I would sign up to this
- Well I cannot see too much to be worried about in the definition below. I do not see any prohibition against expressing negative opinions about the actions of the Israeli State. I do think that the wording is heavily weighted in protection of the State of Israel, but where's the harm in that? If this goes through without any further objections from Corbyn and his cronies, then let's draft up other definitions for all the other oppressed or threatened races of the world. Any objections to that?
- 'Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.
- Making mendacious, dehumanising, demonising, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective — such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions.
- Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.
- Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).
- Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
- Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
- Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavour.
- Applying double standards by requiring of it a behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
- Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterise Israel or Israelis.
- Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
- Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.'
Personally I find it disgraceful that is any need at all for such statements. Are such things agreed by the Socialists concerning other races, nationalities, or religions? Maybe they find it unnecessary.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think the need for such a tick-list to formally identify anti-Semitism is directly related to the rise of the far right caused by the dismal state of world affairs and the global financial crisis. you can no longer be accused of paranoia when people get arrested for giving nazi salutes on the streets of 2018 Germany. Survivors of the nazi death camps are still alive. It was not that long ago.
DeleteThousands of Gypsies were killed by the nazis in the camps too. Most people I know here are casually racist when talking about Gypsies, and most traveller's sites are avoided by the police, even though they are supposed to be under the same laws as the rest of us. Should we have a tick-list for them, or should we see them as choosing to be separate from the rest of society and so fair game?
DeleteIt's been nine hours since you wrote it, the fact that there are no more comments raises more thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI think that is mainly because I posted it quite late last night, Yael. Also, I think many people are embarrassed that such a document needs to be printed at all, so when our far left take weeks to sign it and even then suggest caveats concerning separate political issues, we are even more embarrassed as a nation.
DeleteWhatever, adopting it won't change anything in the world.
DeleteVery true.
DeleteWell I shall comment, it does indeed look fair enough. But of course what I feel is that the whole thing is a political issue to get rid of Corbyn, and the media have been dominant in always using the same words to crucify Corbyn!And I am not a fan of his but the state of engagement on BBC news is infantile to say the least.
ReplyDeleteThe right to criticise any country's government is still there for all of us, as it should be.
This document is a global one which has been signed by many other countries other than Britain. Lots of people are out to get Corbyn and Corbyn helps them by behaving like an adolescent most of the time. Whatever he is, he is no shrewd politician. This is why he so popular amongst the young. No matter what you think of him, anyone who does not have the cooperation of business and banks should not attempt to run a country.
DeleteIt should be noted that it's the left who want him gone; the Tories are pleased to have him where he is.
DeleteTrue, but they're still wondering how Trump got elected.
DeleteAgree wholeheartedly with Thelma here Tom and would also say that the Palestinians and their plight are not mentioned anywhere in the text.
ReplyDeleteThat's because they have already displayed most of the indicators on the list and are probably considered irredeemable.
DeleteThe last bits of the list really apply to people who have been extremely and stupidly rude, so dissuading them from saying these mindless insults in the future may be a good thing. I just wonder what penalties for being deemed anti Semitic are being planned. That's where the real trouble will begin.
ReplyDeleteI found this last thing before I went to bed late, because I spend so much time sleeping. I read it Yael, and I could not deal with it. Tom said embarrassed. I just could not deal with it. Our world is such a mess.
DeleteI wish I could explain in English the truth about the whole story of our lives here and around the world, people feed on false news and rush to formulate an opinion that is difficult to change later, it is hard to be Jewish and Israeli in such a hostile world.
ReplyDeleteMany people have tried to explain over the years but for whatever reason the message does not seem to get through. Years ago, young Brits would have holidays working on kibbutzs but something changed. What changed?
DeleteSome of my neighbors are Englishmen who were on the kibbutz and married Israeli women. Weaver's comment says it all, the world in an egg shell, most people read one newspaper every morning and think they understand everything.The way we get the information is different now, no more personal experience.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you hear that British people do not like Israelis, but that is not true. Most people do not understand what is going on with the Palestinians, that is all. I used to have an Israeli girlfriend (Tel Aviv) and I could not understand her hatred of Arabs. Things have got beyond control now. It's very sad.
DeleteI don't hate Arabs, and many are like me here.
DeleteI know, Yael. It must be very difficult for you right now. I am sorry you are having to go through all this.
DeleteThank you for understanding.
DeleteMaybe you mean 'trying' to understand? I don't really understand it, but I know that all normal people are the same the world over, and especially all children are wonderful gifts without which we would all be finished very quickly. Your grandchildren look lovely. I would very much like to meet you and them one day, but who knows.
DeleteThank you .
ReplyDelete