Anti-Semitism in Europe: New prejudice fans flames of the oldest hatred
European media feeds anti-Semitism by rejecting its existence and drowning it with Islamophobia.
By Morten Berthelsen Tags: Israel news anti-SemitismIsraeli soldiers harvest Palestinians' organs for profit, the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reports in August, following up with an op-ed claiming Muslims are the greatest threat to society since the Second World War. The latest installment is an article on foetus diagnostics under the headline: "It is not wrong to want perfect human beings" - in effect an excuse to discard "weak individuals" in order to breed the ideal. Ideas not a million miles away from the ones that rang across the Rhineland seven decades ago.
Aftonbladet, albeit a mere tabloid, perfectly illustrates the tide that has swept over all of Europe once again.
Take a look, for instance, at the political handling of the three articles mentioned. The article on cultivating perfect human beings fostered no response. Donald Boström's report on the IDF harvesting organs of Palestinian youth caused massive outrage in Israel but no official denouncement from the Swedish government. As it should be. Though the article is highly problematic, unreliable in its web of rumours, assumptions, myths, and whispers, scientifically ludicrous and the author's agenda seems crystal clear, the Swedish government was right in minding its own business.
And that is exactly the reason why the entire political spectrum's harsh condemnation of the op-ed by Sweden Democrat Jimmie Åkesson on the Muslim threat to Sweden, and therein Europe, is that more conspicious. Politicians should stick to their own affairs, and not interfere. Their indignation can partly be explained by the fact that the piece was an actual political statement - a man with a mission to combat Islam. But in a rhetorical perspective the need to defend Muslims but not Jews is nonetheless remarkable.
The double standard should be obvious, but aren't. There is no comment on the fact that the op-ed's criticism of circumcision, a lack of New Testament and "ritual slaughter" also targets Jews. All party leaders condemned the piece. One government minister even claimed that Islamophobia has replaced anti-Semitism, as though the latter has ceased to exist.
Ancient demons reawoken
It is beyond any doubt that the scourge of Islamophobia intensifies and comes under extreme scrutiny as Muslim populations increase all over Europe. But even though it is blatantly obvious that anti-Semitism is very much alive and back with a vengeance, this ancient demon of Europe is being silently suffocated by the wave of anti-Islamism.
In an otherwise important piece by The Independent columnist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown on the growing aversion towards everything Islam in Europe, she surrenders to the grave mistake of describing Islamophobia as "a yellow star [of David, a symbol of Nazi persecution of the Jews] ... of our time." This only weeks after she on Yom Kippur wrote a column characterising Israel as "fanatic and aggressive" as Iran, referring to the Goldstone Report as "the long, sober, unbiased UN report on the last assault on Gaza", and citing images from Operation Cast Lead.
Alibhai-Brown is dead right, though, in pointing out the hatred of "the enemy within", namely, the Muslims, based on the deeds of the "soldiers in Allah's mercenary army" - the radical Islamists. Here, the dimension of fear plays a key role. It has become commonly accepted to equate Islam with fanaticism and terrorism, an appaling misconception that will only result in marginalisation, stigmatisation, and an amplified impact in a self-fulfilling prophecy with increased radicalisation. Much in the same way that persistent jealousy in a relationship stimulates adultery. Keep calling me a cheater, and I will become one.
New anti-Semitism
But while European Islamophobia mostly manifests itself in straight forward hatespeech, and should be slammed and fought as such, the anti-Semitism of today is far more sophisticated. It originated from the same extreme right that fuels anti-Islamism, but right-wing anti-Semitism has not evolved. Neo-Nazis spout the same gall, but are widely despised, if even heard, and as such cannot be considered dangerous.
In the words of Andrei S. Markovits, paraphrasing an American automobile commercial: "Right-wing anti-Semitism was your father's anti-Semitism. It is obsolete." It is the perilous language of the left that has gained a strong foothold across all of Europe. It's the left's disturbing discourse that echoes through the mainstream, swaying a susceptible audience.
The left hides conveniently behind the cloak of "new anti-Semitism," that, not being new at all, vilifies the State of Israel and not the Jewish people in a wider sense, thus maintaining the European self delusion of not being anti-Semitic. On top of that, it is comme il faut to define Israel as an occupational force because the land has been bestowed on the Jews, and the question about who actually holds the rights to it is so delicate and tangled that it is easiest to uphold that view. In their version of recent history, the Holy Land was taken from the Palestinians and given to the Jews, who accepted it. Like knowingly buying stolen goods. That the history goes much further back, and is in no way simple, seems to be of less interest. For instance, when Western European media report from the Middle Eastern witches' cauldron, timelines begin at 1948, not 1917, 1010, or 1047 BCE for that matter.
Reporting from a distorted truth
In common parlance, Israel is still demonized, Nazified; it is the harbinger of all evil, racism, colonialism, imperialism and ethnic genocide. This is evident through practically the entire European media, in news reports, op-eds, editorials, cartoons - and the anti-Israel approach of the media is becoming far more distinct with the emergence of an Arabic media ocean of hostile messages dished up as journalism, religious spin, and children's TV shows.
Add to that selective reporting even from journalistic powerhouses, notably the BBC, The Guardian, The Independent, El País, El Mundo, Le Monde, and you will be excused for cursing the child-mutilating Jewish pariah. In Europe, you hear not of the daily threats of annihilation against the Jewish people, of Hamas test-firing Tel Aviv-bound rockets, of the seized Iranian ship carrying hundreds of tons of arms and missiles for Hezbollah. You will, however, read the same Gaza tunnel report over and over, and hear of settlers pillaging West Bank olive harvests, of Israel stealing water from the Palestinians, of a rabbi condoning murder of all "subhuman" gentiles, of Ahmadinejad's Jewish heritage. White phosphorus in Gaza? No doubt. Qassams in Sderot? Where?
Let it be clear that critical reports of settler violence, checkpoint harassment, and illegal annexation are based in truth, despicable, and roar through the Israeli media. But when European media wrestles with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is is more often than not reporting from a one-sided, distorted dimension of truth. The path from Christian childrens' blood for matzot to Palestinian childrens' organs for profit is a short one. What would´ve come to pass had the organ story starred a Muslim protagonist?
That scenario was witnessed only far too well after the 2006 Danish cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed, which resulted in protests and violence across the Muslim world, a commercial boycot of Denmark, the burning of Danish embassies, and left more than a hundred deaths in its wake.
Ssshh, the Holocaust is sleeping
That anti-Semitism is running rampant through Europe should come as no surprise. More than 50 percent of Germans equate Israel's policies toward the Palestinians with Nazi treatment of the Jews. Sixty-eight percent of Germans say that Israel is waging a "war of extermination" against the Palestinian people. A European poll shows that the nearly 60 percent regard Israel as the greatest threat to world peace, more than Iran, North Korea and Afghanistan. And in a more recent survey, stereotypes prosper as one in five Europeans continue to blame Jews for the death of Jesus.
Only there is no room for realising it, admitting it, and standing up to it. It is as if the monster of Holocaust may not be reawoken, and every reminder of the continued existence of anti-Semitism consequently hides in the shadows, chained there by denial. It is as if everything would shatter if the bogeyman was brought to life, named and allowed to breathe. Its comatose state is guaranteed by the cultural crisis and the war of values fought between Europe's Christian-traditional majority ("us") and its Muslim minority ("them"). Everything else is toned down. As if population size decides significance. At the same time Jews are a long-time exiled people that blends in and functions in all aspects of society. But they are present and have a long, tough history of managing in an eternal environment of spite. But in Israel they dominate the culture. Israelis demonstrate strength and exude power. Transformed from Shylock to Rambo, they break the unwritten European code of the underdog. And the Palestinians belong religiously to the majority-minority battle Europe keeps in focus.
Crosshairs on Israel
Anti-Semitism is to a great extent subhumed by Islamophobia as a consequence of being struck by a double-edged sword: The fear of reprisals from extreme Muslim factions - and the fearful realisation that the fundamental European values are collapsing.
Aiming the resultant anger at Israel is the easy choice between two evils. The fear of "Muslim invasion and hostile takeover" on one hand is obvious in both political rhetoric and popular opinion, especially on national level all over Europe. But when the image of "Evil Israel" is simultaneously presented on the other hand, the impact of Islamophobia is mitigated and cushioned.
In turn, the significance of both hatreds is lost. By equating the two, you underestimate both. Amid this smelly fog floats the main differences in the European approach to the two religions. The swollen hate-language against Islam is the voice of fear. It is based on religious clashes and troublesome assimilation. The forked tongue of anti-Semitism speaks in politically correct riddles, with its foundations laid in 1948 just beneath the State of Israel. The former is the blunt weapon of the extreme right and is easily parried. The latter is a cascade of razor blades from both sides of the political sphere and thus harder to repel.
Also, the collective left of European media and public are hypersensitive towards Islam. They cave in to fear and shout foul at any hostile opinion delivered, such as with the Danish cartoons and the Swedish condemnation of the anti-Muslim op-ed in Aftonbladet. Editor-in-Chief Jan Helin justified in advance publication of the opinion piece, dissociating himself from the views presented. When the story on transplant organ theft by the IDF blew up, Helin hit back hard at Israel saying: "It's deeply unpleasant and sad to see such a strong propaganda machine using centuries-old anti-Semitic images in an apparent attempt to get an obviously topical issue off the table."
Call out the culprit
Biased reporting and fixation on Israeli crimes - proven or not - is paving the way for neo-Nazis, radical Islamists, right-wing and left-wing extremists to coalesce and form so-called anti-Zionist parties in Sweden and France. Boycott campaigns and anti-Semitic NGOs openly funded by EU member-states feed Islam's battle of rhetoric against the Jews, and it is high time the media realised the link between its inflammatory reporting on Israel and physical attacks on Jews and Jewish institutions in the countries where the reports are published or broadcast.
And the violence has re-emerged - this decade has seen a rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes throughout Europe and exploded following the Gaza war of a year ago. The "typical" violent offender has apparently ceased to be the "extreme right skinhead' and is now the "disaffected young Muslim," evidenced by the fact that most cases occur in countries with a large Muslim population, such as Sweden and France, where Jews are often forced to hide their religious identity in public.
To whit, a Danish study published Friday exposes the magnitude of distrust and prejudice against Jews in Denmark. Up to 75 percent of Muslim immigrants from five different countries and approximately twenty percent of ethnic Danes possess anti-Jewish attitudes, the study shows. A figure immediately causing political uproar, with some politicians quoted as saying it is "highly disturbing" and "embarassing", calling for a plan of action to restore freedom of religion and other fundamental freedom rights. The UN commission is now being asked to recommend similar investigations in other member states, to give the public an insight into the extent of anti-Semitism in Europe. Of Muslim immigrants questioned in the study, 31.9 percent say "there are too many Jews in Denmark." In fact, not even 6,000 Jews reside in Denmark, compared to some 200,000 Muslims.
In order to salvage free speech, taken hostage by nationalist preachers who call it theirs and make themselves its squires, the media of all Europe needs to develop some chutzpa and tear it from the hands of those who believe freedom of speech and of the Fourth Estate is the same as printing anything, anywhere. More worrisome is the immunity displayed throughout the European media towards the kind of callous stigmatisation seen in Aftonbladet - no broadside, no foundations shaken. The ghost of 1930s Nazi rhetoric is one we can all see standing behind the curtain, but no one dares point a finger at it.
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
- Latest
- Most Viewed
- Most Rated
- Open all
It never occurred to me that in England in the 21st century, the kind of anti semitic bile that Europe experienced over the past 1000 years would surface. And it has. Partly due to the anti israeli rhetoric of the Islamic world that is fueled by medieval libels and 19th century anti semitic tracts but also the left wing media's obsession with Israel in the UK. The Independent, the Guardian and C4 are negatively obsessed with Israel. Its unpleasant because it is not reasoned. Maybe its time to decide to leave the UK. Maybe 3 generations is all you get as a jew before you have to move on.
You are making one big faulty generalisation, there, with your "In fact, most Muslims are against jews blabla." I suppose you know ALL Muslims, toured the Middle East and you have seen unbiased research that points to the particular 'fact' you stated? I didn't think so. And besides, anyone who has a basic grasp of English, warrants and argumentation can see that the author of this tendentious article willingly equates criticism on Israel and its dubious policies with anti-semitism, anti-semitism that is rampant across Europe at that. I am just as offended by anti-semitism or any other form of racism as the next person, but, in order to address and correct these horrible things, we must get our definitions straight. Wielding terms as "anti-semitism" for the sake of making a point or placing an argument in a particular context is not the right way.
Why are you trying to deflect the topic to criticising Israel?The attacks on Jews in Britain! AFP: Record violent attacks on Jews in Britain last year: study14 Feb 2008 ... LONDON (AFP) ? The number of violent attacks on Jews in Britain reached a record high last year, although the total number of anti-Semitic ... afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jft0vU0FFaCeWZUPXEaOPiKCc9Ig
If you are referring to the Banu Qurayza, you should throw in a few facts. The Quraysh had attacked the Muslims and lost. However while they were preparing to attack again, the Banu Qurayza, who had previously agreed to be at peace with the Muslims, agreed with the Quraysh to attack the Muslims from the rear when the Quraysh attacked form the front. The attack didn't materialize because of a moat. The Muslims then killed the people who had agreed to stab them in the back. After the Banu Qurayza had proven their treachery, could the Muslims afford to leave them a force in being?
Unfortunately I couldn't make the defense that I can't be an anti-semite because I live in NYC;; I know or have known too many anti-semites who live here.
When there are only a few Jews left for a number of centuries and other people have moved in and been living on and using the land, it ceases to be the Jews' land. Haven't you learned from what happened when the Serbs tried to take over Kosovo on the basis that it is their ancestral homeland and has great religious significance to them?
European civilisation certainly couldn't have evolved without jewish presence, without jewish influences. That's from where we learned the concept of accountability. Now, many israelis act and argue as if there were no such thing as accountability - as if they could hide behind there victimization. Again: Take responsibility for the very real injustices against the palestinians, and you will fight anti-semitism at the same time.
Of course he will be accused of stifling legitimate debate against Israel. This tired old argument goes something like this. People who criticize Israel...believing they have a moral high ground...are persecuted and labeled falsely "antisemitic" in order to silence them because they are right and everyone else is wrong. The question: Is some criticism of Israel antisemitic? (many talkbackers here will have you believe there is no "antisemitism") and how can you tell the difference between legitimate criticism of Israel and "antisemitism? The author articulates the difference brilliantly Kudos to Morten Berthelsen.
# 83 Jorsalfar frm. Sweden. We are all grown-ups with a history of 4,000 years. When the sons of Israel, (Hebrews,Israelites,Jews) were among the most advanced people at their time (& all times) Ha! Ha! The Swedes,were gangs of marauding Vikings,pillaging,& raping lands that they conquered. But that was in the 8th-10th century. Where were you before that? Up in the trees !?
Grow up, Israel, stop whining. Deal with the occupation, the settlements, the wall, take your responsibility for the nakba. And you'll deal powerfully with anti-semitism, at the same time.
As a German I always wonder about the inauguration of good ties between Germany, for example, and Israel. Seriously, only the Nazi Party in Germany does not hide their anti-Semitism and their prejudices about Israel and Judaism. Okay, the other parties may have good people in their rows but finally even the German chancellor and the rest incompetent idiots are not friends of Israel, they are opportunists for reasons of state raison. But thats fine, if these fools do the right things because of being opportunists, why not. But what, if they do wrong? Antisemitism is spread everywhere in german society, its not a question of left or right. Its accepted and common sense, and there regions in Germany (and I am sure that counts for the rest of Europe as well) where people invite you for a beer when telling a joke about jews and kill you for laughing about Hitler. Thats the reality. And I am not anti-deutsch or so, by far not, but I ahve enough of this media idiotism...new antisemits...
The thing is Israel regards itself as a Western democracy, part of the Western world, a close ally of NATO, the EU and the US. Therefore we have to judge it on that basis. I would readily agree that Israel's track record is not as bad as Burma, Sudan, North Korea etc but none of those countries are part of the Western world or claim to be. None of them is getting preferential trade links with the EU any time soon. So how, without assorted idiots accusing me of anti-semitism, do I say, that Pal terrorism was wrong, but that the Pals deserve to be free NOW, and not held as hostages by Israel for another second, while settlers steal more land?
It's the same as the old Jew-hatred that earned itself the sanitized label for it by which it is known today. A Jew who expresses revulsion for some of Israel's excesses is not an anti-semite. That anti-semites hop on an ethical boat to give vent to their prejudices and hatreds under the guise of ethical arguments is unfortunate but does not invalidate the boat.
Hi guys, instead of moaning on antisemitism, wake up and protest against all kinds of racism flourishing under your tearful eyes! I live in Switzerland, and I did not hear the Jewish community protest much against the construction of minarets. Ok, that's not your job, but don't come screaming tomorrow if synaguogues get banned too.
"New anti-semitism" crops up every few years when Israel's human rights abuses land them in the spotlight. The Goldstone Report has predictably set the pens of hacks like Mr. Berthelsen in motion once again. Didn't you know? The 1000+ Palestinian dead in Cast Lead aren't what's riling up the Swedes, it's Aftonbladet!!
When the term anti semitism was coined the arabs were no where in this equation...this term was coined especially for "hatred against Jews". We all know that Jews and arabs are semitic but you can twist and turn...gnaw and burn...slither and dither you cannot excuse away or change the true meaning of the words..anti semitism. Ask anyone,anyplace for the definition and they will tell you it is hatred directed towards Jews. I abhor the thought...the word and the deeds that arise from this obscene word but if you were to look at the past and the behavior of the nazi's you will see they coveted the arabs and welcomed their hatred (anti semitism) with open arms. Do you get it...or do you just like to be an apologist for bigots?
made in ME, consumed in Europe funny, considering the subject is actually very european. warch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53CHUjVWljU If you think many muslims in Europe are growing up on Jane Austen novels think again (culture is imported, education, we all know about the wonderful education with the millions donated from Saudi Arabia, their schools in Britain, and the tolerant agenda they promote - some text books describing jews and christians as pigs and apes (I know we are all technically apes, but that is besides the point). Where is that problem Chris? still can't see it?
Europe is in denial, and wants to believe that 'all is well' and the guilty is not the one who aims 'bottle' rockets at civilian centres-not those who kill more than 100,000 of their own brothren in Nigeria because they were not 'muslim enough', not those who riot, burn and kill because of some cartoons,while paradoxically-al manar and other tv networks in the ME aim syrian produced drama called 'Al Shatat'-Jews slitting the throat of a Christian boy to drain his blood for Passover Matzah(played during peak time during the muslim festival, capturing millions),no roits there..So no, Chris.It isn't the plight of Palestinians that stirrs up hatred.It is ideology.The last time we dismissed ideology, it was that promoted by Hitler.You asked where, I showed you it is there to see,if you care to look-while i see your half,you don't mine.
One word: Behavior
Hate breeds hate. Antisemitism breeds anti Muslim, anti Muslim breed anti catholic etc etc etc. ** Hatred was born in the Middle East.
As long as this surge in anti-Israel sentiment doesn't increase in the U.S., Israel has nothing to worry about. Oh, wait, what's this?... http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/a-13-2009-08-03-voa15-68791462.html
Following are excerpts from an address by Egyptian cleric Hazem Shuman, which aired on Al-Rahma TV on October 31, 2009.http://www.memritv.org/newsletter/memri/clip2211.jpg Egyptian Cleric Hazem Shuman's Message 'For Every Jew on the Face of the Earth... Oh Offspring of Apes and Pigs, The Day of Vengeance Is Nearing' "Your Turn Has Come At Last, You Offspring of Apes and Pigs, You Most Accursed Creatures Created by Allah" Hazem Shuman: "Tonight?s lecture is one of the most important lectures of this series. Tonight, we will talk about the Battle of Khaybar, about the Prophet Muhammad?s greatest battle [with the Jews], in which the Prophet eradicated the Jewish presence in Al-Madina. "On June 5, 1967, when the Jews occupied Palestine and Jerusalem and were celebrating their victory, Moshe Dayan cried: 'This is our revenge for Khaybar.' How come Khaybar remained seared in their hearts for 1,400 years? After 1,400 years, their hearts are still burning because of Khaybar. The first thing that the Prophet Muhammad did after his victory in the Hudaybiyya Treaty, after he stabilized the Muslim state, and neutralized the Quraysh front, the first mission of the Prophet Muhammad, his first campaign, was against the Jews of Khaybar. "Your turn has come at last, you offspring of apes and pigs, you most accursed creatures created by Allah, you people who have harmed the Prophet again and again. "Only 20 days after the Hudaybiyya Treaty, the Prophet Muhammad decided to take the army of Islam to Khaybar. Why the Jews of all people? It has been proven that the Jews are like a cancer ? if they are not removed from the body of the nation, they will kill the entire nation. Unless the Jews were dealt with, they would have brought the Persians and the Byzantines to the Arabian Peninsula. the Jews are dangerous to the whole world. They threatened the stability of the Arabian Peninsula." [...]
I support your right to defer from pro-Israel standpoints I do NOT support your view that one who died in a helicopter crash was not "just a tourist from Cyprus", - BUT - a British national. Your "view"in this situation AND MORE is beyond disgusting. As is your "view" in a conflict between a tiny - a VERY tiny group - Israelis and Jews - and a HUGE group, Arabs and "Palestinians", ALL of whom, also call themselves ARAB. See a MAP and THINK, just TRY and think on math odds and how u r influenced by a HUGE amount of more Muslims than there are Jews! THINK on those odds just a moment and you will see the breadth and depth of mass ancient Jew-hate. Very plain. Very simple.
Israelis are being held responsible, because they are perceived as Europeans and therefore accountable. This is a bit racist, or at least ethnocentric, but not the way many Israelis like to argue. The insult is against anyone who is thought of as a victim, or not belonging to European civilisation, and therefore free from criticism. Occupation, settlements and nakba denial are real injustices - and also powerful sources of anti-semitism. Deal with that, and you deal with anti-semitism.
it's rhetoric question?They received what they deserved...and 'll receive again by the same reason
He is an Archie Bunker type with a bug up his butt about Jews; and probably other groups as well. His defense against being an Anti Semite is that he grew up and lives in NY. That's the level of his thought.
"I do not hate Jews but I detest anyone who oppresses or steals from or in any way colonises those they percieve to be weaker." Assuming you're aware of the World out there, eg China in Tibet, UK in Afghanistan and Iraq, Russia in Georgia, Parents forcing their children to drink Acid in Nigeria for being Witches, Priests abusing thousands of children in their care over the past 50 years, Murder and rape in Sri Lanka, Sudan, Somalia, Hamas murdering its own people, Repression of Women in Iran and on and on and on. What percentage of your time do you commit to blogs in these countries to demonstrate your disgust at the oppression of the Weak? Only you know the answer.
"It may take a lot of effort, but you can do" it. It really doesn't take alot of effort since legitimate historians have not been able to prove it, though many many have tried. Benny Morris tried to find a plan, but couldn't
Get it, Sarahale.It's natural reaction,no dependance of class you belong to.All of us fed up with you.
shooting fireworks at Israel? firing bottle rockets at Israel? Let's see how you'd act if you have 10-30 seconds to run for shelter when these are aimed at you. Beofre launching: http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/weapons/palestine/qassam-launch.jpg After laucnhing: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9nTItnS3VNk/SV1kj_7cjuI/AAAAAAAAq-I/FfnjhOgixX0/s320/israel+attack+on+hamas+kassam+rockets.jpg After exploding: http://www.sederotmedia.org/stationkassams.jpganand here is the damage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDkLhVc-ggY
"But to accuse me of being an anti-semite when you have never met me is a bit rich." Don't be ridiculous. You post at least 5 comments a day about FM Lieberman. Have you ever "met" him? You post 15 comments per day bashing Israel. Have you ever been to (i.e. "met") Israel? Do I have to have met Hitler to know he didn't care too much for Jews? Anyone and everyone who has read your 15-20 daily postings, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, knows exactly who and what you are...a rabid anti-semite. For you to deny that obvious fact is what is truly "a bit rich". "I do not support the domestic and foreign policies of the Israeli State. If that makes me an anti-semite in your eyes then so be it. I can live with that" No, Linthwaite, you do not merely "live with that". You cultivate your anti-semitism at this site 15-20 times a day. You wear that badge with pride and joy. Hate us if you like, but please don't piss on our legs and tell us it's raining!
Even reading the denials here and of course the accusation that the writer is trying to stifle legitimate debate! Kudos to Morten Berthelsen for pointing out the truth, which is, much of the opposition to Israel is just antisemitism "Jew Hatred" in a more sophisticated form. While many here will deny...of course...this to be true and fall back on that tired old argument they they alone are being persecuted(by being called antisemitic) for their morally righteous stand against Israel. Yea, right? Save the hollow indignation reserved only for Israel, the cat is out of the bag. Self denial will not fly, the writer is right, your just the new form of antisemitism. It used to be on the right it just move "left" over the last twenty years. Fortunately when argue your points it is easy to prove.
Let's hope the British Defense League will grow and prosper and expand to other countries in Europe!
Ask the French Jews who immigrate to Israel because they are fed up with the antisemitism in their country. They are advised to hide their identity, not to wear a chain with the Star of David, or a yarmulke(head cover for men), the kids get often beat up and the atmosphere in neighborhoods where Moslems live is very unpleasant. Remember Ilan Halimi who was brutally murdered, a hate murder? If you think I am talking about lower classes, ask famous Jewish philosophers like Henri Bernard Levy and Alain Finkelkraut etc.
Jews too scared to wear yamulkas or other identyfying clothes is not a sign of security. No Pierre no Peter and the wolf,Jews have been leaving France for all over the world for just that reason. Try talking to some before talking about them.
Jews too scared to wear yamulkas or other identyfying clothes is not a sign of security. No Pierre no Peter and the wolf,Jews have been leaving France for all over the world for just that reason. Try talking to some before talking about them.
And I am calling you an antisemite, moreover one of the vilest here. You cannot run away and hide yourself under the anti-Israeli cloak. Somebody who dedicates so much time to matters so far away from his home cannot be explained otherwise. Being called an antisemite is not politically correct in the continent of the butcherers, especially in a country who cooperated with the Nazis. But anti-Israeli is the trend today and who doesn't want to be trendy especially when he can hide his vicious and racist feelings?
..the new muslim immigrants who are giving it a rebirth. It is endemic in Europe. 60 years cannot change that habit. Justice is that the muslims will consume europe.
First, I deny that there is a legitimate aspect to the zionist movement. The premise that because your ancestors lived in a place several thousand years ago you have rights to the land now (to me) is ridiculous. As to anti-semitism being real, I am quite aware of that and regret that it is true. I have known some anti-semites and find them quite irrational on the subject. However I reject the thesis that because someone else somewhere else at another time injured members of a group, and you are a member of that group, you are entitled to redress from a third party who wasn't involved in the injury.
Are you real teacher?It was the best medicine...The only medicine and it'll be used again SOON!!!!!
You aren't too much on historical facts. My problem with those who started the rebellion against Rome is that they didn't have the vaguest chance of winning, and starting such a war was totally stupid. I don't think the odds against the Palestinians are as bad.
That was a pretty dumb cheap shot, even for you. As for my writings being childish, it is worth noting that you find yourself incapable of refuting them, and are reduced to making such remarks. Question: where in the world did you get the idea that I thought all the Jews in my neighborhood were zionist? I certainly didn't say or even imply that.
Israel has a mistaken belief that somehow, its so-called "unfortunate" circumstances places it and its Jewish inhabitants(especially settlers and other radicals) above the law, the internaional community of nations, the United Nations, and all those that have helped it in the past. Let's face it, Armenians lost 3 million, Israelis, a reported 6 million and the lowly Gypsy class, (not to be counted as human), between Hitler, Stalin and some other local dictators, some 10 million dead in prison camps or just outright slaughtered. However, no one ever mentions them, - (no PR firm to do it). I myself am a Gypsy (3 degrees and a doctor) My Grandfather headed a so- called clan of over 100,000, all murdered in cold blood by the Hungarians. No one left. Get over it. It was a terrible, terrible event. But don't use it as an excuse to perpetrate similar actions on those(Palestinians) whose land you wish to absorb and whose lives you are taking daily. You can't fool anyone anymore.Everyoneknows
My problem with the rights of Jews to sovereignty in the Middle East is that I don't believe they have any. I don't subscribe to the doctrine that because your ancestors lived n a place thousands of years ago you have some mystic rights and the current inhabitants must recognize them.
how many jews do you know in total, and how many of them live comfortably and how many are in high places? My point is, where is your statistics coming from? And are the ones you know personaly (I can imagine max 20, but maybe I am wrong) the average. Did you ask them? The ones that are well known are never the ones for statistics. So this sounds very much like what people used to say: THE JEWS ARE RICH AND WELL OFF.
Essentially there was a perfect storm of financial meltdown coupled with a rise in German Nationalism and a charasmatic leader who could sell a lie. Who then established a police state effectively stifling all opposition. Couple this with a financial system which could not afford the promises of a political elite. The Jews were seen as a resource in the 1930's who could be exploited to support the state financially. Obviously these resources were finite and when they ran out the Jews became a burden to the state. Hence their eradication. As for Eastern European Jews it was about creating lebensraum for the German people, they were the merchants the cafe owners etc. Get rid of them put germans in their place. What was unique of course was the Nazis used the best Science had to offer to kill on an industrial scale and even then the Jews were seen as a commodity to be exploited. Hair shaved soap made. A disgusting business.
Jews arrived in the Israel area around 3000 BC. Jews lived in Israel under Muslim overlordship for centuries, and were prevented from owning land by Muslim laws. Jews still lived in Israel when European Jews began immigrating to Israel. Jews have had a series of political/religious masters from ancient times until 1948. During that time, Jews were not allowed to control their own land.
http://www.european-forum-on-antisemitism.org/working-definition-of-antisemitism/english/ Also here: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/102406.htm#defining "Examples of the ways in which antisemitism manifests itself with regard to the State of Israel taking into account the overall context could include: - Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor. - Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation. ... - Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis. - Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel." "Criticism of Israel, if similar to that leveled against any other country, should not be considered anti-semitism." The Guardian, Le Monde and talk-backers on Haaretz single out Israel in their criticism, and are therefore anti-semitic. Israel is the jew of the nations.
I recall in 1967 when Isral won the war and My sister was living on a kibbutz--When she returned we used to support those Jews you say I hate. We danced to hava nagila and were happy for the Jews you say I hate. But then we started to learn just what was really going on. no sir I do not hate Jews but I detest anyone who oppresses or steals from or in any way colonises those they percieve to be weaker. We Irish know a thing or two about that Mr H, What are the odds you also supported the colonialist britain in MY country MR H. I hated those british who carried that out or supported it. Is that being "Anti British". Your agrguments are a joke MR H and your attempts to make me look anything like Petra are simply evidence of your lack of a credible response. I feel sorry for you---you dont really belong anywhere ---do you.
...what about the Jews living today everydaylife in Europe. Do they really feel antisemitism or to be treated worse than the others by the Europeans(f.e muslims)? And can you explain how? Most of them live very confortable, many of them have high positions in politics, culture life, education, medicine ...
I support your right to support Israel even if I find your stance unsupportable. But to accuse me of being an anti-semite when you have never met me is a bit rich. I do not support the domestic and foreign policies of the Israeli State. If that makes me an anti-semite in your eyes then so be it. I can live with that
You raise some good points, but I think that your perspective is oversimplifed at times. It is true that many people in Talkback raise the "anti-semitism" card too often, and ignore the reality of Israeli mistreatment and oppression of the Palestinians. But context is important, when Israel was born in 1948, and today. It seems to me that you too often see things in black and white terms, overlooking the complexities of this conflict. It is easy to dismiss Israel and Zionism as "invaders from Europe," but there is a legitimate, organic aspect to the Zionist movement. Similarly, anti-Semitism is real, and there are those who hate Jews who use criticism of Israel as a way to vent their prejudices. Do not forget this, even as you advocate justice for the Palestinians.
Rich, Potobac would have you think his criticisms against Israel are valid, not in response to his hatred of jews (see his response to Lee no9). Then in other thread, his pretty humanitarian mask slips: In response to another poster who claimed the jews suffered for Jerusalem during the roman times, this was what he had to say: "When you are remembering that siege, do you afford sufficient blame to the idiots who started that war? It was quite obvious to anyone who gave thought that the Romans would beat them, but because of them and their stupidity the Temple was destroyed and most of the Jewish population was killed or driven into slavery." if one were to say this against the palestinians in their fight against Israel, this same potobac would be up in arms against 'those racist Israelis' who said it...
Absolutely.. by Petra's definition, being a European, I too am an Antisemite. However I have to say that the language Petra uses isn't that unlike your own, it's just a mirror image. He/She hates Muslims, you hate Jews. Ignorance is the mutual problem you both share.
No surprises or sadness...according to HIS WORDS:"every tree and every stone'll say:here's jew beside me...come and kill him." Only Ghakard tree (acacia)'ll keep silent...So, my beaties, grow up acacias (yor rabbi's ALREADY gave you halacha), it'll help...not for long, sure.
Can you tell me,why the Jews of Europe were herded to the Gas Chambers ? Can you tell me. WHY ?
...don't be my beautiful ones. they must be exposed for what they truly are. simply in G-D's Good Time, meanwhile the faithful WILL suffer much. but let not your heart be troubled, HE will be there, yes HE is at the door. peace is HIS and HE will freely give it to you. we all KNOW WHO wins. shalom
see her post #41 the europeans & arabs were and will aways be anti semitic"Petra. She is talking to you too H?. Are you not perturbed as a"European" to be called an anti semite. Why don,t you chastise her.
Blimey Slimey..you just verified my point.
well are you a limey or a haimy.
that you grew up Your writings are childish You're assuming that every Jew in your neighborhood was a Zionist
Calling Israel and/or Jews "nazis" assuages the reticent guilt of those who want to resent Jews but feel restrained by the history of how Europe treated the Jews. It says to Jews "it's not me, it's you". Appeals to cheap emotions, simplifies things and washes the slate clean for them. Europeans are the most hypocritical beings who ever walked the face of the earth- they preach the need for love and peace for everyone but themselves.
Simple ignorance. I recommend Roberts History of the World (Penguin). See what happened with Jews.
I meant to write: Jews and ARABS are semites (instead of Muslims, 'cause Muslims can be Turks, North Africans or Europeans too). Sorry for the mistake while typing my comments. SHalom.
True, anti-semitism = hatred against semites, now semites are both the Jews and Muslims, BUT we all know what the word anti-semitism represents: hatred towards Jews! Don't give us crap that all these anti-semites are against Muslims too. In fact, most Muslims are against Jews, thus making them anti-semites too.
"I would remind you Haaretz is moderated. If I was anti semitic Haaretz would not print what I write." Natalie Durson in today's Haaretz, "The problem with Israel's Jws (can't even spell it) is the more they get the more they want. or from American in NY to myself, "Instead of hiding behind a Foreign flag,why don't you join your brothers in Israel, drive a bulldozer and kill Palestinians" Ben Gabo is correct, you are Antisemetic.
First, spell the word correctly - without the hyphen. It is "antisemitism" - hatred of Jews, not anti-Semitism, hatred of Semites.
the way you use the word zionists shows your prejudice.... what si your problem with the rights of jews to sovereignty in the m.east....are jews less entitled than other semites.
The unfortunate thing about people like you is that they do just as much generalizing about the other side as anti-semites do about Jews.If one grows up in New York where my neighborhood was about half Jewish and then was involved in a professional life, it would be hard NOT to have Jewish friends. It makes it a lot easier to cut through the nonsense about how if you don't accept everything a zionist says, you hate Jews.
thanks; I am sharing this article with friends. Finally a clear article on this important subject
If you hate a person, you hate something in him that is part of yourself. What isn't part of ourselves doesn't disturb us.
you have forgotten that not everything belongs to arab semites and that jewish semites have rights too.... perhaps a look at the map might show you which side is being greedy. if you are concerned with indigenous peoples being kicked off land then try usa, canada, all of central and s.america, auz, nz....where it is still on going....every heard of amazonian injuns ? aboriginal reservations ? perhaps you might also spare a thought for the 800K jews thrown out of arab countries, my mother was one of them.
Are they really talking about themselves.? What do they know that you pretend not to?
is an example of a very limited individual writing in a uk national newspaper. not only is she partial and agenda driven but depressingly unintelligent. it is no wonder why people have such simplistic views on what is happening in the world. finding quality analysis is proving ever more elusive.
Quit your kidding, you dont' have any Jewish friends You're the sort that says they have a fictional friend in a group and then proceeds to denigrate the group, you know "Some of my best freinds are---" It's an old song and dance and a lousy unbelievable routine Don't concern yourself with "Decent Israeli's" before you yourself become decent
The reason that European media always treats 1948 as the starting point for all mid-east and eastern history is obvious. Looking even a day further back is to have to face the powerful role that European Colonization prior to the end of WW 2 played in shaping those areas into the mess they are today.
It was unfortunate that after 9/11, Pres. Bush had to deal with terrorists and did not handle the situation well, maybe even made it worse. He used terminology like "going on a crusade"; ouch, that was the wrong thing to say. Terrorists are anarchists, the new anarchists of the 21st century; communists being the anarchists of the 20th century. We are not on a crusade or holy war against Islam; I think when the muslims accuse us of that, they may be wrong also. We are dealing with anarchists who are anti-democratic, anti-government, anti-semitic, anti-black, anti-bankers, and anti-western. Basically, we are still fighting terrorists. I have no doubt Nazis used many arab associations to get control of the world and push towards the east.Nazi racism and antisemitism was the worst.Do we have to worry about a resurgence of Nazism in Europe? Europe is a separate continent from the USA. The world in 40 years may be different;maybe less prejudice in the USA while Europe remains racist?
How long didn't you read Libération, Le Monde or have a look to French TV Pierre ? or hear a french radio station ? Maybe you pick your information from that famous swedish tabloid ? or directly from the swedish foreign affairs minister ? Dear Pierre S. I will not ask you a few other questions because I'm not sure they will be published. I recommend you, if you're not a jews hater, to read an instructive book written by a group of french (non jewish) professors called "Le téritoires pérdus de la République" but in fact I doubt you'll ever want to open your eyes. You're certainly not an anti-semite but a fashionable highly respectable anti-zionist wich all the world knows by now what that really means.
Chris, stop beating about the bush, the article describes you and your ilk perfectly fine! You are indeed the perfect example - you are obsessed with Israel and are one of the most biased in your comments and posts. Instead of always defending your anti Israel BS, have you ever asked yourself hwat made you beeing so incredibly onesided? Certainly not a qust for peace and justice, because that would involve jeweish rights as well, rights that you keep negating. That has nothing to do with a justified criticism of Israel. That's an old story indeed (For the history of Antisemitism and Antizionism read Poljakov, Broder, Satre and many others)
are not Semites. The khazers converted in the 6th century to Judaism. Most Israelis are NOT decended from Jacob and therefore are not Semites. Anti-Jewish perhaps but NOT anti-Semite. The palestinians on the other hand ARE Semites.
Okay, BDS. How about this equivalence: 1000 Israeli civilians dead in intentional suicide bomb attacks and shootings between 2000 and 2005--constituting only 10% of the intended number of victims due to Israeli security's success at stopping 90% of such attacks during the same period. Hence the intent was to slaughter 10,000 Israeli civilians during that period. That's 10,000 cases of attempted murder of civilians and 1000 cases of murder, vs 1,100 cases of deaths in a defensive war responding to thousand of rocket attacks, in which 600-700 of the victims were Hamas combatants, and the rest were unintended victims because of the combatants' strategy of fighting and hiding among civilian communities.
I call the 1948 removal of 800.000 people from Israel wrong, I call the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the Westbank inhumane. I want Israel to withdraw completely from the westbank. If those statements can be described as: "In common parlance, Israel is still demonized, Nazified; it is the harbinger of all evil, racism, colonialism, imperialism and ethnic genocide." I am indeed guilty just like the UN security counsil and many people writing in Haaretz. Still this is about the policies of Israel and the actions of people and nothing else.
even before Israel was a nation, the arabs were allies to hitler. Of course anti semitism and anti Israel are one and the same as there is no other homeand for the Jewish people BUT Israel. The excuses some of the misdirected use never do quite ring true as all they do at each opportunity, is to slam both the legitimacy of Israel and her people, and her way of life which is the first to have a true democracy before most nations were a notion. While all eyes are on Israel, all eyes have turned from the pals and their outlandish, false, lying claims that we all know are false and almost laughable, if not for the deaths they cause, needlessly. Keep BUILDING!!!!!!
and the European banks hold most of the paper & the complete amount still isn't known. Wonder what the total will be? Wonder how many millionairs in muslims and eurpean countries will be affected? Stay tuned... These guys are real 'geniuses" who both have two things in common, love of money, hatred for Jews. Marvelous, divine justice.
the Israeli apologists posting, who can not justify the actions of their country always revert to the "but notice someone else is worse" [violator of human rights, or, or...] argument?
The new antisemitism is undoubtely a conflation of anti-Israel sentiment, anti-zionism and anti-semitism. It can be most strongly seen in the European press, and may be a means of Europeans in an effort to alleviate their guilt from the holocaust. An interesting blog post on this subject can be seen here: http://bit.ly/83tsT6
As a French jew, you "confirm every word in this article...". A compelling argument, Paris. So why did French jews react so strongly when Ariel Sharon suggested they all move Israel a few years ago? Frankly, this is is pure propaganda, you know it and Mr Berthelsen knows it. Problem is it doesn't seem to work anymore. Peter and the wolf-syndrome.
...out the local population." That is factually wrong, LG. Heard about Plan Dalet? It was well pepared, very detailed, brutally executed and the result was 700 thousand Palestinian refugees and some 450 razed villages. The zionist actions were morally wrong then, and it carries on today with settlements on stolen land and daily humiliations of palestinians. The world didn't know the details before but we do now - and thats's why all moral human beings react. Calling it anti-semitism is pure nonsense and a deliberate diversion.
As a french jew I confirm every word in this article
That was three British born Moslems and 4 Somalis who had sought asylum in britain. Out of a population of 1.3 million which equates to 4% of the population. I will remind you that Jews also perpertrated acts of terroris against britain. Hardly a tide of Islamic fundamentalism. An excuse used by people such as yourself when confronted with an u8npalatable truth that Israel is not liked, or Israel does thimgs that are wrong. When confronted with a differing opinion with a sound argument, you either accuse us of anti semitism, or of being muslim fundamentalists, ot terrorist supporters. Thats fair enough, problem is with the Internet it is not as easy as it used to be to silence Idrael's critics. I would remind you Haaretz is moderated. If I was anti semitic Haaretz would not print what I write.
My opinion of people who claim there was no plan to throw out the local population is about the same as my opinion of those who claim there was no holocaust. You can believe, if you choose (as holocaust deniers can believe what they choose) that the early leaders of Israel were perfectly willing to have a country in which the majority of the inhabitants were not Jews and were hostile to there being a new Jewish country in which they would be second class citizens. You can believe that these leaders were too tender-hearted to drive out as many of them as possible to increase the viability of the new country. It may take a lot of effort, but you can do it.
Old Europe. New Europe. Nothing changed. Nuance maybe?. The inventor of "pogroms", the "crusades", the "final solution".I will not bore you with the "plague", the "child's blood for baking" the "final solution, or the modern up-to-date "body parts". The church and the mosque are qualified to enlighten you on the subject, --- they have experts. To add insult to injury in reverse, this paper writes that El Gordo from Caracas is giving a sword to Abbas?, a muslim, as if to say:" start slashing, you have 20-25 million of allah's warriors in Europe". Hatred old flame, new flame -- the same heat emerges from it, like the eternal flame on the tomb of the unknown soldier, so Europe can erect a few more similar monuments to the Glory of .......Glory!
The article touches many subtle issues. It is impossible in a short post post to give a fair account. I comment on two points: (a) Jews in Europe DO NOT face the same intensity of hostility as Muslims. Save for radical fringes, Jews in western Europe are much more integrated and socially accepted than Muslims. Berthelsen failed to report polls showing that a much higher % of Europeans would have Jews as neighbors or colleagues than Muslims. (b) Save for radical fringes, European left wingers are not viscerally anti-Israel or antizionist. Most of them accept the legitimacy of an Israeli state with a Jewish majority, but within the 1967 borders. They do not demand that Israel dissolve, but that it does not discriminate the 20% non-Jewish minority and that it withdraws from the occupied territories. Agreeing with Goldstone report is not questioning Israel's existence, but its policies. Berthlesen's appraisal on the European left is misleading.
"If one ignores the fact that Jews from Europe invaded, threw out a large percent of the local population, stole (oops, expropriated) their land, and oppresses those who remain, many of the Palestinian complaints seem trivial. " There was never a plan to throw out the local population. In 1948 1/3 of the population was Jewish and a very important fact you leave out is that the Arabs plans for them was "pushing them into the sea". So it was a war of survival and the Jews won against the arabs who greatly outnumbered them. As in all wars refugees were created. So let's move on and not expect the Jews to commit collective suicide.
If you look at the history of antisemitism from the 19th century to the 1930s, one important driving force was the number of great financial scandals attributed to Jews. In France before the Dreyfuss affair, in Germany in the 1870s and 1920s. Today the financial scandals are in the US, not so much in Europe.
SOME from among that 3% are actively engaged n blowing up subways. SOME Jews are Madoffs. If would be blatantly anti-semltic to say the kind of thing you said about Jews because of the Madoffs. Why is it any better to say it about Muslims?
Absolutely!
killing them , by Islamic laws, so who is the fool? Let Them Die by Their Own stupidity as the moslems say.
If "some anti-Israel hate is a mask of anti-Jew hate', then it follows that some isn't. It's interesting how people like you can say that because SOME is anti-Jew, then we can discount ALL. Wouldn't there be a merit (except that it would make you uncomfortable) to looking at anti-Israel criticism as being sometimes valid and considering what is valid about the criticism that is JUST anti-Israel without automatically discounting it?
This is just plain deranged. The author clearly has no clue about what he's talking about, and I hope he isn't taken seriously by anyoen. I fear Israelis will end up with a very strange view of the world around their country, if this is the sort of things printed in serious newspapers. It's a shame that ISraeli newspapers always rely on "native rapporteurs" who have their own agenda to push, like this Berthelsen. I do understand how Israelis must feel when confronted with how some of sensationalist and irresponsible journalism in EUrope describes their country, but this is just the same thing in reverse. Israelis are welcome to come visit Sweden to see for themselves - is it like Nazi Germany or not? Sure there are people with prejudices against Jews and Muslims, but get real.
Your Muslim 3% was actively engaged in blowing up your subways, along with the riders
Calling someone an anti-semite used to mean, 'I have strong reasons to believe you think Jews are innately evil.' Now it just means, 'You're not Jewish and I don't like you, but I'm too stupid or lazy to explain why.' If people had called a man an anti-semite 30 years ago I would have thought 'That's a bad man.' Now I just groan wearily and think 'He's probably somebody who's crictised Israel's treatment of the Palestinians and dared to say that they deserve freedom and a normal life in their own land.'
In the southern swedish town of Malmoe opposite to Copenhagen less than1.000 jews are chased like animals by 50.000 moslems and leftwingers without a word from official Sweden. As they are sionists. The worst thing you can be in Sweden according to left media such as Aftonbladet. Forum Syd an outspoken antisemitic organisation is funded by a part of the swedish Foreign Office (Sida).
the most discerning and astute insight into the predicament faced by European Jewry. The writer has sifted through the dirt and fog to grasp and identify the core issues and realities which elude most willfully blind commentators on the continent.
Chris I did not think you would agree with this article. Those such as yourself are contributing to this antisemetism. He is referring to you and in your ilk. You cant see the problem for ths simple fact you are part the problem NOT the solution.
"White phosphorus in Gaza? No doubt. Qassams in Sderot? Where?" You want equivalence? It's not justified by the facts. A few primitive rockets fell on Sderot - how many killed or injured? One or two. How many killed in Gaza by a modern well-equipped army - 1400. Both of these were war-crimes, but not of equal severity.
Jews and Palestinians have little or nothing in common hence hatreds and prejudices, justified or not, are based on different motivations entirely. To equate Xtian hatred of Jews based on religious folk tales with everyone's dislike of the Palestinians - yes, even the Saudis and the Kuwaite's expelled every last one of the 340,000 foreign Palestinian workers out of their respective countries, and the exclusion of further migration of Palestinians into Jordan is not the same at all. Irrational bias based on religious presumptions and stereotypes and bias based on actual behavior and lack of modern moral values by the palestinians is very different sourcing of bias.
Today Uruguay's leftist frontrunner for President Jose Mujica praised Brasil President Lula for hosting Ahmadinejad visit, no comment instead of Lula's hosting of Shimon Peres visit one week before. His remarks is showing what can we expect from the future in a South America cone where more and more leftist Governments pursue antisemitic views or make political gestures like Venezuelan Chavez, Bolivian Evo Morales, Brasil Lula and now Uruguay Mujica
As can seen above, the daily anti-Israel posters will never acknowledge that there is a growing tide of anti-Semitism in the world, nor will they acknowledge that some anti-Israel hate is a mask for anti-Jew hate. The fact that they won't acknowledge this is itself evidence of their hate. It is remarkable that these people feel so obligated to post the most vile anti-Israel crap day in and day out when there are far, far worse atrocities all over the world. In most case, I would bet that these people can only be either overly-obsessed and/or consumed with hatred.
- The world is messed up - Unjust exists - stupidity too Realizing that provides a strength.
Hate breeds hate. Antisemitism breeds anti Muslim, anti Muslim breed anti catholic etc etc etc.
New prejudice fans flames of the oldest hatred How convenient. Israel treats the Palestinians worse than they would treat animals and the Israelis are the victims. IDF harvests organs from dead Palestinians. It is believable. Not because of the "blood libel" (most people don't know what that is) but because Israelis can shoot, kill, humiliate, starve and beat up Palestinians with impunity. If Israelis have the freedom to do these awful deeds, then how far fetched is it about individuals harvesting organs. Qassam rockets terrorizing Sderot! Give me a break! They don't even explode! Thousand pound bombs dropped on houses do! Israel has a persecution complex and they cloak it in the "new anti-semitism." We don't hate you, we just want you to do the right thing and end the occupation.
Anything can be equated with almost anything else if one is careful which facts to emphasize and which to totally ignore. If one ignores the fact that Jews from Europe invaded, threw out a large percent of the local population, stole (oops, expropriated) their land, and oppresses those who remain, many of the Palestinian complaints seem trivial. Similarly, if one disregards the fact that the gentile population is using the only means possible to regain their land and rights, it is easy to disregard their "aggression". Finally, all the things you want to take into account have nothing to do with Judaism as a religion, and everything to do with Israel as a country.
anti-semitism= Jewshatred, anti-semitism is also palestinianshatred and anti-semitism is also arabshatred. anti-semitism is hatred against all semitic peoples everywhere and always.
Would that Ha'aretz itself would take some note of Morten Berthelsen's words. Anti-Semites and Israel-haters in Europe constantly use Ha'aretz's articles to justify their abuse of Jews in Europe. The painting of Israelis as dehumanised evildoers in articles by Amira Hass and Gideon Levi, to name but two, has a direct and very dangerous effect upon those of us living in Europe. Ha'aretz editors need to seriously review their own role in the rising tide of the threat to European Jews.
My Jewish friends will tell you I am not an anti-semite. Like me all they agree that Israel has become an abomination that must be stopped so that decent Israelis can live in peace.
So when I suggest that Israel is bombing Gaza despite the fact that Hamas has announced that all groups within Gaza (a place Israel vowed never to return) had agreed to stop shooting fireworks at Israel. That is anti semitic, even though I have acknowledged that the Palestinians had been firing bottle rockets at Israel?
While anti-Israelism can certainly not always be equated with anti-semitism, it often can. As the article states, highlighting certain Palestinian tragedies while ignoring Israeli ones, and disrgarding the aggression of Palestinians is a form of anti-semitism.
cifwatch.com does a good job of analysis of the problem and its causes.
No criticism of Israel is acceptable. Muslims represent 3% of the population of the United Kingdom. Where exactly is the tide of muslim fundamentalism which is driving this so called hatred of Israel. Perhaps Morten Berthelsen should consider the policies of Israel towards the Palestinian people and the occupation. Rather than just blaming anti-semitism which is the cowards way out.
Suppose one happens to believe that being against many of the things Israel does is not the same as being against Judaism; one is a nation and the other a religion. Would a person be termed anti-Islam for opposing many of the actions of Iran (a Muslim country) or anti-Christian for opposing many of the actions of Serbia (a Christian country)?
Depicting criticism of Israel as anti-semitism is a dangerous tactic, as it diverts attention from true anti-semitism. Barthelsen gives the game away when he describes support for the Goldstone report as anti-semitism. I have mourned the fate of the Holocaust victims at some 10 museums and concentration camps around Europe and I agree with Alibhai-Brown's positive assessment of the Goldstone report. This is not a contradiction.