To think that antisemitism now needs to be tackled in the strongest possible way?

[LucyWestenra]

The Bondi thread in chat was eye opening.

Forty pages and a lot of it whataboutery, excuses and vile antisemitism.

It’s disgusting.

It needs to be called out. It needs to be rooted out.

I feel so sorry for the Jewish communities everywhere. How can they possibly feel safe?

I read it and it wasn't behind a paywall 🤔 In any case they seem to have financial woes.

Maybe I’ve been clicking on the wrong article? Could you give me the title?

Under TV News the title is Cash strapped RTE 'cannot afford Eurovision show' says head of delegation.

Okay, I found it, thanks, but that was from back in September saying they couldn’t afford a proper show to pick an Irish entry and had instead invited singers and songwriters "with a proven track record of success" to submit a song to be considered for Ireland's entry. They said they’d been in touch with established musicians.

It didn’t say they couldn’t afford to attend the competition in Lisbon in May. It sounded like they were making plans to go at that stage.
m.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/cash-strapped-rte-cant-afford-eurovision-show-says-head-of-delegation/36134473.html#

Thanks, I did and they apologised, had to delete me as the other poster’s comment was deleted. That poster was clearly goading me, their word.

We can have differing views without resorting to that, surely?

yes definitely.

I certainly don’t point a finger in one direction.

Hamas is pure evil and needs to be eradicated. The terrible attacks on 7th October were a stain on humanity. What those peaceable people, going about their lives in their communities and at a joyous festival were subjected to was, well I don’t know what. I can’t think of a suitable word. Horrific doesn’t even touch it.
I am pretty much against the death penalty but honestly, I was so upset and angry that I would happily have seen every perpetrator strung up that day.

A particular poster on this thread seems to think I sympathise with Hamas. I absolutely do not. I sympathise with innocent people, women, children and babies mostly, who have been subjected to equally horrific experiences in the name of retribution. Yes, of course the Government of Israel had every right to retaliate against hamas. Of course it did! Who could possibly argue against that?

That retaliation has gone way beyond the pale now, though. Thousands upon thousands of people, as peaceable as the Israeli citizens who were slaughtered in their homes or dragged away from the families and loved ones, have been slaughtered or maimed and it hasn’t stopped, despite the “ceasefire”. Israeli Cabinet members are not just a few “nutters”. They are as fanatical as the lunatic supporters of Hamas. As are so many of the illegal settlers whose aim is to eradicate Palestinian people.

I don’t understand why it’s not possible for some people to acknowledge both truths?

(Sorry, didn’t intend to derail, just wanted to try to explain my position, which I imagine lots of non-religious people may share. obviously, there is no sane justification whatsoever for what happened to those innocents joyously celebrating their religion on a beach in Australia on their holy day.

What on earth had they to do with what is happening in the ME? Nothing. Insanity and I probably can’t even imagine what the diaspora is feeling right now.)

How awful. Totally understand how you couldn't continue friendship with someone so awful.

The fact the RTE way back in September were having financial issues led me (and no doubt others) to believe that they are relieved not to have an Irish entry in 2026 and Israel's participation gives them an excuse. But I am an old cynic, so who knows.

I expect it's something they are relieved to save money on plus Ireland rarely misses an opportunity to dig the boot in where Israel is concerned.

So it's win-win on both fronts I guess.

So, the final results are in.

20% think there is no problem with antisemitism.

I’m sorry, I’m trying hard not to be contrary here or anything, but that is absolutely shocking and vile.

Give yourselves a shake if you voted as such and ask yourselves where your humanity and decency is.

Oh and I don’t want to hear ‘But Gaza’

No. Not on this thread.

Thank you.

Tbh I've spent too long on the CITME board because I feel relieved that as many as 80% of respondents do have a problem with antisemitism.

You would never think so on that board.

Maybe they think it needs to be tackled weakly instead?

The CITME is a hotbed of antisemites. I tend to avoid it most of the time.

I have never frequented that board but the fact that you just said this makes me so sad.

And angry.

Well, we have the right government in this country for that!

Indeed we have 😡

That's sensible.

I've enjoyed seeing opinions from people able to debate politely (on the whole) on this thread.

Yes!

And I know I’m from Germany originally but I am married to a Brit (and have been for a long time) and he absolutely agrees with me.

So I feel I’m entitled to say this.

You're not wrong @LucyWestenra

I think all UK political parties are equally insipid on the subject tbh.

Fair point.

It feels like antisemitism has permeated every corner of government, institutions, you name it.

Don’t get me started on the vile Zarah Sultana!

I saw a clip of her speech at the Your Party conference and I was honestly open mouthed.

So much hate.

But apparently it’s fine to voice it. 🤷‍♀️

Edit: When it’s Jewish people on the receiving end that is.