isn't it interesting?

Question

Does anyone else find that the only people who claim that "everyone calls them anti-semitic simply because they disagree with some of Israel's policies" are indeed anti-Semetic? I have many close friends from Lebanon, Palestine and the UAE (to name a few), and all of these people are reasonable and enlightened. We agree in our desire for peace, and are all dedicated to the cause. In order to do this, we talk with open minds. We work to transcend our own biases (let's all admit we have them), and truly try to see things from the other perspective. Usually when we disagree it is because someone doesn't understand the other point of view; discussion usually leads to a compromise or shared viewpoint.

These people sometimes criticize Israeli policy, or Israel. I do the same and so does my family; Israel is not perfect, nor is any other country, and we all desire improvement.

These people feel ok criticizing Israel, and know that Jews don't hold it against them.

, in the same way that I can criticize Palestinian leadership without my friends thinking I hate the Palestinian people.

I have only seen 3 people claim that they are unfairly deemed anti-Semites, although I have certainly read of other cases. However, it has been my experience that legitimate critics do not feel bashed; they are able to share their views without hating the Jewish people and discriminating against them. They raise interesting points, and often push me to expand my knowledge base. Illegitimate critics, however, seem quick to use the "stop calling me an anti-Semite just because I criticize Israel" excuse. What is going on with this? If you are a legitimate critic of some Israeli policies, do you feel ok voicing your views? Conversely, when you hear criticism of Israel, do you find that it is only/mainly true anti-Semites who claim they are being unjustly accused?

Mark: Not at all. That statement makes you appear thoughtful.

Answer 1

If I say if Israel has the right to exist so dose Palestine.
If I say if Israel has the right to defend itself and so dose Palestine.
Will that make me an anti-Semitic.
How do Jews doubt the existence of Palestine? asked by ultra what do you call that?
Thank you for living in the same world thank God for that.

Answer 2

Maybe those who are "confused" about the issue should use this as a template

"criticizing Israel is not anti-Semitic, and saying so is vile. But singling out Israel for opprobrium and international sanction—out of proportion to any other party in the Middle East—is anti-Semitic, and not saying so is dishonest."
--Thomas Friedman--

Answer 3

Today, I saw a question in another section, accusing Jews of worshiping Satan, characterized as a legitimate criticism of Israel. Another time, I commented that the Protocols of the Elders of Zion was a notorious forgery, and was immediately accused of being "intolerant". Actually, one of the most effective techniques of demagogy is to sanctimoniously accuse one's opponent of your own practice -- intolerance being the most common.

Not surprisingly, therefore, it has become the favorite tactic of anti-Semites to acquit themselves by preemptively complaining of "Zionist bullies" unfairly accusing them of anti-Semitism. Well, guess what? Some opinions are biased against Jews to the level of being anti-Semitic. That includes all opinions inspired by the Protocols and Mein Kampf.

Answer 4

I really wish I could join your discussion forum in person. Perhaps, I could see the bigger picture of the conflict in your forum. Shalom riviva.

Answer 5

I believe you riviva. I actually asked a related question about that two days ago, the other people may want to look at the answers I got.
Peace
http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmsNIQXfWv_xlltvk1XbAWDBFQx.;_ylv=3?qid=20071117173813AAABmIg

Answer 6

The confusion arises because zionists label themselves Jewish. When people criticize zion, the zinonese respond as if they criticized Jewish people. Zinoese refuse to believe that all the anger is direct to them for their zionist behavior. No anger is directed against good Jewish people. In fact most of us support Jewish people against the zionists.

Answer 7

i think the confusion comes because muslims aren't used to civil rights, so they can't tell the difference between speech which is critical of israel and speech which calls for israel's destruction.
most people can make that distinction easily.