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There is no doubt that the HamasIsrael conflict has served as a significant trigger point for the current spike in
incidents. Impassioned criticism of Israel is not intrinsically antiSemitic. In many cases, however, the current conflict
has been used as a pseudolegitimate medium for latent antiSemitism to be expressed.
It is sometimes claimed that the antiSemitism. card is played to stifle debate about the Middle East. I am entirely in
favour of debate, but to be credible, it must be open, honest, contextualised and untainted by irrational hatred or
misinformation. After all, debate on Israeli government policy is the most popular national sport in the vibrant
democracy that is Israel. Why? Israelis love a good argument, but more importantly, many Israeli government
decisions are lifeanddeath choices with existential consequences for the tiny Jewish state.
However, in expressing strong views about Israel some people do not realise the extent to which they draw upon
myths, images, fears and expressions that have a long and ugly history. Others knowingly and deliberately draw upon
such rhetoric and upon the history of vile persecution. How can anyone attempt to justify disgraceful placards the like
of which we have seen in proGaza demonstrations in London proclaiming "Hitler should have finished the job", or
"Death to the Jews"?
What particularly saddens me is that, at present, it is not only Jews who are under attack because of their faith. Many
forms of bigotry appear to be on the march at once. Our deep concerns and prayers are with the Christians and
Yazidis in Iraq. Christians in Africa are also under threat. Minorities are being singled out and targeted, often
receiving little coverage and attention, which is surprising given the nature and magnitude of the threat and suffering
being faced.
The values of our free society are being challenged. The boundary between what is deemed acceptable criticism and
what is essentially antiSemitism is being blurred, serving only to accommodate the latter.
We are fortunate in Britain that the fight against antiSemitism and all forms of racism has been led by successive
governments, the police forces and other faith groups with the support of the overwhelming majority of the public. I
have been heartened by the many messages of support I have received from nonJewish members of the public,
who have been horrified by the hatred that has reached our streets. These voices should not be drowned out by a
loud and violent minority.
AntiSemitism stigmatises innocent people, legitimises hatred, breeds intolerance and is an open invitation to
"permissible persecution". Jews have been described as the canaries in the coal mine for Western civilisation: when
we begin to suffer from poisons in the atmosphere, others would be wise to take note.