Criticism of Israel is not necessarily anti-Semitic

by | Jun 10, 2015 | Middle East | 0 comments

I RESPOND to the letters “Vilified for fair criticism of Israel” by Sanders and Usdin (The Star, June 3) and “Zionism offensive relies on miseducation” by Mike Berger (The Star, June 8).

Stating that the “well funded use of propaganda” is a strategic decision to advance the Palestinian position is a fallacy and a typical example of the Zionist rhetoric constantly exercised to portray Israel as the victims.

Furthermore, pulling the anti-Semitic card when confronted with criticism of Israel is a blatant act of desperation and indicates a loss in the argument of Israel’s legitimacy.

Israel, like any other state, can be objectively criticised without pro-Israeli supporters immediately getting defensive and seeking the role as the victim in the conflict.

To argue that Israel is on the receiving end of Arab antagonism shows fear and a constant need for self-defence, which is understandable after decades of persecution, yet this does not make it correct or justifiable.

If Israel truly wants peace, how does one justify the settlements and continued annexation of Palestinian land?

The various responses to Sanders and Usdin’s letter all follow a constant undertone of Israel being the victims, Palestine being the aggressors, and weak attempts to discredit any source of information that points out the blatant injustices and atrocities carried out by Israel such as Operation Protective Edge on July 8 last year.

Furthermore, the rhetoric seeks to propagate Zionism as a peaceful ideology by vilifying the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas for having an anti-Semitic agenda. Being anti-Israel doesn’t make one anti-Semitic.

Written by:

Rashaad Yusuf Dadoo
Parkwood, Joburg

Retrieved from: 

  • The Star Early Edition,  10 June 2015

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