Re Jon Lansman’s article (How can I, as a leftwing Jew, show support for both Palestinians and Israelis?, 20 November), those who want peace are not at fault; it’s those who use this conflict for their own disgusting means who keep the situation so volatile. To them, this is a time to advocate for their side and make a case for extremism against those they see as their mortal enemies. Both sides are guilty of this, believing that their suffering gives them a pass to encourage further suffering in others. So long as “their team” isn’t the one being hurt, it is justified.
The solution is to keep talking about peace and reconciliation, and to stamp out toxic ideas and prevent them from taking root. I, as a leftwing Muslim, have seen “progressives” ignore the plight of Jews to bolster their cause for Palestinian freedom. But that line of thinking is antithetical to progressivism, and responsible for isolating Israel and fuelling radical action undertaken by them. Tolerance must be universal, because hatred too is universal – anything less than the protection of both peoples ensures the destruction of both.
