To think there are very few allies against Anti-Semitism?

[Longingdreamer]

This month, I have had experienced Anti-Semitism twice. Both times I was with my children.

Both times, my children were distressed, and no one around did anything to protect us or raise the alarm. When we asked for help, we were dismissed. We were in very busy public spaces both times: a tube platform, then a high street.

I reported the first episode to the police. I'm not even sure if it's worth reporting the second episode. Sadly it feels so mainstream, and the authorities are not supportive when I report it either.

I agree with this. Not saying OP wasn’t a victim of antisemitism but the general public ignoring her and her children is probably from fear of being attacked themselves rather than them being antisemitic (I think - I wasn’t there obviously). A friend of mine (ethnic minority but not Jewish) was stabbed years ago during rush hour and didn’t receive help until the perpetrator had fled.

I agree with your basic premise @MyDearEagle. But it is not just the left. Its everyone horrified by what Netenyahu's government is doing in Gaza.

If they are orthodox the men/boys might be wearing a kippah or women might be wearing a wig or a hat.

Criticism of a state should have nothing to do with whether it is the home of a particular group or whether they might have suffered prejudice in the past. It’s literally criticism of their actions. But I do know people who were frightened of saying they were Russian in case it opened them up to abuse.

But not everyone who is Jewish ‘looks Jewish’. The poster asked the question and you have now explained. I’m not sure why you would find that offensive.

No, it isn’t. But it’s predominantly the left, just by numbers alone. There are a great many ‘pro-Pal’ rank antisemites but very many fewer loathsome EDL types.

Once you add in the relative influence of the antisemite left, the left’s responsibility for promoting Jew-hatred is overwhelming.

Anyone who is not aware of this is really not following the news --> https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crl0p2xk4w3o

I'm still appalled by the what Israel is doing Gaza, war crimes, killing of innocent women and children, etc.

I don't see how we can. The sad truth is that we have created this low trust society ourselves. It's what we wanted.

In an ideal world that would be true.

But we all know that criticism of Israel and of ‘Zionists’ - or ‘Zios’, as some use - is really just attacks on Jews and Jewish life.

It’s fatuous to argue otherwise. The most obvious reason for that is the fixation of ‘anti-Israel’ campaigners on the one source of conflict that involves Jews and their homeland.

Antisemitism on the far right is so overt and clear in it's that everyone can recognize it, and the vast majority condem it. It is fringe and will likely stay that way.

Left wing antisemitism isn't so overt, but its insidious, widespread and on the increase.

I'd even be a little reluctant to call many of the left wing folks "antisemetes", in that I don't think they actively harbor antisemitic attitudes, they just don't realize how frequently they engage in and/or support antisemitism.

This is a particularly pronounced problem within the British left (I think the fact that it has its own special definition of "Zionism" speaks to that).

No, all criticism of Israel is not anti-Semitic.

Your views are hardline and extremist and highly dangerous.

No matter how many times you repeat this lie, you must be challenged. Every time.

Rubbish. It’s the plain truth.

And ignorant!

"Zios" is just a plain slur, coined by the KKK to mean all Jews. Even Corbyn has condemned it as such, but I still see left wing folk use it.

I do think that when many British folks condemn "Zionism" they do actually mean to condemn those who believe in the expansion of Israel's current borders. They usually don't realize that they are misusing the term.

I've seen people denounce "Zionists" as "murderers and baby killers". If you think that Zionists are those who want to annex Gaza, that might be a fair comment...but, as you know, that isnt what Zionist actually means, and what will actually be heard by most people, outside of the British-left-bubble is "if you believe Israel should exist as a Jewish state, in some form or another, you kill babies".

I also dont think most British Anti-Zionists realize they are essentially rejecting a two-state solution.

You are wrong.

Every time.

Zios a slur and so is pro-Pal.

They are Palestinians.

Say their name.

I've never head "Pal" before, let alone used it, but if its a slur then I'll continue to not use it. Thank you for flagging it.

Thanks, it was more for the poster you replied to.

All good, I gave it a quick google to verify, and I appreciate the knowledge shared.

No, I’m right. The number of persistent critics of Israel who aren’t part of the anti-Israel, antisemitic industry is tiny.

Thank you. It might be 'just' out of ignorance, but often it comes from a much darker place: people use this to argue that Jews cannot experience racism (Dianne Abbott et al). This ignores that there are Jews of all colours.

Many members of all minorities are not necessarily visible as part of that minority. That doesn't lessen their experiences of racism.

If it is out of ignorance, then I hope this poster can listen to why this questioning is offensive, and learn.

You’re saying no one can criticise Israel.

And have spectacularly derailed OP’s thread in the process.

I live in a rural area and people are quick to help out here but we moved from a city and people were happy to turn a blind eye there. I think they're so used to hearing stories of violence that they're fearful of getting involved.

I'm so sorry you went through this, OP and I do hope your kids are OK.

We are living in such fraught times and hatred seems to be flourishing.

How anyone could look at another person and make immediate judgment about them or take out anger due to the actions of others of their race or religion on a complete stranger is beyond me.

Racism is an awful thing.

Some Jews in the UK are Zionists and support Israel's actions.

However that does not excuse racist attacks.

But we all know that criticism of Israel and of ‘Zionists’ - or ‘Zios’, as some use - is really just attacks on Jews and Jewish life.

Some will be, but they are the minority, IMO.

The vast majority of the comments I see are about Netanyahu himself, and no, that's not antisemitism. That's a direct reaction to his actions.

I hate him. I don't hate Jews.

I hate Trump. I don't hate Americans.

I hate Putin. You see my point.