Is the Irish left anti-Semitic?

[eireuk]

I think there is possibly a strategic element to boycotts of Israeli Univeristies. Israel, being developed and with strong euro-american links, is more sensitive to western intellectual criticism than some other undesirable regimes. I think it is precisely because of Israel's high status as a democratic and highly self-aware society that this movement has mobilised against their actions.

And Israeli actions in Occupied Territories are appaling and disproportionatly effect world affairs due to pan-arabist grievance over the situation.

So no I don't think the Irish left is Anti-Semitic but rather is attracted to an underdog. It used to be Israel, now it is Palestine. But it is an easy bandwagon to jump on for people with an anti-semitic view and I'm sure those elements have infiltrated-but not to a large extent.

Why would an Irish person feel anti-semitic?

[StripeyCat]

A few minutes of the IPSC march in town today:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=512Yw3TJwz0

[L'Chaim]

If you want to stop the terrorism, stop the occupation is the message I would give Israel.

So to follow your logic, we should've compelled the Brits to leave the North before even considering that the IRA should stop murdering people.

The difference of course is that legally NI was part of the UK whereas UN Security Council Resolutions, including 242, require Israeli withdrawal from the territories occupied in 1967. In that regard, the Palestinians arguably have an even stronger case than Northern nationalists. While condemning terrorism I do not condemn resistance to illegal occupation in the form of combat against the IDF. Attacking civilians obviously does not constitute legitimate resistance to occupation. Which is also why Israel should end its targetting of civilians for house-demolition including its barbaric policy of demolishing homes of relatives of Hamas members whose only crime is to be related to Hamas members. The Zionazis need to stop their imperialism.

Resolution 242 also includes a clause that says "every state in the area has the right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundries, free from threats and acts of violence". You forgot to mention that. You also forgot to mention that the Arab League rejected the entire resolution.

The resolutions in 242 called on Arab states to make peace with Israel. And since then israel has given abck almost all the lands it occupied after a war they didn't even start. Let's not forget that Arab countries started the 6 day war in 1967. Egypt, Jordan and Syria started this war. Israel was defending itself. Since 1967 over 95% of the disputed lands have been given back and this was in spite of the Arab reaction to the resolution, which the Arab League said was
1) No peace with Irael
2) No recognition of Israel
3) No negotiation with Israel
The lands given back were in exchange for peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan

It might also be worth noting that the UN didn't and don't recognize the West bank as Jordanian territory, not the Gaza Strip as Egyptian territory. And resolution 242 called for a withdrawal from territories and not, as you say, a withdrawal from the territories. You need to look at the wording of 242 again before you come to any conclusions.

Let's not lose sight of who started the war in 1967 when Isreal won and captured these lands. Israel was attacked by Egypt, Syria and Jordon. Israel didn't start this war. The blame for the six day war and for the plight of the Palestinians in the aftermath of the war lies with the Arabs and the Palestinians

[beardyboy]

Israel has no right to exist

[yanshuf]

beardyboy:

Israel has no right to exist

!!!

now that is a legitimate criticism of Israel.

Not only is it a legitimate criticism, but it's what Jews say about Israel, so there's nothing wrong here!

[yanshuf]

eireuk:

I think there is possibly a strategic element to boycotts of Israeli Univeristies. Israel, being developed and with strong euro-american links, is more sensitive to western intellectual criticism than some other undesirable regimes. I think it is precisely because of Israel's high status as a democratic and highly self-aware society that this movement has mobilised against their actions.

And Israeli actions in Occupied Territories are appaling and disproportionatly effect world affairs due to pan-arabist grievance over the situation.

So no I don't think the Irish left is Anti-Semitic but rather is attracted to an underdog. It used to be Israel, now it is Palestine. But it is an easy bandwagon to jump on for people with an anti-semitic view and I'm sure those elements have infiltrated-but not to a large extent.

The words in bold is outrageous, since you say that if Israel was not a democracy like its neighbours, it would be exempted from demonstrations and boycotts!

And this is logical to you?!

[joel]

How about the Jews being anti-Irish? - I mean, the BBC is said to be run by Jews and that has always been anti-Irish.

[Xipe Totec]

I think there is possibly a strategic element to boycotts of Israeli Univeristies. Israel, being developed and with strong euro-american links, is more sensitive to western intellectual criticism than some other undesirable regimes. I think it is precisely because of Israel's high status as a democratic and highly self-aware society that this movement has mobilised against their actions.

And Israeli actions in Occupied Territories are appaling and disproportionatly effect world affairs due to pan-arabist grievance over the situation.

One of the strongest criticisms of the left is their focusing on Israel instead of more repressive regimes like China or Russia.
These points (ie that Israel is more amenable to change than them, and that the effects of solution will be felt across the middle east) justify the attention on Israel.

I'd prefer if the same people protesting Israel could expand their criticism to worse countries too though.

[DR Runts]

If I oppose a foreign or domestic policy of any country that does not imply that I am a racist by the logic of some here. I don't support the US and Britains war on Iraq for example, am I a closest racist? You cannot equate opposition to a Governments policy with broad sweeping statements of being anti-semitic. For clarity i don't support Hamas and co, though i can understand the frustration of sections of the population and the youth who are driven into opposition to the Israeli state. However I don't support their methods and I condemn them. However the tragedy of the past crimes againt Jews are abhorable, should be condemned also etc but it doesn't give sections of the Israeli state or some Jews to use that as a "Get out of Jail Free" card for crimes perpretated against other peoples.

[dubsthcentralboy]

Since we know that they're not safe in European countires.

Yes, of course you're right. Jews are being blown up on buses in Europe every day of the week and suicide bombers are roaming Ireland, Spain and Germany looking for Jews. The Middle East, on the other hand, is a serene haven for Jews. What feckin planet are you on?

Europeans kiled somewhere between 5 and 7 million Jews in the last century. It's certainy not safe. I know it's difficult for Europeans to cope with their crimes but wake up.

Are you seriously suggesting that the EU would instigate a second Holocaust today? Honestly? If so buddy, then hunker down because you're obviously convinced that EVERYONE is your enemy. Thats certainly your right, but when a man assumes everyone is his enemy it often turns into a self-fulfilling prophesy.[/quote]

It's very possible. Would anyone have imagined in 1900 that within fifty years so many millions of Jews would be sluaghtered in Europe? I am not suggesting that the EU is about to turn on Jews, only that it's possible. We are already seeing a massive rise in anti-Semitism in France, synagogues and grave yards being damaged.