The spike in antisemitism globally is hardly news. And yet, there is something about contemporary antisemitism that sets it apart from its earlier and even ancient versions
I have had several such interactions with people who I thought were friends. The fact that they swallow the propaganda shows them to be as subhuman as the demons that came out of Gaza to inflict unspeakable horrors. I told them in no uncertain terms they deserve nothing except my contempt; they are non-entities in my world. You cannot reason with such people.
Jews are subjected to a standard no one else is. They are supposed to conduct a war tiotoeing through Gaza. Well, they didn’t ask for this war amd most other countries would have flattened Gaza by now.
Yes back in Sabra and Satilla times, critics at least admitted they were holding Jews to a higher standard. Now the critique assumes Israel is in a lower level even than the terrorists — which maybe half even condemn as war crimes rather than terrorism but actually often defend. Upside down world ? Or same as it ever was?
I run a dialogue group in the UK together with former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, a leading public intellectual. Another Anglican public intellectual, Dr Andrew Shanks, who was taught by the former Archbishop at Oxford University, stated during the most recent meeting the very same argument cited in this article as a criticism of what he called ‘vengeful Zionism.’ When asked what he would do had he been a kibbutznik in the southern border, or at the Nova celebration, he had no response. He advocated conscientious objection and complete pacifism in the face of any and all aggression. I told him that people are proud to serve in Israel’s citizen’s army, which my granddaughter will join in under four years. No meeting of minds. I also mentioned the duty to protect those attacked. Williams had already stated that the reason for world opprobrium against Israel was at root the plight of the Palestinians. When asked who he would negotiate with, no response. These are very common views expressed in the UK and facts have no influence whatsoever. Even the cleverest people are unaware of their ingrained prejudices, even if some of their best friends are Jews.
That an Anglican with standing in the UK feels emboldened to state the most obvious Judeophobic calumny is clear sign that along with sexual abuse of minors the Anglican church has a lot of soul searching to do.
The church loves the Muslim invasion and encourages them in all their antisemitic and anti Israel nonsense. The Church is not subject to the laws of the land and the police won’t touch them and regularly harasses nor worse complainants against the Church. Amazed that the present Wrchbishop has to stand down for kyung about vicious abuse of boys which he knew about and was a friend of the abuser. The Church in England is part of the House of Lords with political power. They always attack Israel and take up the cause of Islam. The Archbishop takes precedence over the Prime Minister. I’ve written an article about the Church for the American Journal of Jewish Ideas, editor Rabbi Marc Angel of New York
There seems to be a fear of calling a spade a spade. An individual imbued with antisemitic assumptions and views, who instinctively accuses Jews of actions they would not accuse others of in similar circumstances, is an antisemite. This reporter was and is antisemitic. That she would recoil at the accusation doesn’t make it less true.
I would have to say that Thomas Friedman of the New York Times practices the Altneu antisemitism described by Michael Oren. In his November 13th opinion titled "Amsterdam is About Jew Hatred-and Gaza", Friedman writes, "I am not a judge. I don’t know what the “just” proportion of Palestinian civilian lives and homes that the laws of war might say is OK for Israel to destroy in response to Oct. 7 for every Israeli Jew and home ravaged that day. But I am here to say that whatever the number is, Israel has now exceeded it."
Friedman is implying that Israel is destroying Gaza just because they can!
No, much of the world probably agrees with Friedman. By most assessments of modern civilization, yes Israel has exceeded its 'defense' mandates. Hamas's military has largely been destroyed and a mop up of the pockets of resistance can be accomplished with targeted special forces raids. This is not antisemitism but simple humanitarian respect for civilians in a war zone. Every criticism of Israel is not automatically antisemitism. If so, a large proportion of Israel's population is guilty as charged.
All civilians in Gaza are Hamas supporters either by decades long indoctrination or by financial rewards. As such, they are enemies of Israel who wish its destruction.
That’s what they have been doing. The use of Bunker busting bombs was in the initial days only (resulting in release of 105 hostages) and since then has only been used on specific tunnels or other terrorist infrastructure before which people are warned and given opportunity to flee—presumably Hamas is too degraded now to prevent them from fleeing which was their modus operandi previously.
You made my point by saying that Hamas is too weak now to even coerce their own civilian population. This is a mop-up operation now and the remaining civilian population can be spared from being used as human shields. Israel “won” and it is time for compassion for the suffering of the civilian population.
Meanwhile, the world is watching and not liking what they see. Yes, Hamas is a terrorist organization, but it is becoming increasingly evident that the far-right Zionists are as well. From here forward, Israel is shooting itself in the foot. “We have seen the enemy and he is us.” ~ Pogo
So true. As someone who is not Jewish I often find myself hearing antiseptic of this kind. A friend of mine keeps saying “Why doesn’t Netanyahu free the hostages ?” She seems confused when I point out that Hamas not Israel took the hostages and has the power to free them. My non Jewish former friends can not understand why I write and speak in support of Israel and the worldwide Jewish community. “Israel does a lot of bad things.” I was told on October 8 by one of the least informed people I know.
Would be extremely interested in your comments on the antisemitism of the US State Department that has been known for some time but appears to be growing in r recent years in the direction you describe.
The lie has been repeated so often that it has become the truth for these people. When a child grows up with Jew-Haters, before he or she even meets ANY Jew, the lie is MORE than the truth - it becomes a fact and their reality. Nothing that I know of can change that - it seems to be inherited, innate and in their DNA.
That is often the case, perhaps most commonly the case, but some children do manage to escape such an environment with their morals intact and, without succumbing to their parents' sickness.
We need to organize protests at The NY Times, The Washington Post, CNN whenever one of them publishes an anti-Semitic lie. We need to be that angry pain-in-the-rear people make efforts not to offend.
This type of leading question....'but isn't it true that Israel...." followed by some unhinged allegation is common...especially in British media I've observed. Christiane A. I wrote a letter to BBC re HARDtalk....the host's leading questions...as repeated in the manner done to you. BBC answers me that indeed they ask the tough questions....after reviewing the tape ...in keeping with journalistic integrity. The God of Love vs God of vengeance. Thirty or so years ago now, this was in the text book I examined for NYC high schools. The Almanac of the Islamic World by a Palestinian writer tells us that prophet Jesus tried to change the ways of the evil Jews but for his trouble they murdered him.
Maybe the writer is Christian as for Muslims, His appearance on the cross was only a phantom to trick the evil Jews. This reference book was in the library of the admission by test scores only high school at which I taught. I could go on.
Brilliant perspective and insight. My Jewish friends, sadly, have bought into this Israel-as-evil-villain trope. It has become embedded in our dialogs and culture.
I have had several such interactions with people who I thought were friends. The fact that they swallow the propaganda shows them to be as subhuman as the demons that came out of Gaza to inflict unspeakable horrors. I told them in no uncertain terms they deserve nothing except my contempt; they are non-entities in my world. You cannot reason with such people.
Jews are subjected to a standard no one else is. They are supposed to conduct a war tiotoeing through Gaza. Well, they didn’t ask for this war amd most other countries would have flattened Gaza by now.
Yes back in Sabra and Satilla times, critics at least admitted they were holding Jews to a higher standard. Now the critique assumes Israel is in a lower level even than the terrorists — which maybe half even condemn as war crimes rather than terrorism but actually often defend. Upside down world ? Or same as it ever was?
Probably same as it ever was, though you would think civilization would have evolved. That's giving to much credit to humanity.
I run a dialogue group in the UK together with former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, a leading public intellectual. Another Anglican public intellectual, Dr Andrew Shanks, who was taught by the former Archbishop at Oxford University, stated during the most recent meeting the very same argument cited in this article as a criticism of what he called ‘vengeful Zionism.’ When asked what he would do had he been a kibbutznik in the southern border, or at the Nova celebration, he had no response. He advocated conscientious objection and complete pacifism in the face of any and all aggression. I told him that people are proud to serve in Israel’s citizen’s army, which my granddaughter will join in under four years. No meeting of minds. I also mentioned the duty to protect those attacked. Williams had already stated that the reason for world opprobrium against Israel was at root the plight of the Palestinians. When asked who he would negotiate with, no response. These are very common views expressed in the UK and facts have no influence whatsoever. Even the cleverest people are unaware of their ingrained prejudices, even if some of their best friends are Jews.
That an Anglican with standing in the UK feels emboldened to state the most obvious Judeophobic calumny is clear sign that along with sexual abuse of minors the Anglican church has a lot of soul searching to do.
They can look and search but will find no soul. They are what is wrong with Christianity.
“He advocated conscientious objection and complete pacifism in the face of any and all aggression.”
Good thing he wasn’t giving advice during WW2.
The Nazis wouldn't have sent him to a death camp. He would have been fine.
Well. he would be dead if confronted by Hamas terrorists.
Thank you for sharing this.
Dr. Oren makes a great point in this essay.
I see it in too many places.
I wonder what the former Archbishop thinks about the invasion of Islam into cities in the UK and the gathering storm that is coming.
Is he aware enough to even see this or is he so deep into the Global Progressive Left delusion that he is hopeless.
The church loves the Muslim invasion and encourages them in all their antisemitic and anti Israel nonsense. The Church is not subject to the laws of the land and the police won’t touch them and regularly harasses nor worse complainants against the Church. Amazed that the present Wrchbishop has to stand down for kyung about vicious abuse of boys which he knew about and was a friend of the abuser. The Church in England is part of the House of Lords with political power. They always attack Israel and take up the cause of Islam. The Archbishop takes precedence over the Prime Minister. I’ve written an article about the Church for the American Journal of Jewish Ideas, editor Rabbi Marc Angel of New York
Thank you.
There seems to be a fear of calling a spade a spade. An individual imbued with antisemitic assumptions and views, who instinctively accuses Jews of actions they would not accuse others of in similar circumstances, is an antisemite. This reporter was and is antisemitic. That she would recoil at the accusation doesn’t make it less true.
I would have to say that Thomas Friedman of the New York Times practices the Altneu antisemitism described by Michael Oren. In his November 13th opinion titled "Amsterdam is About Jew Hatred-and Gaza", Friedman writes, "I am not a judge. I don’t know what the “just” proportion of Palestinian civilian lives and homes that the laws of war might say is OK for Israel to destroy in response to Oct. 7 for every Israeli Jew and home ravaged that day. But I am here to say that whatever the number is, Israel has now exceeded it."
Friedman is implying that Israel is destroying Gaza just because they can!
Altneu Antisemitism!
Friedman is a fool and not worth reading.
A "fool" with enormous influence.
Too much influence, I agree.
I see Freidman’s influence thrown back in my face a lot when having discussions with my progressive Jewish friends.
As soon as I can identify the source of their rage, it’s easy to deflect.
Tom Friedman has long been a sharp critic of Israel. This is nothing new for him.
In addition to criticizing Israel, he is a Jewish antisemite himself!!!
100% correct.
Friedman is a fool.
No, much of the world probably agrees with Friedman. By most assessments of modern civilization, yes Israel has exceeded its 'defense' mandates. Hamas's military has largely been destroyed and a mop up of the pockets of resistance can be accomplished with targeted special forces raids. This is not antisemitism but simple humanitarian respect for civilians in a war zone. Every criticism of Israel is not automatically antisemitism. If so, a large proportion of Israel's population is guilty as charged.
What about the hostages? Until they are freed, there is still a job to do in Gaza.
All civilians in Gaza are Hamas supporters either by decades long indoctrination or by financial rewards. As such, they are enemies of Israel who wish its destruction.
Yes, and that also is best handled by special forces commandos, not bunk-buster bombs which are just as likely to kill any remaining hostages.
That’s what they have been doing. The use of Bunker busting bombs was in the initial days only (resulting in release of 105 hostages) and since then has only been used on specific tunnels or other terrorist infrastructure before which people are warned and given opportunity to flee—presumably Hamas is too degraded now to prevent them from fleeing which was their modus operandi previously.
We don’t know how many Israeli hostages have been killed in the bombings but it is a high probability that targeting Hamas is also making their captives targets as well. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israel-says-high-probability-its-own-airstrike-killed-3-hostages-in-gaza-last-november
You made my point by saying that Hamas is too weak now to even coerce their own civilian population. This is a mop-up operation now and the remaining civilian population can be spared from being used as human shields. Israel “won” and it is time for compassion for the suffering of the civilian population.
Meanwhile, the world is watching and not liking what they see. Yes, Hamas is a terrorist organization, but it is becoming increasingly evident that the far-right Zionists are as well. From here forward, Israel is shooting itself in the foot. “We have seen the enemy and he is us.” ~ Pogo
The best word to describe Thomas Friedman is "Kapo." He is one of the worst, if not the worst.
So true. As someone who is not Jewish I often find myself hearing antiseptic of this kind. A friend of mine keeps saying “Why doesn’t Netanyahu free the hostages ?” She seems confused when I point out that Hamas not Israel took the hostages and has the power to free them. My non Jewish former friends can not understand why I write and speak in support of Israel and the worldwide Jewish community. “Israel does a lot of bad things.” I was told on October 8 by one of the least informed people I know.
Many citizens of Israel seem likewise confused about Netanyahu’s power to free the hostages.
Great, very deeply insightful piece.
Would be extremely interested in your comments on the antisemitism of the US State Department that has been known for some time but appears to be growing in r recent years in the direction you describe.
I’ll be happy to comment.
The US State Department is littered with anti Semites planted there by Barak Obama.
Marco Rubio will clean house and remove this filth.
Allivai!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gaza and Lebanon could be the garden spots of the Mediterranean. Why aren't they? Could it be a preoccupation with Jew hatred?
We are calling it “artisanal antisemitism”
here on the west side of Manhattan
The lie has been repeated so often that it has become the truth for these people. When a child grows up with Jew-Haters, before he or she even meets ANY Jew, the lie is MORE than the truth - it becomes a fact and their reality. Nothing that I know of can change that - it seems to be inherited, innate and in their DNA.
That is often the case, perhaps most commonly the case, but some children do manage to escape such an environment with their morals intact and, without succumbing to their parents' sickness.
We need to organize protests at The NY Times, The Washington Post, CNN whenever one of them publishes an anti-Semitic lie. We need to be that angry pain-in-the-rear people make efforts not to offend.
The Devil that never dies. Clear and articulate as ever. Must read for all.
What was your reply, Dr. Oren? It's not enough to identify an antisemite, we have to know how to respond to them.
Am Israel Chai. I'm sick of these bastards. Their Jesus was a Jew. Western Civilization was based on Judaism. The idea of Justice is Jewish.
Indeed, and us millions and millions and millions of American Christians know this and stand by Israel.
This type of leading question....'but isn't it true that Israel...." followed by some unhinged allegation is common...especially in British media I've observed. Christiane A. I wrote a letter to BBC re HARDtalk....the host's leading questions...as repeated in the manner done to you. BBC answers me that indeed they ask the tough questions....after reviewing the tape ...in keeping with journalistic integrity. The God of Love vs God of vengeance. Thirty or so years ago now, this was in the text book I examined for NYC high schools. The Almanac of the Islamic World by a Palestinian writer tells us that prophet Jesus tried to change the ways of the evil Jews but for his trouble they murdered him.
Maybe the writer is Christian as for Muslims, His appearance on the cross was only a phantom to trick the evil Jews. This reference book was in the library of the admission by test scores only high school at which I taught. I could go on.
Brilliant perspective and insight. My Jewish friends, sadly, have bought into this Israel-as-evil-villain trope. It has become embedded in our dialogs and culture.