Anti-semitism long predates Israel conflict

Charlie Murphy’s response to my condemnation of rising anti-Semitism is sad, but unsurprising (Letters, Irish Examiner, March 3).

Mr Murphy suggests that I am “in denial about the link between this increase in prejudice and Israel’s wanton human rights abuses”. This is the classic reaction of an anti-Israel zealot.

My letter highlighted the reflexive response of a large group in society whose worldview is anti-Semitic in thought and action. These people have no understanding of Israel’s role in global affairs. Their pejorative epithets are simply degrading insults.