We must talk about Palestine – without being antisemitic

It’s hard to write or talk about antisemitism and the Labour party’s handling of it without descending into deep despair, and not just at the mirror the sorry tale is holding up to the whole of our society, which seems to be becoming less tolerant, more racist and less safe for minorities. This is having greater consequences than the Labour leadership can imagine. In particular, it is stifling the ability of commentators and decision-makers to talk sensibly about the real issues in Palestine.

My mother is Palestinian. These issues are deeply personal; we still have family in the West Bank. I am very worried that, at this critical juncture in the history of the region, activists, parliamentarians and journalists feel that they cannot speak out for fear of being branded as antisemitic. My plea is that we must speak more about Palestine, not less, and in this current climate it is something members of both houses of parliament have confided that they are more fearful than ever to do.

The word “Zionist” has become toxic. To some it means believing in Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. To others it represents a movement that led to the expulsion and marginalisation of the Palestinian people in their own land. To me, it is simply a word I avoid completely. I am a British-Palestinian who believes in Israel’s right to exist. Equally, I also believe in Palestine’s right to exist, which is why last year I introduced a bill to parliament to recognise Palestine as a state, something more than 130 UN member states, including a number of European countries, have already done.

So, to all the vile antisemites out there: clear off from the Palestinian quest for freedom and justice. Take your odious Jew-hatred elsewhere and do not think for one second that your views help champion Palestinian rights.


https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jul/21/talk-palestine-antisemitism-labour-mps-palestinian-statehood