The actions of a state do not justify prejudice against a religious group

In his recent letter (Irish Examiner, Letters, March 3), Mr Charlie Murphy introduces the notion that prejudice against a religious or ethnic group can be justified or ‘understood’ in light of the ‘link’ with the actions (or alleged actions) of a state.

Mr Murphy writes about “the link between” anti-Jewish prejudice and the faults of the state of Israel.

Since Mr Murphy is surely not an anti-Semite (and, as such, will not want to single out either the Jewish people or the Jewish state), perhaps we can broaden the discussion a bit?