Not anti-Semitic to abhor murder committed by Jews

My recent letter on the clear difference between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism has hit the mark, judging by the urgent flurry of outrage that it has elicited from Israeli government apologists, in the form of Clive Hyman, of London, and Kevin McCarthy (Irish Examiner, June 23).

Israeli propagandists peddle the jaded notion that those who oppose Israeli oppression of Palestinians must be racists who simply hate Jews. This propaganda is patent nonsense.

The powers-that-be in Israel have, for many years, overseen the theft and ‘plantation’ of swathe after swathe of Palestinian lands, the methodical destruction of Palestinian homes, the uprooting of Palestinian crops and the cold-blooded murder and persecution of defenceless Palestinian civilians.

I stand with the millions of people who condemn, unequivocally, such appalling misdeed and policies. I do so simply because I am opposed to theft, murder and oppression.

Whether or not these crimes are being carried out by Jews is of no relevance whatsoever.

Charles Hayes

East Ferry

Midleton

Co. Cork