.@terrytini99 Hi Terry. Please allow me to explain. This might take me a few tweets but hopefully by the end of the thread you’ll understand. (1)
Let’s not go into too much detail of the historical narrative - suffice it to say that Israel is a 70 year old democratic country broadly populated by 1.8 million Arabs and 6 million Jews. It became an independent State in 1948 roughly at the same time as Pakistan & Jordan. (2)
It is the homeland of the Jewish people & all Jews have a right to live there. Zionism is simply the right of the Jewish people to national self-determination in a secure homeland (Israel) similar to the rights conferred on any other national group. (3)
It is true that not all Jews are Zionists but 85% of U.K. Jews show support for Israel. So, for the majority of Jews, there is a close association with the Jewish State. But how do we define being Jewish? The orthodox position is to be a Jew you simply need a Jewish mother (4)
But the Jews are 2 things a)a religion and b)a people. U see, I am Jewish whether or not I believe in G-d, whether I attend synagogue or not or whether I eat pork or not. I have a genetic trail that goes back thousands of years. Approximately 50% of Israel’s Jews are secular (5)
Now when it comes to criticism of Israel it is perfectly valid to oppose the actions of any government. Criticism of the govt is a national sport in Israel. As is criticism of the opposition leaders. It is, after all, a democracy with free speech (6)
Here is the crucial point however. When that criticism singles out Israel at the expense of any other country (for example see the way @UN treats human rights abuses in Israel compared to let’s say China, Pakistan or Saudi Arabia) then you have to ask why? (7)
If the Israeli govt is criticised for defensive actions in Gaza & the actions of Hamas theocratic dictators are ignored then u have to ask why? If Israel, a country with Arab judges, members of the Knesset, professors, doctors & police is accused of apartheid u hv to ask why? 8)
If Israel passes a law that protects all languages but makes Hebrew the official language you have to ask why is this called racist when the Welsh assembly is not similarly criticised for making Welsh the official language despite the majority speak only English (9)
The answer unfortunately is the difference between CRITICISM and ANTISEMITISM. Israel is treated unfairly and is delegitimised or demonised by many because it is a Jewish country. AntiSemitic tropes are cloaked euphemistically as anti-Zionism as if this is ok. (10)
Israel is a tiny country. The only Jewish country. It is surrounded by hostile neighbours many of whom have avowed to destroy it. Why does it attract more attention, NGOs & international journalists than any other country? I know the answer. Really hope this thread helps explain.
Terry. I’m really sorry you have been subjected to a tirade from @BrightonBDS. Their responses are typical of the line that is crossed between criticism and antiSemitism. Unfairly singling our Israel without contextualising the conflict. I tried to answer you in good faith.
