IN Britain a debate is raging over what constitutes antisemitismafter it was revealed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had attended an event eight years ago where Israeli policies on the Palestinians were compared with the Nazi’s treatment of the Jews.
At the event Corbyn attended, controversially on Holocaust Memorial Day in 2010, the comparison was made by Hajo Meyer, a Jewish survivor of Auschwitz, and one of many Jews who are supportive of the Palestinians and critical of Israel’s treatment of them. As some use the stigma of antisemitism to quash any criticism of Israel it’s a valid but highly volatile area of discussion.
The charge of hypocrisy by Israel has arisen on and off over the years in reaction to events in the Occupied Territories and the inability of some to marry the idea of a people who went through the Holocaust carrying out what at times have appeared oppressive acts or heavy-handed reprisals against another people. The Israelis argue it is necessary to ensure their security.
There are two distinct sides to this coin.
But let’s, firstly, be completely clear on any comparison with the Nazis.
Read the article by Matt Newman in The Daily Telegraph.