The rising tide of British antisemitism

[shira]

The rising tide of British antisemitism

New figures reveal an unprecedented rise in antisemitic incidents in Britain. Anti-racists must take action against them

Figures released today by CST show that January's Israel-Hamas conflict continued the pattern whereby Middle East events trigger outbreaks of antisemitism against British Jews. This is a global phenomenon that appears to be intensifying in Britain and elsewhere around the world. Indeed, from January to June of this year, CST recorded 609 such incidents: more than in the whole of last year, and more than the 598 incidents in 2006, which was the worst year that we had previously seen.

It is a sad fact that here on Cif and in other liberal-left media and political spaces, the gut reaction of some people to these statistics will be to question their validity, and to erroneously claim that they are proof of a drive to shut down debate about Israel. This in itself indicates the levels of distrust, polarisation and basic enmity that now exist within some anti-racist circles against mainstream Jewish community organisations and representatives. It also reveals what is ultimately an antisemitic consequence or bias arising from anti-Israel hostility: namely, that there would be no similar hostile scrutiny from people on the anti-racist left against mainstream representatives of any other British minority that raised concerns about rising racism.

For clarity then, CST defines an antisemitic incident as an act that includes antisemitic motivation, language or the targeting of Jews per se. For example, when "Jihad 4 Israel" was daubed on synagogues it was an antisemitic act, as Jews per se had been targeted. When the same graffiti was daubed upon a non-Jewish target, it was not an antisemitic act, and became one of the 236 incidents reported to CST over these six months that were not included in the antisemitic incidents total. Of course, when the "Jihad 4 Israel" graffiti was accompanied by "Slay the Jews", that became an antisemitic incident regardless of its location. We do not employ the MacPherson definition of racist incidents, when it comes to antisemitism, because we believe it to be too subjective for consistent analytical purposes.

Also excluded from CST's antisemitic incident total are the many examples of antisemitism found on websites and in the public meetings and demonstrations of extremist groups. (It would be practically impossible to monitor such activities with any reasonable degree of consistent accuracy). Furthermore, the statistics do not include events such as the smashing up of Starbucks branches and attacks upon police that accompanied some of this winter's anti-Israel protests. Nor do they include anti-Israel protests (including direct action stunts) against pro-Israel lobby groups.

more...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jul/24/antisemitism-britain-racism

[shira]

1. Hate crimes, discourse and extremism

It should be possible to campaign against Israel’s policies and actions without using the most offensive and inflammatory discourse. For example, several anti-Israel campaigners have made the point that they compare Israel to Nazi Germany not because they think it is factually correct, but because they know it will elicit areaction. They are right: it elicits many different reactions, in different audiences. It gets attention, certainly, which is often the main intention; it offends most Jews (which is often not the intention) while inducing a taboo-busting thrill in those who make it. In addition, it is possible that, unwittingly, it incites a smaller but significant audience to hate and attack Jews. Certainly, it brands ‘pro-Israelis’, however defined, as today’s Nazis, deserving of the same ostracism from decent society.

http://www.hurryupharry.org/2009/07/24/hate-crimes-discourse-and-extremism/

[aquart]

2. The acting out may be increasing, but the hate is same old same old.

The poor pitiful Palestinians is just an excuse.

[LeftishBrit]

3. I think it's actually partly linked to the economy

Sadly, racism of all sorts always goes up in bad economic times; and that always seems to include the Jews. It's just in such times that we should all be sticking together, but it always seems easier for some to find scapegoats.

Re Israel: I think that antisemites are inclined to use any real or imagined sins of Israel as an excuse for their attitudes. I don't think either Israel, or genuine criticisms of Israel, are to blame for antisemitism which long predated Israel (George Orwell published a very interesting article about British antisemitism in the early 40s). But it's certainly easy for an antisemite to say 'oh but I was just criticizing Israel/ the 'Zionists'. If they are blaming British Jews for Israeli actions, then they are definitely antisemitic, not just critical of Israel!

I strongly agree with these last few paragraphs:

' It is vital, however, to maintain a sense of proportion. Antisemitism is on the rise, and presents a very real and intensifying challenge: but it does not define the British Jewish experience. This is not so much a case of glass half-full, glass half-empty. Rather, there are two glasses: one of which is pretty much full, and the other which is increasingly emptying...

There will of course be many differing reactions to these latest statistics; and also, for some, to my temerity for having dared to mention Israel in the same breath. Nevertheless, the time is long overdue for anti-racists to stop turning a blind eye to non-far-right manifestations of antisemitism. As the cohesion minister, Shahid Malik, stated about these figures:


This rise in anti-semitism is not just concerning for the British Jewish communities but for all those who see themselves as decent human beings. The fight against anti-semitism is a fight that should engage us all. This country will not tolerate those who seek to direct hatred towards any part of our community.


Of course it may be legitimate for individuals to criticise or be angry at the actions of the Israel government but we must never allow this anger to be used to justify anti-semitism. '