians finally admit Israel has a Right to EXIST,...then the conversation can move towards a just peace.
3
Criticism of the government of Israel is perfectly legitimate as long as it is fair, balanced, and in context. The problem arises when a double standard is applied and the criticism is disproportionate. With all of its faults and misdeeds, Israel is far and away the most civilized and humane society in the region. Even its Palestinian subjects are better off than in any of the neighbouring Arab countries. As for mistreatment of minorities -- whether ethnic, religious, or sexual -- again Israel's record is distinctly superior to Egypt's, Syria's, Iraq's, Saudi Arabia's (just to name the most egregious examples). The disproportionate focus on the plight of the Palestinians by contrast most prominently with the more egregious experience of the Kurds is difficult to explain absent the influence of anti-Semitism, especially in the Islamophilic wing of the Left (pace Corbyn et al.)
4
This op-ed traffics in astonishing innuendo. There are many insinuations bandied about, implying Corbyn or his inner circle is anti-Semitic (no, the majority of Jewish Labour members backing Corbyn's opponent is of course not evidence); but the crux of the argument appears to be that left-Labour's policies embracing Palestinian statehood and opposed to Zionism is inherently anti-Semitic. This is absurd; reasonable people can disagree on Zionism, a political programme debatable on its merits, without it rising to the level of anti-Semitism, a bigotry always to be opposed.
The taudry and mostly-baseless implications here don't substantiate the bold lead. How embarrassing for the author.
The taudry and mostly-baseless implications here don't substantiate the bold lead. How embarrassing for the author.
10
The British Left is so intensely anti-semitic that even hardcore Marxist European friends of mine say that they could never live, work, or be politically engaged there. It's just true. Thanks for the article!
155
There are hard core Marxists in this day and age? How charmingly quaint! Are they featured on historic sights tours?
3
As a British Leftwinger, could you do me a favour and supply any evidence for your unfounded and gratuitous smear which has somehow found enough favour to be given a 'NYT Pick'?
Thanks
Thanks
3
Rubbish! Anti-Semitism has existed in Britain for as long as I can remember. It's not a question of the Right or the Left. It's more a question of ignorance, which exists in the United States and just about everywhere concerning Jews. And while we're on the subject, let's not forget the hideous racism that exists throughout the un-United States. I'm sick and tired of hearing "good Catholics" and "good Jews" waffling on about their caring religions and then deriding anyone who does look or behave like them--primarily African Americans. Britain and America are one and the same--full of holier than thou bigots.
To quote Jeremy Thorpe, leader of the Liberal Party 1967-1976: "Britain suffers from the disgrace of anti-Semitism....while the perverse British characteristic of preferring our foes to our friends often corrupts our judgement". The statement was made in 1968.
Kiryat Arba, the first Jewish settlement in the West Bank was not founded until 1972. Many of today's anti-Israel motifs in Britain can be found in the 1950's and 1960's as Dave Rich shows in his book.
Britain has a problem and has had a problem. It just morphs from time to time.
Mr. Corbyn is not part of the solution; at the moment he is part of the problem and exacerbates it.
Kiryat Arba, the first Jewish settlement in the West Bank was not founded until 1972. Many of today's anti-Israel motifs in Britain can be found in the 1950's and 1960's as Dave Rich shows in his book.
Britain has a problem and has had a problem. It just morphs from time to time.
Mr. Corbyn is not part of the solution; at the moment he is part of the problem and exacerbates it.
183
This goes back before the 50's and 60's....try WW1 and the years following. I suggest you read David Fromkin's "A Peace to End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East."
4
Corbyn is a walking disgrace. How sad for Britain and the world that such a low life has political significance.
7
Corbyn, bemused. Perhaps insufferable. But he has had lots of company for many centuries the world over. The plight of the Palestinians, which has more than one cause, could be solved tomorrow, but this would do nothing to eradicate the virus of anti-Semitism. It lives just beneath the skin (even of some Jews -- out damned spot), beneath the veneer of high intellect and breeds among those who value the human rights they choose to care about. This thing with the Jews. It's just unpleasant.
6
English involvement with the Middle East goes back to the Crusades, if not earlier. By the early eighteen hundreds, the British were battling Napoleon for control of the Nile. By the early nineteen hundreds, they were fighting with the Germans and the Turks over other parts of the region.
By the latter part of the twentieth century, however, British rule in Africa was gradually being withdrawn. So to make a long story short, their views on the Jewish colonial project are probably rather mixed.
We should remember, by the way, that Israel has not even lasted as long as the First Crusader Kingdom. In the long sweep of history they could easily suffer the same fate.
By the latter part of the twentieth century, however, British rule in Africa was gradually being withdrawn. So to make a long story short, their views on the Jewish colonial project are probably rather mixed.
We should remember, by the way, that Israel has not even lasted as long as the First Crusader Kingdom. In the long sweep of history they could easily suffer the same fate.
2
Britain is a free and, open and democratic society. You cannot pass laws prohibiting people from saying hateful or unpopular things.
You oppose speech with speech, not with laws prohibiting speech.
You oppose speech with speech, not with laws prohibiting speech.
6
Mike
"You cannot pass laws prohibiting people from saying hateful or unpopular things."
The UK does not have a written constitution like the US Constitution, and no equivalent to the First Amendment. There are laws here which restrict speech that would be protected under the First Amendment.
"You cannot pass laws prohibiting people from saying hateful or unpopular things."
The UK does not have a written constitution like the US Constitution, and no equivalent to the First Amendment. There are laws here which restrict speech that would be protected under the First Amendment.
1
If the Labour Party wants to help the Palestinians achieve statehood, it should inform them that they must separate themselves from the anti-Israel sentiments that dominate the world. The Palestinians cannot agree to make any concessions because the world keeps telling them that Israel is entirely wrong. They don't understand that Israel actually created a Palestinian mini-state by unilaterally withdrawing from Gaza in 2005. They don't know that Israel is the country in the Middle East where it is easiest for Arab women to become doctors.
The Labour Party should point out that despite many instances of cases where people had to flee their homes all over the world, the Palestinians are the only ones who have been kept in refugee camps by their fellow Arabs for 68 years. The Labour Party should inform the Palestinians and the whole Arab world that it takes two to tango, and that the only way to reach an agreement is through compromise.
The Labour Party should point out that despite many instances of cases where people had to flee their homes all over the world, the Palestinians are the only ones who have been kept in refugee camps by their fellow Arabs for 68 years. The Labour Party should inform the Palestinians and the whole Arab world that it takes two to tango, and that the only way to reach an agreement is through compromise.
11
The author of this article makes no pretense of being neutral, and that is fine. But the article covers a great many issues without the NYT's affording its author adequate space explicitly to lay out his assumptions so that readers could better evaluate the article's argument. This is a serious editorial lapse on the part of the NYT, and, whether one quite agrees with all that Mr Rich is saying or not, one does wish that the NYT had made better us of his willingness to contribute an article.
7
Britain is a second-rate country. All that remains of the Empire is its first rate prejudice. It's not surprising that Corbyn and the rest of his Labor riffraff find solace in blaming the jews for their misfortune and downfall.
8
How can your write an article like this and avoid talking about Netanyahu's strong right wing politics? It deserves at least a passing mention.
63
No real suprises here - remember the eponymous Balfour declaration was made by an imperialist Tory not a democratic socialist.
4
If you have to keep reminding people that you're not anti-Semitic, you're an anti-Semite.
9
There are 2.7 million Muslims in Britain, 4.5 %of the population. Like any electorate politicians will pander to Muslims. Soft antisemitism, or tolerance of anti-semitism, is Labours way of Pandering to Muslims. Expect more of this as Britain's Muslim population grows.
8
British Left? With Bernie Sanders appointing BDS kook Cornell West to be one of his Democratic Platform committee representatives, with BDS and demonizing Israel with blood libels such as committing genocide and apartheid infesting liberal US college campuses, and left-wing donors pouring money into groups either supporting or sanitizing Islamic terror groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah while swallowing whole any sordid claim of Israeli nefariousness disseminated by Palestinian agit-prop as being true while completely ignoring Palestinian dysfunctionality, corruption, and antisemitic incitement revealing their underlying intentions, with claims by purported leftist/progressives in these very NY Times blogs that tiny Israel (read: yet another worldwide Jewish conspiracy) somehow controls the US Congress, and/or the US government as a whole -- take your pick, the disease is not just with the British Left. But that doesn't stop the US Left from snickering at the yahoos in the Trump camp.
10
From your editorial:
The insensitivity extends to Mr. Corbyn’s inner circle. One senior party spokesman, Paul Flynn, said in 2011 that Britain should not appoint a Jew as ambassador to Israel, because the post should be filled by “someone with roots” in Britain who couldn’t “be accused of having Jewish loyalty” — unwittingly invoking the anti-Semitic trope of Jewish disloyalty.
This spokesman has brought Trump logic to British politics. Sad.
The insensitivity extends to Mr. Corbyn’s inner circle. One senior party spokesman, Paul Flynn, said in 2011 that Britain should not appoint a Jew as ambassador to Israel, because the post should be filled by “someone with roots” in Britain who couldn’t “be accused of having Jewish loyalty” — unwittingly invoking the anti-Semitic trope of Jewish disloyalty.
This spokesman has brought Trump logic to British politics. Sad.
5
All examples cited by Rich refer either to lack of Zionism in the British left, or the fact that as their economic status improved, most of the British Jews feel more comfortable in Conservative party. Sorry, there is also a case of Ruth Smeeth, one of many members of Parliamentary Labour Party that was accused of conspiring against Mr. Corbyn the party leader, and thereby "reduced to tears". Which fits a wider phenomenon of orchestrated resignations and laments of mistreatment by many female members of PLP. Actual horrors that were cited included Corbyn refusing to mediate between shadow minister of culture and shadow minister of education (both female), who should conduct a campaign about libraries.
Anti-anti-semitism campaign in Britain is unfortunately a part of a politically suicidal attempt to purge about 100,000 members of Labour Party to give some chance of the opponent of Corbyn, Owen Smith, some chance of getting elected to be the party leader. With one somewhat comic consequence, removal of the most vocal and militant Zionist critic of Corbyn, Michael Foster. Foster ignored the new rule against denigrating fellow party member with abusive language and compared Corbyn and his supporters to Strom Troopers, complete with photos of Corbyn and Hitler surrounded by the Storm Troopers.
Anti-anti-semitism campaign in Britain is unfortunately a part of a politically suicidal attempt to purge about 100,000 members of Labour Party to give some chance of the opponent of Corbyn, Owen Smith, some chance of getting elected to be the party leader. With one somewhat comic consequence, removal of the most vocal and militant Zionist critic of Corbyn, Michael Foster. Foster ignored the new rule against denigrating fellow party member with abusive language and compared Corbyn and his supporters to Strom Troopers, complete with photos of Corbyn and Hitler surrounded by the Storm Troopers.
4
Written in 2015 http by Alan Johnson who is not Jewish and a person, as he puts it, of the left, fathomjournal.org/the-left-and-the-jews-time-for-a-rethink/ It's not just UK lefties that need to take a hard look at their ideology, although they are in the forefront.
5
Corbyn did such a poor job protecting working people from the Brexit vote yet he preserved the antisemitism. And the legislator Cox who was stabbed and died from a wound perpetrated by crazy local but this might have happened in Israel. The British left seems unwilling to confront antisemitism and to protect the interests of the working man.
2
Anti-Semitism in England, Jeremy Corbyn a nasty throwback to Sir Oswald Mosley - The British Nazi from 1932-40 (British Union of Fascists) - God forbid! Remember that Baron Samuel Joseph was Lord Mayor of London in 1941-43 ,and his son, Sir Keith Joseph, who inherited the Baronetcy was the man to whom Margaret Thatcher dedicated her autobiography. These were highly esteemed Jews in the 1940s,50s and 60s in England. BREXIT happened this year, and no doubt many of England's Jews will look for dual-citizenship in European countries. Bolting for safety from Anti-Semitism in Albion, this now blighted isle, England's Jewish population will seek havens of safety. What happened before is prologue to what will happen in the future. The present Anti-Semitism in England among the British Left, personified by Jeremy Corbyn is an evil omen.
8
There is a difference between anti-Semitism and being critical of Israel. In the U.S. rapid growth of Jewish Voice for Peace and K Street have made it amply clear that many Jews find Israel's decades long occupation of the West Bank and Gaza and its discrimination against its own citizens of Palestinian background deplorable. Many also feel that it is past time for recognition of Israel's dispossession of more than 700,000 Palestinians i 1948.
However, the long established organizations of the Jewish community have almost all made unquestioning support of Israel their mantra. They have conflated opposition to Israel's treatment of Palestinians with anti-Semitism.
It is important for progressives to oppose anti-Semitism, as they would any other form of discrimination, but it is equally important for organizations that claim to represent the Jewish community to stop labeling criticism of Israel as anti-Semitism. The Israeli government is in the hands of right-wing extremists. We are not required to support them.
However, the long established organizations of the Jewish community have almost all made unquestioning support of Israel their mantra. They have conflated opposition to Israel's treatment of Palestinians with anti-Semitism.
It is important for progressives to oppose anti-Semitism, as they would any other form of discrimination, but it is equally important for organizations that claim to represent the Jewish community to stop labeling criticism of Israel as anti-Semitism. The Israeli government is in the hands of right-wing extremists. We are not required to support them.
72
Oh, bother! Israel has a right to defend its borders. There was a war of existence against Israel which was won by Israel. Why wouldn't Israel keep the West Bank? It did not start the war and then won it. Go talk about human rights in Islamic countries instead of messing about with Israel's doings where there is a large population of non-Jews in the one Jewish state and Jews have been thrown out of most Islamic states since the establishment of Israel in 1948. Yes, this is all true and Israel is not a "colonial" state. Jews were on the land for eons. They are not the comparison with the native Americans, except that they were there first, too.
The Israelis do not want to be overpowered, furthermore, as were the Native Americans.
The Israelis do not want to be overpowered, furthermore, as were the Native Americans.
9
Whatever the internal ideological differences of the British Labour Party, or its policy towards Israel, it's illogical to see the whole Jewish community through the lens of racism.
14
Labour should not be on the side of the Palestinians, who have legitimate grievances but who are too politically inept and/or fanatical to participate in doing anything about them. Labour should not be on the side of Israel, which is painting itself into a corner where the only safety comes from domination and no other sort of safety is sought.
There are Israelis (Jewish and Palestinian) and Palestinians who are trying to get something started that is headed towards justice. They have little power in either government, but they and their organizations should be the main recipients of Labour (or anyone else's) support. The governments should be sent to sit in the corner until they start trying to replace propaganda with truth and transparency.
There are Israelis (Jewish and Palestinian) and Palestinians who are trying to get something started that is headed towards justice. They have little power in either government, but they and their organizations should be the main recipients of Labour (or anyone else's) support. The governments should be sent to sit in the corner until they start trying to replace propaganda with truth and transparency.
59
It’s a bit astonishing to regard Jews as not having “roots” in Britain, particularly England. They were in England in numbers almost a century before the reign of Richard (yes, THAT Richard – reigned from 1157-1199), kicked out by another Plantagenet successor, Edward I “Longshanks” (of “Braveheart” fame), in 1290, then brought back by Oliver Cromwell in 1656. The late 19th Century even saw a (very) famous British prime minister who was born a Jew, Benjamin Disraeli (although, fairly, Disraeli became an Anglican at age 12, when his father had a falling-out with the local synagogue).
Jews have been around in Blighty for a while.
But, rather than singling out Corbyn and his Labour crew, Jews have been putting up with general and rather pronounced antisemitism in Britain for ALL that time. And the Brits KNOW how to do prejudice – far less guilt than we Americans feel for it.
I find Corbyn entertaining generally, but the only danger he presents is to the far-left, which he is in danger of thoroughly discrediting with the British electorate for his excess. But fair is fair. If Corbyn’s surrogates cooked an inquiry (excuse me, an “enquiry”), then I’m sure that there were plenty of Tories who sympathized.
Jews have been around in Blighty for a while.
But, rather than singling out Corbyn and his Labour crew, Jews have been putting up with general and rather pronounced antisemitism in Britain for ALL that time. And the Brits KNOW how to do prejudice – far less guilt than we Americans feel for it.
I find Corbyn entertaining generally, but the only danger he presents is to the far-left, which he is in danger of thoroughly discrediting with the British electorate for his excess. But fair is fair. If Corbyn’s surrogates cooked an inquiry (excuse me, an “enquiry”), then I’m sure that there were plenty of Tories who sympathized.
99
Loosely assembled history of British Jewry aside, every sort of person has to put up with some sort or another group who does not particularly like them without good cause, be it Irish or Jew. In fact British is patently supportive of Jews, as their machinations creating the Balfour Declaration attest. It is Jews who could be said to be anti-British, if waging terrorist war against a nation is any measure. Jewish terrorist action aimed at the British in Palestine prove that both sides have their abrasive side.
1
Just for the record, the Jewish population of the UK is 290,000, out of a total population of 61 million -- about one-half of one percent.
4
Britain's two most successful political parties would respectfully disagree with you. Already this century both have put forward Jewish sons of Holocaust refugees as their candidates for prime minister (Micheal Howard for the Conservatives in 2005, and Ed Miliband for Labour only last year), clearly having no anxieties about anti-Semitism in the British electorate.
Of course, there hasn't been a Jewish candidate for president in the entire history of the United States, let alone two in a decade.
I could name many other prominent British Jews, from the Speaker of the House of Commons to the president of the UK Supreme Court (and his predecessor), but I hope my point is made.
Of course, there hasn't been a Jewish candidate for president in the entire history of the United States, let alone two in a decade.
I could name many other prominent British Jews, from the Speaker of the House of Commons to the president of the UK Supreme Court (and his predecessor), but I hope my point is made.
9
The 1215 Magna Carta has 2 clauses limiting Tribe's activities. Antipathy prevailed, only post-Enlightenment Jews enjoyed a modicum of freedom, but by end of 19th century it was coming to an end.
Europe, northern, cold, sunless, thus evolutionally poorest continent. Food security was always low, trade a necessity of survival. In middle ages the Sunni Kaliphate allied with Jews controlled East-West trade, starving Europe to half during 250-1350.
Finally, Christians rid Spain of Sunnis and Jews, open new routes to East, and new lands too. This splurge lasted till 1900 when Europe was again hungry, and had to kill 120,000,000 or 1 in 4 of its own in 31 years 1914-45 to regain food balance. Now it survives by not having kids.
Balfour's creation of Israel was first to rid Europe of Jews, and second to sow enmity between Sunnis and Jews who together terrorized Europe for so long. The English have succeeded beyond measure. Europe is practically Jew free, and they are at Sunnis' throats.
Corbyn knows his history, at least at subliminal level.