"You see us burning, you stay silent..."

[Scirocco]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr54y0qplgvo

Please, read, listen and see what is being done to innocent people here.

Remember them.

Now, perhaps more than at any previous time in history, we can easily know the human cost of hate and violence, and the human cost of looking away.

Remember them. And remember all the other innocent people who have died and continue to die because of hatred and because of apathy.

Even Jeremy Corbyn was accused of anti-Semitism, and he's the least racist person in the world!

He may be the least racist but he certainly isn’t keen on Jews

Well said @ProgressivePilgrim . And it’s usually the same people who justify the deaths of innocents in Gaza that then unfairly label people this way.

He's spent his entire life fighting racism. I was more hurt for him being accused of that than for myself.

It makes me feel annoyed for all of the people who have actually experienced antisemitic abuse. It dilutes the issue and causes people to question the validity of their claims.

That simply isn't true. It's probably a topic for another thread. But, I could write an essay on the subject. He's never ever, once in his life, said or done anything anti-Semitic. He's always been a supporter of marginalised and oppressed people, and actually sought inspiration from anti-fascist Jewish activists from history.
The media really did a number on him, and sadly many people believed it 😔

Absolutely. My many Jewish friends would be equally horrified and bemused by some of the stuff on this thread!

ProgressivePilgrim Don't ever tell a Jewish person who is and who is not antisemitic. You do not walk in their shoes.

You think none of the people who are uncomfortable with talk of Zionist brainwashing and being proud to be called an antisemite have ever been on the receiving end of antisemitic abuse?

Well, it's true that I don't walk in their shoes. I take that point. But, similarly if I know my own thoughts and know with complete fact that I'm not anti-Semitic, it's not possible for me to not refute a false allegation. It's a very serious allegation to make, so you surely need to make sure it's accurate? Re Jeremy Corbyn, again there's no evidence of anti-Semitism, so it's a pretty serious allegation to make. There are surely enough real anti-Semites in the world unfortunately?
The problem is that it's used to silence a conversation. Which makes open discourse challenging at best.

How many racists to you know who thinks of themselves as racist?

How many genocide apologists do you all know that admit that they are one?

This thread has taken an unfortunate turn. It's a distraction from the subject, and whilst we're discussing the misuse and misunderstanding of language, Gaza is burning.
So, I'm going to put this subject (my part in it) to bed once and for all. I abhor all forms of religious and racial prejudice. My own parents are Irish (I grew up in England) so I've not been immune myself. I think anti-Semitism is a grave evil like all other forms of prejudice. I know I'm not anti-Semitic. I think of Jewish people like all other people, in that I take as I find. Nice and not-so-nice people of all faiths and none.
My comment way back in this thread was in the midst of a long post and not the point of the post. I was feeling very upset and angry at the time, as news about the situation in Northern Gaza was reaching us, and I posted in that emotional storm. Obviously I'd be horrified if anyone really thought I was anti-Semitic. But, it's an allegation so readily thrown at anyone who speaks out against Israeli actions that it's become a badge of honour in some instances. It's so clear that's what I meant. I certainly would never intend to offend anyone.
I've tried not to feel hurt by the posts here. As a tiny price to pay for speaking out against genocide; but I'm human ultimately, and it is hurtful. To be honest I've felt a bit bullied, when I've explained myself repeatedly. I haven't the energy to engage further. I'd rather spend my time actually campaigning against the very real horror playing out in real time in The Middle East.
So, leaving this thread now. Peace to all 🕊️☮️

I don't know any genocide apologists, AFAIK. But I'm not sure what that had to do with my question.

I don’t believe you for a moment. I have experienced antisemitism so many times it’s really affected my mental health and a lot of things.
The only thing worse than antisemitism is this thinly veiled pretence of it not existing.

Only antisemites question their claims.

No it’s not used to silence a conversation. It’s actually the reverse. Someone says something anti semitic and are called out on it, said person then says you can’t say anything now because they just call it antisemitism. It’s really tiring.

you repeatedly say you are not antisemitic but your previous posts are questionable. If you truly are not then you are doing yourself a disservice by saying some of the things you have said.

This is just beyond belief. The man was poisonous and dangerous and is the reason I will never be able to vote Labour again. The damage done to that party by him is too much for me. Your admiration from him makes me feel queasy.

Some people are so blind they cannot see (and do not want to learn that their heroes are no such thing).
.

Jeremy Corbyn is the very definition of anti semitism, by any standard. I don't think anyone on the right or left would disagree with this?

Shame about the nitpicking and derailment on such an important and sensitive thread, as an actual genocide is happening in Northern Gaza.

I profoundly disagree with you. Whether I am on the right or left is neither here nor there.

The issue is I guess we can actually all have an impact on preventing antisemitism in the UK but we can't realistically impact foreign wars. I think a focus on Gaza can provoke antisemitism as the only 'outlet' of a anger for stories such as these from Gaza is be anti Semitic in some way and hurl abuse at Jews.

What a ridiculous thing to say! Are you listening to yourself?

Well you and I are in agreement for once.