Antisemitism

Where is your primary evidence on this growstuff?

Anniebach

Thank you ferry . I have not the foggiest what Jews in this country or the Israeli people think, I do not know , if Netanyahu is pushed from office I would accept this but not what newspapers or links to individuals claim .

What you have to remember is that before the Hamas attack, there was an election in Israel and it wasn't definite that Netanyahu would remain because his party didn't win as many seats as they'd hoped for. They did not have an absolute majority, so had to go into coalition with right-wing parties. There was criticism at the time, so he wasn't universally popular by any means. I'm not sure of the details, but he was also about to be indicted on some fraud or other (can't remember exactly).

The way he has handled the post-arrack situation isn't universally popular either. That has nothing to do with anti-semiticism, but an electorate which isn't happy with the way its country is being run. There will be some Israelis who still support him, but many who don't.

Agree ferry,posting what a Rabi says is not the opinions/ thoughts of the people of Israel. Last year there was a post declaring Netanyahu was not a Jew ,criticism of him was not
antisemitic so was a acceptable ! I pray peace will come soon for Israel and Palestine

Unfortunately Annie, the contention in the Middle East stems from so many quarters. You have racial and religious prejudices mixed in with land ownership, the need for power from many directions, historical and cultural aspects, economic priorities - the list is endless.

It's a divisive subject and generally, people will actively look for evidence that supports their own personal view and then use that as a hook to say "look I'm right - see all these people who think as I do" . Those with opposing views will do exactly the same.

Then you have someone who comes along and says that even Miriam Margoyles who is actually JEWISH doesn't like the behaviour of the Israeli government (the well known, outspoken, non-observant Miriam Margoyles that is) so what they're doing must be wrong - is hardly going to sway anyone's views - in fact it may do the opposite!

Thank you ferry . I have not the foggiest what Jews in this country or the Israeli people think, I do not know , if Netanyahu is pushed from office I would accept this but not what newspapers or links to individuals claim .

I think this needs to be put into context.

I believe the sentiment expressed in the letter is not the main issue here. The issue is very much as expressed in the quote that appeared in the Jewish Chronicle as shown in Annie's post.

Honorary officers and delegated staff are those authorised to speak on behalf of the Board of Deputies. Those Deputies who are not Honorary Officers do not have that authority.

So it was not necessarily WHAT was expressed, it was HOW it was expressed.

Deputies are elected to speak on behalf of the Jewish Community - which consists of more than just synagogues. To my knowledge the Jewish Community in toto have not been canvassed for their personal views.

Thus members of the Jewish Community may have taken issue that the letter would be taken as a true reflection of their views when in fact, their views had not be solicited.

they were not speaking for themselves silverlining you
said they said

Quote silverlining48 Sun 27-Apr-25 16:03:08
I expect they realised that, but despite that they courageously still signed. The others who agreed with the content of the letters , but didn’t sign, knew what was coming.

I applaud their bravery.

I think those who signed were not speaking on behalf of the BoD but as themselves, as people living in a democracy are supposed to be able to do.
As for the backlash no one will be surprised.

Once again I 👏 them.

From The Jewish Chronicle-

The Board of Deputies is clear: only our democratically-elected honorary officers and authorised staff speak on behalf of the organisation."

It comes amid concern at the Board about a split in the community on Israel and Gaza, with a divide between Orthodox and Progressive synagogues.

Most of the 36 signatories of the FT letter belong to Reform, Liberal or Masorti communities, and none belonged to the United Synagogue, the largest communal denomination.

I feel like it is an evil act by itself to intentionally lump criticism of Israel’s actions in with antisemitism in general. There is nothing innocent or benevolent in trying to silence critics by shouting them down with false accusations of antisemitism. There are even Orthodox Jews being vocally critical of Israel’s treatment and slaughter of Palestinians. It’s about decency and humanity. Conflating the criticism with antisemitism is just another form of dehumanizing the Palestinian people. The idea that you cannot speak put against their plight implies they are less human and deserve to be exterminated, therefore you must hate all Jews if you don’t agree that the Palestinians don’t deserve what’s happening to them.

I expect they realised that, but despite that they courageously still signed. The others who agreed with the content of the letters , but didn’t sign, knew what was coming.

I applaud their bravery.

There is, in fact, an official complaint against those who signed the letter - from the BoD website -

Following multiple complaints by Deputies and the public, all 36 signatories of the letter to the Financial Times are now subject to a complaints procedure in accordance with Appendix G to the Board of Deputies’ Constitution.

Anniebach I don't believe that any criticism of the current Israeli government from anybody (Jew or not) is antisemiticism. However, there are people who claim that it is and Jews who do are sometimes called self-hating Jews by other Jews.

Sorry GNs, finding the latter part of this thread a bit confusing. Will come back on again when the direction is clearer.

What isn’t true?

So not true

Yes really.

I do not believe Jews would fear attacks by Jews for criticising
Israel silverlining

Really Whitewave ? no fear in Israel but fear in this country !

You ask who said this? The person was the main signatory of the letter. Baron someone? I can’t remember now.

There is frequent talk of civil war in Israel. The latest can be read in Haaretz.

Quote silverlining48 Sun 27-Apr-25 15:02:46
More supported the letter but were reluctant to sign ✍️ in fear of backlash.

Surely, given the attacks on Jews in this country because of Israeli v Palestine war , if they fear for their safety speaking out against Israel would benefit them ?

All extremism is appalling. Speak up and challenge if you hear it.

Really, who said ?

More supported the letter but were reluctant to sign ✍️ in fear of backlash.

Do correct me