Anti-Jewish double standards

They boycotted and argued with politicians and got governments to impose sanctions in a civilised way. And it worked, eventually.

So, yeah, I guess I just think it's yobbish to behave like those people in the Belfast shop.

Maybe they think they need to be more overt because the UN just isn't listening. Belfast knows only too well how many lives can be lost before the talking starts to become effective.

Eloethan, I don't have any answers. I just feel the West stirred up the hornets' nest and then walked away when the stinging got too much.

And why do you jess think it necessary to immediately report anything you don't like the sound of? Is it some inborn tendency you have, or something left over from a working career which you are now missing?

Bags. I'm not sure I could screech on a forum.

How exactly would you go about it?

And while we seem to be knocking each other on here, why Bags do you have to use such a casual form of language. I find reference to "chucking rockets" quite offensive.

I can't speak for Jess, of course, but I reported the post as well. For two reasons:

So that the racist offensive comment didn't pollute this forum

And so that Gransnet wasn't complicit, through not being aware of, the said comment.

The rest of your petulant response isn't worthy of reply.

Thank you MicElf. Yes. Yours was a sensible reason to report the post.

I will ignore the nasty bit of your post.

And I did think your earlier post was very clarifying, so thank you again.

No doubt there are lots of Israelis in the UK but the vast majority of people of Jewish heritage in this country are not Israeli. That's why it is ignorant at best to attack Jews here for the perceived sins of the state of Israel and at worst, anti-Semitic. The frequent references to international Jewish conspiracies and the unacceptable influence of Jews on American politics, for example, make my blood run cold. Where did we hear that before?

Still working thank you Jingle and no need to make a personal attack. If you don't like the moderation on the forum then you could always start your own forum. My sister did this very successfully. Or you could join a forum where there are official moderators and then you could, once you have demonstrated your understanding of the rules, be one of the people who decide when a post is beyond the pale. Because some are beyond the pale and someone has to take responsibility for flagging them up and then deciding which side of the line they fall. GN staff do rely on members to flag up things that step over the line - because on this site there are no appointed moderators other than the paid staff, who cannot watch all threads.

I also complained about the post being reported - although janeainsworth's reasoning reply made perfect sense.

Perhaps even racist posts could be dealt with effectively by Gransnetters.

I won't start up another forum if it's alright with you Jess. I'm not sure I'd want to invite anyone else into the unpleasant quagmire this site can throw up from time to time.

In defence of the phrase "chucking rockets". Rockets are what is chucked. Chucked is a word that means the same as tossed or pitched. Anyone who wants to take offence at that use of the word is free to do so. The fact remains that Hamas does chuck rockets into Israel (and Israel responds in kind only more so).

Long live the peace process.

PS Well said, lily.

Well reasoned article by Libby Purves

Kenan Malik's response to Owen Jones's arguments. This quote, for me, is an important point he's making. I'm glad he's made it because I've been feeling the same thing for a while without the skill to say it so well: "It is the cynical use of conflicts, to progress the underlying narrative of anti-US/Israel/West, that forms the bases of my criticisms."

Libby Purves can usually be relied on for informed, intelligent and reasoned comment. She does not disappoint in this instance either.

Lilygran

Well said.

I think there is a rule for one and not the other in the way people think, bordering on hypocrisy. Why is it right to boycott goods from Israel but if anybody dared to say let's boycott goods from a Muslim country who murders innocent people by beheading, stoning, crucifixion, raping women and murdering children and taking their land it would be said it was racist / xenophobic.

I too have Jewish friends who think the same as myself, Israel has a right to defend itself and as long as Hamas fires rockets at it's people with a desire to kill then that is what it will do. They also agree, except one, that Israel is wrong to keep building and there should be more condemnation from the likes of the UN.

I think it is very telling that some universities for example are distinctly anti Jewish speakers. This behaviour IS reminiscent of past history , we all know how that ended. This whole anti Jewish rhetoric being stoked up is very worrying and to be honest.

I am not taking sides I see both Palestine and Israel as aggressors in this case. I understand the Palestinian problem but it is not right to promote anti Jewish rhetoric, the same as it is not right to make anti Muslim rhetoric. A very slippery road.

I'm just holding my breath and crossing everything that this cease fire holds, and that some form of accommodation for both sides can be found on a permanent basis; A forlorn hope no doubt, but it's worth the wish. Western governments, (and probably Arab ones too judging by their inaction over the disaster in Iraq) ) certainly want to keep a militarily strong Israel as lets face it, they are the only country, apart from the brave Kurds, in that area who can, and WILL take on insurgents that threaten the whole region. Frankly the West has the most ineffectual, weak, and dithering set of politicians seen since WW2. Wait for the EU or UN while they pontificate, scratch their heads, wring their hands and go from one resolution to another that no one can agree on, making themselves a laughing stock in the eyes of the evil creatures that seem to stalk the Middle East and elsewhere in the world. Israel has lots of faults but dithering and procrastination is not one of them. They are a force to be reckoned with and these vile savages know it, and if anyone can and will stop them in their tracks it will be Israel, so for that reason alone it is in the pathetic western nations interests to preserve a strong Israel to do the nasty bits for them, oh, and take all the condemnation too. Europe pretends to disapprove, but in fact they don't, as it saves them from having to dirty their hands - bit like having a hired assassin which of course is nothing to do with you!!!!!!!!!!

Are the last two posters really lumping all the ordinary families that are being targeted by the Israelis, in with these so-called, "Islamic State" creatures?

How exactly is Israel helping to defeat the IS? I doubt if they give two hoots about what is happening to some Muslims, so long as it doesn't affect them.

Don't make the Israelis out to be some sort of heroic protectors.

NigglyNellie - very good post.
jings - it's such complex situation but I don't believe that Israel is "targeting families."
I should stay out of this, too emotionally involved.