Sir, – The current crisis facing the Labour Party in the UK over Ken Livingstone’s comments have brought anti-Semitism into focus.
In this light, the piece by David Landy and Ronit Lentin (Opinion, May 2nd) is a timely insight into the lengths the Israeli state will go to in order to tarnish critics of its policies.
Europe has a troubled record on anti-Semitism and thus it is vital that, on any occasion it manifests itself, it needs to dealt with abruptly and forcibly. However the accusation of anti-Semitism, when abused, is a powerful one which can ruin a career and render solid arguments impotent.
In recent times the Israeli government and its supporters, under pressure from the success of the BDS (boycotts, divestment and sanctions) movement, have begun to throw the accusation of anti-Semitism liberally at anybody who dares question its policies and stands up for justice for the Palestinian people. Not only does this apply to non-Jews but also to the many Jews who are vocal critics of the Israeli state, such as the noted US academic Norman Finkelstein who lost many family members in the concentration camps.
This is a dangerous precedent as it not only diminishes the fight against anti-Semitism but also undermines rational arguments for a just and peaceful solution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
There is a serious vacuum in the peace process into which extremism is rushing on both sides. Creating an atmosphere whereby critical analysis of the behaviour of the Israeli state is subject to accusations of anti-Semitism does nothing to help find a secure future for Israel or Palestine.
– Yours, etc,
BARRY WALSH,
Blackrock,
Cork.