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.