Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Conflict in the Middle East

To say that to criticise the actions of the Israeli state…

210 replies

MaggieBsBoat · 08/10/2024 04:31

Is no more anti-Semitic than being critical of the actions of the Afghanistan state is anti-islam?

OP posts:
User37482 · 08/10/2024 05:15

I don’t think it’s criticism of the Israeli state, that is obviously fine. It’s when it tips into celebrating a terrorist attack on civilians or when you support the actions of non state actors who are clearly terrorists as resistance. I think both things can be true, that the Israelis can get it wrong and that Hamas are terrorists.

I think also that harrassing people whilst they are holding vigils for the dead is vile. That does feel antisemitic. I think a lot of people across the world yesterday showed themselves to be quite appalling people. If people harassed a vigil for Palestinians who died, I would equally think thats appalling.

Fififafa · 08/10/2024 05:28

You’re correct. Israel is being allowed to commit genocide and being supported by the Americans in particular. When you call out their actions you are labelled as antisemitic. It‘s a tactic to shut down any criticism of their actions. Even the UN Human Rights Council said “There are "reasonable grounds" to believe that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza” I take it that they must also be antisemitic?

TrishM80 · 08/10/2024 05:49

User37482 · 08/10/2024 05:15

I don’t think it’s criticism of the Israeli state, that is obviously fine. It’s when it tips into celebrating a terrorist attack on civilians or when you support the actions of non state actors who are clearly terrorists as resistance. I think both things can be true, that the Israelis can get it wrong and that Hamas are terrorists.

I think also that harrassing people whilst they are holding vigils for the dead is vile. That does feel antisemitic. I think a lot of people across the world yesterday showed themselves to be quite appalling people. If people harassed a vigil for Palestinians who died, I would equally think thats appalling.

Even the mildest criticism of the current Israeli govt (who by the way include some absolutely vile, disgusting resists who would be classified as neo-fascist were they from a European country) is met with cries of "antisemitism".

The Israeli govt and its supporters use the antisemitism canard to get away with anything it wants, it's basically a license to kill at this stage because western govts are afraid to call them out on it for fear of being branded the "A word".

And, barring the odd honourable exception, you can forget about high profile celebrities in the music or film industry speaking out either because they know it would kill their career.

User37482 · 08/10/2024 06:11

TrishM80 · 08/10/2024 05:49

Even the mildest criticism of the current Israeli govt (who by the way include some absolutely vile, disgusting resists who would be classified as neo-fascist were they from a European country) is met with cries of "antisemitism".

The Israeli govt and its supporters use the antisemitism canard to get away with anything it wants, it's basically a license to kill at this stage because western govts are afraid to call them out on it for fear of being branded the "A word".

And, barring the odd honourable exception, you can forget about high profile celebrities in the music or film industry speaking out either because they know it would kill their career.

I don’t see this, I see a lot of criticism of Israel tbh both implied an explicit. I don’t think anyone scared of criticising them, I think it’s actually the default and popular position.

Some action is rooted in anti-semitism. Why attack Jewish people in western countries or why do some deface property/schools etc belonging to Jewish people if they are not antisemitic. Why were people literally celebrating in places like London and Sydney on the day of the attacks before Israel had even done anything? You don’t celebrate a terror attack unless you approve of it, that wasn’t a protest on behalf of Palestinian civilians, that was revelling in the killing of Israelis.

OneRarelySeesABrazierTheseDays · 08/10/2024 06:40

Fififafa · 08/10/2024 05:28

You’re correct. Israel is being allowed to commit genocide and being supported by the Americans in particular. When you call out their actions you are labelled as antisemitic. It‘s a tactic to shut down any criticism of their actions. Even the UN Human Rights Council said “There are "reasonable grounds" to believe that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza” I take it that they must also be antisemitic?

This
This
This
And this country is also helping support it
Disgusting; where was that gem in the nanifesto?

TheWayTheLightFalls · 08/10/2024 06:41

It’s absolutely fine and warranted to criticise the Israeli state imo. Unfortunately it very readily tips over into actual antisemitism, which is not the same thing.

I’m a Jew living in the UK, with family in Israel. None of us are supported of the current Israeli government; in fact I’d wager we’re more critical of it than most Western media, thanks to having more exposure to news reporting from the ground in Hebrew and local social media which analyses the Israeli parliament’s decisions quite forensically. But I also experience a marked uptick in antisemitism here in the UK and online since 7/10. The same old blood libel BS, references to the Holocaust, references to Jews control over this, that or the other as an explanation of why an aspect of the current crisis played out in a certain way. And just dumb celebration of 7/10. Beyond being incredibly distasteful, it’s frankly exhausting and unhelpful. It inflames tensions and misinformation, which is exactly the opposite of what’s needed to actually achieve long-term peace in the ME.

If this thread goes the same way as every other, what will happen now is someone popping up to quote me and say, “But what about the Nakba?” or “But what about the pre-67 borders?” or “But what about the political context at the time of the Balfour Declaration?” - and that’s absolutely fine, those are useful conversations to have imo. But not as a dead cat to sling on the table to distract from blatant antisemitism. Which, once again, just in case anyone missed it the first time over, is separate from criticism of the Israeli government. I suspect a lot of the time people know the difference but are being disingenuous.

itwasnevermine · 08/10/2024 06:42

You're absolutely correct OP.

Sadly a lot of people have decided you cannot criticise Israel in any way. I said to my mum that I don't believe any civilians dying is good, and that if Israel has a right to defend itself so do all the states it's bombing.

She quite literally screamed at me telling me I'm a Nazi and just like hitler. It was horrendous. People have lost their heads with this conflict.

Icanthinkformyselfthanks · 08/10/2024 06:48

Fififafa · 08/10/2024 05:28

You’re correct. Israel is being allowed to commit genocide and being supported by the Americans in particular. When you call out their actions you are labelled as antisemitic. It‘s a tactic to shut down any criticism of their actions. Even the UN Human Rights Council said “There are "reasonable grounds" to believe that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza” I take it that they must also be antisemitic?

Yes I think the UN is anti Isreal.

Tattletwat · 08/10/2024 06:49

You can criticise Israel the problem is for some it easily tips over into antisemitism and criticising Jewish people.

Also many at these pro Palestine protests seem to actively ignore the huge amounts of antisemitism that is on full display at these events and to me and actually condone it.

Icanthinkformyselfthanks · 08/10/2024 06:49

User37482 · 08/10/2024 05:15

I don’t think it’s criticism of the Israeli state, that is obviously fine. It’s when it tips into celebrating a terrorist attack on civilians or when you support the actions of non state actors who are clearly terrorists as resistance. I think both things can be true, that the Israelis can get it wrong and that Hamas are terrorists.

I think also that harrassing people whilst they are holding vigils for the dead is vile. That does feel antisemitic. I think a lot of people across the world yesterday showed themselves to be quite appalling people. If people harassed a vigil for Palestinians who died, I would equally think thats appalling.

This is absolutely what I believe.

posterWithaview · 08/10/2024 06:53

You can be anti the Israeli government and pro ceasefire in Palestine and Lebanon and at the same time condemn Hamas and their atrocities on the 7th of October as well as fighting anti semitism. Many people get confused and think you have to take “a side”.

ChallahPlaiter · 08/10/2024 06:53

Criticise the actions of the Israeli government all you like. Plenty of us do. Try not to be racist while you’re at it and remember that this isn’t a binary right/wrong situation and your conscience will be clear.

Boobygravy · 08/10/2024 07:17

Fififafa · 08/10/2024 05:28

You’re correct. Israel is being allowed to commit genocide and being supported by the Americans in particular. When you call out their actions you are labelled as antisemitic. It‘s a tactic to shut down any criticism of their actions. Even the UN Human Rights Council said “There are "reasonable grounds" to believe that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza” I take it that they must also be antisemitic?

UNWRA staff participated in the massacre on 7 October.

Martymcfly24 · 08/10/2024 07:22

Boobygravy · 08/10/2024 07:17

UNWRA staff participated in the massacre on 7 October.

Nine people "may have " been involved there was no definite ruling on their involvement. Nearly 13000 employees work in Gaza which is a huge number.

Op Holding Israel to account for the same actions as you would other countries is not anti semitic. If my own country killed and bombed civilians indiscriminately I would be the first to criticize and protest.

Sskka · 08/10/2024 07:36

Criticising is fine but if you’re relentlessly focusing only on Israel in a way that you wouldn’t for any other country then you ought to be taking a look at yourself imo.

I know a guy who kept silent after the Hamas attacks because (as he explained it) that was the appropriate way to mark such things, but has posted something condemning Israel’s actions virtually every day since then. Many of those would be just about valid on their own but come on, after 365 days in a row how can he not see what’s become of him?

Br1ghtMoons · 08/10/2024 07:39

Where are the widespread protests against Afghanistan? 🤔

OneRarelySeesABrazierTheseDays · 08/10/2024 07:41

Icanthinkformyselfthanks · 08/10/2024 06:48

Yes I think the UN is anti Isreal.

The UN is anti-Israel?
Ridiculous concept

OneRarelySeesABrazierTheseDays · 08/10/2024 07:42

Boobygravy · 08/10/2024 07:17

UNWRA staff participated in the massacre on 7 October.

Proof????

soupfiend · 08/10/2024 07:45

Icanthinkformyselfthanks · 08/10/2024 06:48

Yes I think the UN is anti Isreal.

You believe the UN is anti Israel, or anti Israeli actions?

I dont thin the UN is anti Israel

thisiswheretheseagullfliesaway · 08/10/2024 07:54

As I said on another thread the amount of time it took for the UN to speak out on the rape and sexual violence that happened on 7th October says what they think of Israel.

SallyWD · 08/10/2024 07:59

I agree but many don't. A key point to me, is the fact that many Jewish people themselves criticise what Israel is doing. Are they, themselves, antisemitic? Our locals Jewish leaders and Imams have joined together to call for an end to Israels disproportionate actions. Will people claim the Jewish leaders are antisemitic?

JaneDoeHere · 08/10/2024 08:03

I Was going to reply to this but if OP and others still want to pretend that antisemitism doesn’t take place “when criticising Israel” there is no point. I’m tired of trying to reason with brick walls.

I’m going to enjoy my day and be grateful for my children and our thriving Jewish community in these hard times.

Am Yisrael Chai.

Liv999 · 08/10/2024 08:11

Of course it's not anti semitic, there's thousands of Jewish people criticising what's happening in Gaza at the minute, they're obviously not anti semitic are they

Sixpence39 · 08/10/2024 08:15

Sskka · 08/10/2024 07:36

Criticising is fine but if you’re relentlessly focusing only on Israel in a way that you wouldn’t for any other country then you ought to be taking a look at yourself imo.

I know a guy who kept silent after the Hamas attacks because (as he explained it) that was the appropriate way to mark such things, but has posted something condemning Israel’s actions virtually every day since then. Many of those would be just about valid on their own but come on, after 365 days in a row how can he not see what’s become of him?

But the Hamas attack was a one off attack, with limited reach, whereas Israel's actions have been allowed to escalate for a year and have impacted millions of people on a daily basis. Not to mention the decades of atrocities they've committed on Palestinians prior.

Can you really not see the difference and why he would post about the latter? I think it's you who should be questioning yourself.

MissyB1 · 08/10/2024 08:19

You are right OP, but it's not just during this conflict that the accusation has been used to silence people. It's been happening for years.