I admire Jess Phillips. She seems to be a truly honest politician. She says what she feels, and”speaks truth to power” even if some people call her a “Gobby Cow”.
Today I read that she’s “been forced” to suspend her aide Salma Hamid for supposedly anti-Semitic messages.
Apparently she said the following (in 2015):
“Because Israel obeys human rights/law? Hilarious! Isis are terrible too. So really there is no difference.’”
“We must show the world that “Israel” is the murderer!”
“Israel IS inflicting Holocaust conditions on Palestinians! Oppressive, racist and violent!”
She also drew a distinction between Judaism “a faith based on peace and love” and Israel or “Zionists”.
I’ve made all these points myself, so I guess I’d better not apply to assist with Jess’ campaign!
I completely understand that Jess Phillips wants to stand apart from any claims of anti-Semitism in her campaign to be the new Labour leader.
However I’m saddened that it now seems to be impossible to say what I believe; that these are two different issues. Jews are beautiful people and Israeli government are pure evil.
Conflating the two issues is exactly what the Israeli government want us to do: Keep it simple just call everyone that disagrees with them anti-Semitic. No-one wants to be associated with anti-Semitism so they shut up.
Well, based on what I’ve read, I stand by Salma Hamid , and remain pro-Jew and anti-Israeli.
Here’s my previous blog on this subject.
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