Getting called a "vicious anti-Semite"

Did I court it? No. Was I aware that such an offensive and irresponsible accusation might get slung my way? Well, I’d read more than an article or two on the “new anti-Semitism” among other things. I knew that some would regard any criticisms of Israel as, by definition, anti-Semitic. It just didn’t deter me from taking what I believe to be an honest/moral stance against Israel’s actions in Palestine over the last decades. At present, while I read up about the idea of a one-state solution I find myself persuaded that it won’t fly but that further Israeli encroachment on what is left of Palestine for Palestinians will make such inevitable. The problem, however, is that one state may not include Palestinians and that would be a disaster for Israel and Israeli’s as well because such will never allow for a secure Israeli state.

Right now, my personal view is that a two-state solution is still viable but only under strict conditions: Full Israeli withdrawal from all the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Removal of every settlement in these areas. Relinquishing control over the resources in these areas. Finally, an open ended policy on the right of return with a phased in plan of mutual immigration of Palestinians into Israel and Israeli’s into the West Bank, East Jerusalem etc., through a political process and political agreements between two sovereign states. Short of that, I will be a critic of Israel’s policies in Palestine.

Meanwhile, once again the post “Who is Charles Edbagston?” has provided fascinating material for examining the things people will say - largely in the absence of evidence or argument - to criticize (or in this case slander and demonize) a critic of Israel. Roger McWilliams and Virginia Appleby both called me an anti-Semite. The former among other things said this: “If you ever step foot in Canada, I will have you charged with violating the Human Rights Code, just as I successfully had Ernst Zundel prosecuted and sent packing to a German prison.” The latter, began with “I wish you would stop protesting so much and admit you are a vicious anti-Semite.” Needless to say, I do not admit to what is false and I responded to both of these people with my own views about their views. I think both comments, one additional comment by Marjorie and my responses are worthy of a special focus to illustrate a truth about the risks of criticizing Israel.

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