Much criticism of Israel is wide of the mark

Jack O’Neill (Irish Examiner, November 11 ) asks why criticism of other countries is a precondition of criticising Israel. Well, because standards and human rights are measured comparatively.

Like every other country, Israel is not perfect. But Israel is far from the worst. Seeking fair treatment, on a comparative scale, is not exclusivity — quite the opposite.

Zionists, like myself, are not seeking to absolve Israel of her responsibilities. Indeed Israel has plenty of critics at home, particularly in academia. Every country is open to criticism. But much of the criticism levelled at Israel is built on proven falsehoods, distortions of history and double standards.

For example why is (Zionism) the self-determination of the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland, racism? Precisely who does it prejudice? The minority citizens of Israel play an active role in every facet of Israeli society and the Palestinians have had offers of statehood. Why does nobody describe the self-determination of other peoples as racism? That is a blatant double standard. Zionism has been declared racist by the UN (later rescinded); the Durban Conference (NGOs), and BDS.

In my experience critics lack a basic knowledge of Israel or conflict. Critics view the conflict in very black and white terms, often with little or no regard for the complexities. Many are also ideologically driven. Oblivious to evidence, blind to fact and no willingness to learn. The height of intellectual laziness. Boycotting Israel and comparing Israelis to Nazis is much easier than reading political science texts and history books.

David Newmark

Rheban Manor,

Athy,

Co. Kildare.