It is the intensity that many people find disturbing. No other foreign conflict produces as great an emotional reaction as that between Israel and the Palestinians. Nor does any country other than Israel face calls for its destruction. We criticise the conduct of governments, not question the nation’s very existence. The standard applied to Israel is unique. Why?
Of course, antisemitism is often not so subtle. British Jews are being spat at and beaten up as they go about their days while schoolchildren are told to hide their blazers. Symbols of Judaism are being desecrated, even the Star of David necklace on the statue of Amy Winehouse in Camden wasn’t safe. It has percolated from the street to among neighbours — previously friendly WhatsApp groups have descended into a hostile environment for Jews.
