I was horrified by 7 Oct and I am horrified by the explosion of antisemitism since then. Thank you for this outstanding analysis and discourse with so many excellent and well reasoned points. It will definitely help me in my endeavours to be a good ally to the Jewish people.
Very good piece. I can imagine a campaign seeking to promote the interests of Palestinians and highly critical of Israel that was careful to avoid antiemitism, but that is clearl;y not what exists today. As you say, the movement that actually exists is animated by fantasy that Israel can be destroyed. They favour an unending attempt to destroy the countriy, an attempt that cannot be successful but can produce huge numbers of dead Israelis and Arabs. That is essentally what they are offering.
Mr Rich, as an active member of the Jewish community in London, I am appalled at what has happened to mainstream politics in the U.K. and most other countries. Demonising of Israel and the hate of Jewish communities is truly shocking. I believe the silent majority are against Hamas and understand the fight Israel has with islamic jihad, but the loud minority, many liberal white lefties with no real understanding of the complex geopolitics of the region.
As you say, any other recent wars, and there are no demonstrations, because, ‘no Jews, no news’.
Only two days ago the Arab League called for Hamas to be removed and the hostages released. Better late than never, but it may be too late to get the hostages freed.
Starmer and many other western politicians have acted with complete negligence and folly. Shameful Britain.
I know the invaluable contribution you have made, and continue to make, and thank you for all your efforts.
Watched from start to finish. Indeed “a dark and troubling subject”. I felt a sense of relief that you ended with words like “positivity” and “solution”. I also felt some despair that your essential work isn’t reaching a wider demographic. And then…I just randomly walked past a young woman reading “This Is A Man” (Primo Levy) in Portuguese! She’s not Jewish - “we always come back to education as the main grounds for optimism”. Even in that brief exchange with a complete stranger, I felt that optimism. Thanks again Dave. Warmly, Debbie
A really clear and important article/talk. And yes the post-Holocaust period was an interregnum which was hard to see if it was all we knew. Facing the new reality, which the Gaza War has only speeded up, is going to be the great task for the Jewish community. The whole situation only looks like it is about Israel. It isn't and never was. And again you are right building allies will be crucial.
Just read this. A truly excellent piece, deserving of a wide audience - will share. My own experience here in Spain closely matches what you report elsewhere, sadly and shamefully.
This is an outstandingly well reasoned and factual contribution. Thank you.
I was horrified by 7 Oct and I am horrified by the explosion of antisemitism since then. Thank you for this outstanding analysis and discourse with so many excellent and well reasoned points. It will definitely help me in my endeavours to be a good ally to the Jewish people.
Jane, thank you for your support and allyship. It all helps!
This is exceptional.
Dave
I was gasping by the end of this long read and had tears in my eyes.
I wonder whether your well reasoned analysis will reach an audience outside our community?
Thank you
Thank you as always for another brilliant article, now shared with friends across the globe.
Absolutely outstanding summary and analysis of where we are today and a sense of how we got here.
It is so true what you said about the 80 year ‘anomaly’ post Holocaust and many of us are only realising that now.
Despite all your extensive knowledge on this topic, it is inspiring that you end on a more positive note.
Thank you so much for all your work Dave.
Thank you for such clear headed clarity. We need it more than ever.
Very fair and balanced (I’m a British gentile).
Very good piece. I can imagine a campaign seeking to promote the interests of Palestinians and highly critical of Israel that was careful to avoid antiemitism, but that is clearl;y not what exists today. As you say, the movement that actually exists is animated by fantasy that Israel can be destroyed. They favour an unending attempt to destroy the countriy, an attempt that cannot be successful but can produce huge numbers of dead Israelis and Arabs. That is essentally what they are offering.
This is the best explanation I have read to date of what is happening in our upside down world. Thank you.
Mr Rich, as an active member of the Jewish community in London, I am appalled at what has happened to mainstream politics in the U.K. and most other countries. Demonising of Israel and the hate of Jewish communities is truly shocking. I believe the silent majority are against Hamas and understand the fight Israel has with islamic jihad, but the loud minority, many liberal white lefties with no real understanding of the complex geopolitics of the region.
As you say, any other recent wars, and there are no demonstrations, because, ‘no Jews, no news’.
Only two days ago the Arab League called for Hamas to be removed and the hostages released. Better late than never, but it may be too late to get the hostages freed.
Starmer and many other western politicians have acted with complete negligence and folly. Shameful Britain.
I know the invaluable contribution you have made, and continue to make, and thank you for all your efforts.
Watched from start to finish. Indeed “a dark and troubling subject”. I felt a sense of relief that you ended with words like “positivity” and “solution”. I also felt some despair that your essential work isn’t reaching a wider demographic. And then…I just randomly walked past a young woman reading “This Is A Man” (Primo Levy) in Portuguese! She’s not Jewish - “we always come back to education as the main grounds for optimism”. Even in that brief exchange with a complete stranger, I felt that optimism. Thanks again Dave. Warmly, Debbie
A really clear and important article/talk. And yes the post-Holocaust period was an interregnum which was hard to see if it was all we knew. Facing the new reality, which the Gaza War has only speeded up, is going to be the great task for the Jewish community. The whole situation only looks like it is about Israel. It isn't and never was. And again you are right building allies will be crucial.
Everything! Thank you Dave Rich.
Just read this. A truly excellent piece, deserving of a wide audience - will share. My own experience here in Spain closely matches what you report elsewhere, sadly and shamefully.
An outstanding analytical contribution - thank you so much for this