Anti-Zionism is not the same as anti-Semitism

In his criticism (Letters, June 16) of Brendan O’Brien, Dr Kevin McCarthy professes not to understand the difference between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. 

Anti-semitism is a pernicious from of racism. It is an irrational, blanket animosity towards Semite peoples. These peoples include not only Jews, but Palestinians and other Arabic people, who actually make up a majority of Semites.

Anti-Zionism is a different matter. It is moral opposition to the workings of a political doctrine that has led to relentless mass evictions, land-stripping, oppression, and murder of tens of thousands of defenceless Palestinian people.

Charles Hayes

Midleton

Co Cork