In a week where Naz Shah MP and Ken Livingstone let their words fail them somewhat, I'm keen to seek out the correct, legal and dignified way of criticising the Israeli Government without being classed as anti-Semitic or anti-Zionist.
I do feel that when this crops up around friends, I just have to bite my tongue as I can't say what I really feel for fear of it being taken out of context.
This BBC article is somewhat useful ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-36160928 )
I make this thread as someone concerned at the Western default position of 'we back Israel' and the large pro-Israeli lobby in the US and sadly in our country too.
I'm neither for Israel or Palestine to replace one another, more to coalesce in a secular nation with an end to the constant retaliation for previous incidents on either side since time immemorial. I strongly feel that Western Governments need to step back massively from supporting one side over another as any attempt at a peace process has and will continue to fail repeatedly.
PS: I'm very aware that both Israelis and Palestinians have done particularly nasty things and do not think Palestinians are whiter than white either.
I do feel that when this crops up around friends, I just have to bite my tongue as I can't say what I really feel for fear of it being taken out of context.
This BBC article is somewhat useful ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-36160928 )
What's the difference between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism?
The UK Labour Party has been at the centre of a row over anti-Semitism, including its relationship to anti-Zionism. What do these terms actually mean?
-Anti-Semitism is "hostility and prejudice directed against Jewish people" (OED).
-Zionism refers to the movement to create a Jewish state in the Middle East, corresponding to the historic land of Israel - anti-Zionism opposes that.
-But some say "Zionist" can be used as a coded attack on Jews, while others say the Israeli government and its supporters are deliberately confusing anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism to avoid criticism.
I make this thread as someone concerned at the Western default position of 'we back Israel' and the large pro-Israeli lobby in the US and sadly in our country too.
I'm neither for Israel or Palestine to replace one another, more to coalesce in a secular nation with an end to the constant retaliation for previous incidents on either side since time immemorial. I strongly feel that Western Governments need to step back massively from supporting one side over another as any attempt at a peace process has and will continue to fail repeatedly.
PS: I'm very aware that both Israelis and Palestinians have done particularly nasty things and do not think Palestinians are whiter than white either.