THE ANSWER to the question whether it's anti-Semitism or legitimate criticism has already been provided by the United Nations and every dedicated critic of Israel. Had Israel's perceived shortcomings been treated with fairness and regarded in proportion to real atrocities and human rights violations occurring in other parts of the world - then we could say that criticism of Israel is based on a real concern with the issues. But since condemnation of Israel is so grotesquely lopsided - there is no more room for doubt. IT IS due to anti-Semitism. Richard Falk, a Princeton professor, writer, and enthusiastic anti-Israel activist wrote about the campaign: "Those that wage such a legitimacy war seek to seize the high moral ground ... (and ) gain support for a variety of coercive, but non-violent initiatives designed to put pressure on Israel, on governments throughout the world and on the United Nations to deny normal participatory rights to Israel as a member of international society." The real agenda is to weaken and demoralize Israel to the point where it can be easily destroyed.

re the deligitimazation of Israel certainly indicates that anti-semitism has arisen again although in this, its newest form. There are three main areas we should be looking at: 1) Antisemitism is a perennial phenomenon of the Christian, i.e., European, world and insistently rears its disturbing features after periods of relative quiescence; 2) The advent of the Islamic entity into western Europe, and North and South America, has come with a powerful anti-Israel and anti-semitic beachhead and a powerful political and economic influence as well as a psychological threat to the respective native populations; 3) The modern influence setting its sights against the state of Israel includes very intelligent and articulate members of the Jewish community who have been overwhelmingly influenced by both Marxist and liberal ideologies. Their influence, because they are Jews, is all out of proportion to their numbers. It is the latter group where we, Israeli advocates, might best exercise our influence, especially on the younger members of the Jewish population whose academic education is just at the beginning stages.

It is kind of frustrating but we can find a lot of Jews who hates Israel even in Israel.

The goyim will keep on hating us till the end of time. As far as the self haters are concerned they have been around since the beginning of time. The Jews B'H will be around forever.

because even if our relationship has not been historically smooth, Ishmael is my grand uncle, and I respect him for that, for being a son of Avraham.

the Palestinian refugees: Please read Benny Morris' account in his book, "The Palestinian Refugee Situation -- Revisited". Although the number, 750,00, which you quoted, is generally accepted, there is nothing whatsoever to indicate that the refugee situation began until the advent of the 1948 War of Independence". As to the reasons for the refugee problems, they are multivariate. You may also read Howard Sachar and Martin Gilbert, both exceptionally prominent historians. Arabs fled due to fear that the victorious Israelis would do to them what the Arabs would have done to Jews had they been the victorious parties: torture, murder and usurping of property. Arabs fled because they were promised by the invading Arab armies that after the Jewish people were decimated, that they could return to their homes in relative peace and prosperity. Arab tradesmen and labourers and farmers fled in a stampede because their leaders, their professional and business classes, all preceded them leaving the ranks of Arab communities disorganized and despirited and very frightened. Arabs also fled because they were frightened due to atrocities enacted upon them by Jewish militants (see Benny Morris). In some cases, Arabs were sent from their homes and communities by the Jewish militias for strategic reasons with regard to war efforts. The reasons for the exile of Arabs at that time were both complex and often contradictory. There were articles in Arab newspapers in which Palestinian Arabs were told to stay, that they would be safe. There were also Jewish groups which went around to Arab communities requesting that they not flee, that they would be safe in a new Israel. If you are going to make statements about the refugee situation, Naftali, regarding the exile of Arabs even before the advent of the War of Independence, at least bolster your statement with historical references as opposed to pulling what appear to be false facts out of the air. We are used to that kind of propaganda in the Arab world (see Mann News, for instance) but you are writing in an Israeli Newsite and the bulk of the Israeli readers are reasonably educated people who do not fall for such misinformation. In closing, I hope my little discourse will open your eyes to the necessity for genuine scholarship as opposed to making half-baked statements.

it’s time that the anti-Israel wave currently sweeping large parts of the world be examined more closely. no community should be lulled into thinking that things cannot get worse in their host country. Therefore, to continue placing one's head in the sand and to think that all the anti-Israel sentiment sweeping large parts of the world is exactly that and nothing more, as many of the apologists would like us to believe, is being a bit naïve. Moreover, as according to many observers both the American empire is currently teetering and economic disarray is a real possibility for many of the Euro bloc countries over the next few years, and nobody knows with certainty what will happen or who will be blamed should the situation there suddenly deteriorate, why risk it all by remaining in the Diaspora? Moreover, as it is always preferable to come live here from one's own volition rather than being forced to flee here, why wait and take the chance? Comment - If coming Volontarily on Ones own volition, One will also have Ones own Posessions and Treasuries with Oneself - But - Forced to Flee and Leave, One will be Broke when doing it. Orao.

As there always is two main sides in Politics within a Country, so is there always two main sides in the World. It is the Old struggle between Good and Evil. Between the Truth on the One hand, and, the Halftruts or Delusion and Selfdeception on the other. When looking to History and times Gone, we can by the treatment the Jewish People has faced in the world, know Bouth sides. Orao.

Would you prefer Israel opts for indiscriminate killing, as the "Palestinians" attempt, specifically aimed at civilians; rockets, mortars? And why do you consider Israeli self-defence as "oppression"? Hamas and the PA are playing 'bad cop, good cop', but this is not a TV sitcom. Please read some history from the beginning; even from the 1800's would suffice.

Thanks for your comments. I don't think that anti-Semitism can be stopped, at least not according to the usual methodz. Please see a previous article of mine on this site entitled "A New Jewish Response". Regarding moving to Israel, I don't consider this running away but rather coming home.

Telling people to open up their eyes and look at what is going on all around them is considered "fear-mongering"? I wrote what I wrote because of a real concern for my fellow Jews. What's wrong with that?

Very well stated.

"The Jews B'H will be around forever." Emet!

Imagine what seven decades of unrelenting terror attacks and unremitting violence have taught the Jewish people about the ersatz "Palestinians!" You have SOME nerve! You're the one who needs a reality check.

Israel needs consistency in fighting discrimination. it's not only necessary to fight anti-Semitism abroad but to fight anti-Jewish discrimination in Israel as well. About 20 Israeli companies have signed contracts worth tens of billions of shekels with the new Palestinian Authority city of Rawabi, according to a Tuesday report by Israel Defense Forces Radio. Part of the contracts is not to use "products of the territories", which includes not only Judea and Samaria, but eastern Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, as well. (INN) This comes on top of so many reports about how some Jews are discriminated against in the land of Israel. When an anti-Jewish boycott happens in the USA, everybody in Israel gets riled up. I bet this boycott against Jewish settlers will pass almost unnoticed.

The roots of anti-Semitism according to George Gilder in The Israel Test is jealousy of Jewish exceptionalism. Many researchers of the Holocaust have come to the conclusion that the deciding factor for the Nazis to target the Jews who were only a miniscule minority in Germany was that Jews were disproportionately the leaders of certain sectors of the German economy. Another example is pharaoh's motivation for wanting to wipe out the Jews, according to Josephus : "They also became very ill-affected toward the Hebrews, as touched with envy at their prosperity; for when they saw how the nation of the Israelites flourished, and were become eminent already in plenty of wealth, which they had acquired by their virtue and natural love of labour, they thought their increase was to their own detriment." Josephus ' statement was written 2000 years ago but notice it applies to Anti-Zionism. It is totally irrational because success is not a zero-sum game and Israeli technology benefits the whole world. The Palis want to destroy Israel for its success. which has always been the main motivation of anti-Semites. But if they ever do, Israel will revert to a barren desert because it is the Jews not the land who make it a success. I know a possible cure for people who regard themselves as anti-Zionist (yes you do have a problem and need to go to AA if you want to amount to anything in your life). Anti-Zionists need to kiss the feet of all successful-looking people on the street, who are better than they are, to be cured.

HaZa"L teaches us the rule that Esau sone eth Ya'aqov (Esau hates Ya'aqov), and another rule Yishma'el sone eth Ya'aqov (Yishma'el hates Ya'aqov), so no surprises here. Furthermore, the Land of Israel and Torah are completely entwined. You can't say that people like us, but just don't think we should live where we are living. Anti-Israel equals anti-Jewish.

by lies against Israel . They don't exist . They are all fabricated little stories by a well fueled Arab propaganda machine with tentacles everywhere. You don't have to make that much effort to investigate it . Its a matter of will . There's plenty of proof . One of these days people like you will be uncovered as "anti-Semites " Time will tell ,it always does , truth always comes out in the end. Just like the nazis of the past , history will not be kind for people like you .

Moving to Israel, as I had done, is both. Many times "coming home" is running away from a problem. It's nice coming home, but the problem is still out there, and may well follow you home. If all Jews came to Israel, Jewish influence would wane even further. The most salient example would be of a US Congress devoid of any support for Israel (G-d forbid). (Yes, many in congress are influenced by constituents; this is part of the US system of government). Israel cannot exist in the vacuum that might be created should it isolate itself in such a manner. Israel's Foreign Service is assisted by those who live in foreign countries but support Israel. Many, if not most of these people are Jews. (I have read "A New Jewish Response". It is basically the same theory in different words. I respectfully disagree with this theory.)

Sorry to hear that your making aliyah didn't work out. While I agree that Israel cannot live in a vacuum, I don't agree that it is Diaspora Jews who help to protect Israel via their influence with their respective governments. In fact I believe it is 100% the opposite, namely a strong, healthy and thriving Israel is what protects Jews living in the Diaspora and not the other way around. All the best.

I extremely enjoy reading every one of your talkbacks. You hit the nail on the head every time. *Seriously*, please don't stop writing on the English news forums. In fact, start your own blog.

was to give Jews a safe place to live? A safe place from persecutions and discrimination, from pogroms and blood libels. To live a Jewish life without fear, to wear the Star of David, a Kippah, a Zizit, without fear of hoodlums chasing you for it. "Jewish influence"? Is this a new name for SIR HABASAR? Is this really what Jews are after? I hope not. I am shaken by these words of yours. Come home, brother. You'll always be welcome here.

It is a symbiotic relationship. In some countries, such as the US, Canada and the UK, Jews help Israel by promoting Israel. Granted there are problems, especially now in the UK and Canadian Universities. But they would be worse if not for the Jewish communities. Yes, Israel assists these communities; but the brunt of the 'argument' is borne by the local Jewish community. On the other hand, Israel protects Jews in countries where the Jewish presence is not as strong. Both sides, Israel and the Diaspora, form a team greater than the sum of it's parts. In my opinion, breaking this up would be a step backward. As miraculous and strengthening as is Israel, it is not a reason to give up on the rest of the world.

Thank you very much for your kind words. A lot of people have suggested that I start my own blog ... thinking it over! Thank you again; best wishes to you and those you hold close for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

The Obama Administration, with the bipartisan support of Democrats, Republicans, the big banks, Big Oil and the general American Gentile population, will sever all ties with Israel. No more military aid, no more cooperation in anti-terror intel, no more donations to Israeli charities and...wait for it...no more Jewish North Americans leaving the US or Canada. You read that right, folks. North American Jews will be barred from traveling abroad. Islamic countries, mainly OPEC members, will demand it in exchange for free-flowing cheap crude oil. Gas price will spike once again to $4 a gallon in the US. OPEC will have no trouble getting what it wants. Why, you might ask, will North American Jews be barred from international travel? So they can't make it to Israel! It will only create a large pool of IDF recruits. OPEC wants Israel to be totally isolated from the West. So be expecting EU countries to follow suit. They're more dependent on OPEC oil than the US and Canada, so go figure. WAKE UP, PEOPLE!!!!! THE UNIMAGINABLE IS FINALLY GONNA HAPPEN!!!! YOU THINK I'M TYPING ALL THIS JUST TO GET BACK AT MY MOM OR SOMETHING?!!!! MAKE!!!! ALIYAH!!!! NOW!!!!

On several occasions, I have written here about the huge importance of the US Jewry for Israel. I have called for making a stop to the aliya from the USA, since the Jewish community over there is already decimated due to assimilation and the future does not look bright at all. In fact, I even suggested that Israelis should emigrate to America to strengthen the dying Jewish community there. I believe that there are already plenty of Jews in Israel, and we can afford to send some aborad where they could serve us better as ambassadors. Unfortunately, my suggested solution is not popular at all, as the common belief here is that it would be in Israel's best interest that all Jews would make aliya. I am glad to see I am not the only one holding this opinion. And I believe Alan Dershowitz advocated this notion as well.

I still disagree although I enjoy the discussion. The Jewish people, specifically as a nation in the Land of Israel, are supposed to build a certain type of nation in order to lead by example. Moreover, if we were doing what we are supposed to be doing, then the PR issue would not be an issue. The problem however is that many people here (including large chunks of the ruling establishment) don't really understand why we are here or what is our true purpose. Thus, being internally confused we not surprisingly project a lot of confusion. For this reason there is the PR problem. However, since this is also handled by many confused people, the problem goes on and on and on. As much as the Jews in the Diaspora try to defend Israel, which is obviously not a bad thing, it won't significantly change anything as long as Israel herself continues to be confused. Clarity here in Israel is what will ultimately change everything and not the overestimated significance of many self-proclaimed "Jewish leaders" of the Diaspora.

"Indeed it is difficult for all other nations of the world to live in the presence of the Jews. It is irritating and most uncomfortable. The Jews embarrass the world as they have done things which are beyond the imaginable. They have become moral strangers since the day their forefather, Abraham, introduced the world to high ethical standards and to the fear of Heaven. They brought the world the Ten Commandments, which many nations prefer to defy. They violated the rules of history by staying alive, totally at odds with common sense and historical evidence. They outlived all their former enemies, including vast empires such as the Romans and the Greeks. They angered the world with their return to their homeland after 2000 years of exile and after the murder of six million of their brothers and sisters. They aggravated mankind by building, in the wink of an eye, a democratic State which others were not able to create in even hundreds of years. They built living monuments such as the duty to be holy and the privilege to serve one's fellow men. They had their hands in every human progressive endeavor, whether in science, medicine, psychology or any other discipline, while totally out of proportion to their actual numbers. They gave the world the Bible and even their "savior." Jews taught the world not to accept the world as it is, but to transform it, yet only a few nations wanted to listen. Moreover, the Jews introduced the world to one God, yet only a minority wanted to draw the moral consequences. So the nations of the world realize that they would have been lost without the Jews. And while their subconscious tries to remind them of how much of Western civilization is framed in terms of concepts first articulated by the Jews, they do anything to suppress it. They deny that Jews remind them of a higher purpose of life and the need to be honorable, and do anything to escape its consequences. It is simply too much to handle for them, too embarrassing to admit, and above all, too difficult to live by. So the nations of the world decided once again to go out of 'their' way in order to find a stick to hit the Jews. The goal: to prove that Jews are as immoral and guilty of massacre and genocide as some of they themselves are. All this in order to hide and justify their own failure to even protest when six million Jews were brought to the slaughterhouses of Auschwitz and Dachau; so as to wipe out the moral conscience of which the Jews remind them, and they found a stick. Nothing could be more gratifying for them than to find the Jews in a struggle with another people (who are completely terrorized by their own leaders) against whom the Jews, against their best wishes, have to defend themselves in order to survive. With great satisfaction, the world allows and initiates the rewriting of history so as to fuel the rage of yet another people against the Jews. This in spite of the fact that the nations understand very well that peace between the parties could have come a long time ago, if only the Jews would have had a fair chance. Instead, they happily jumped on the wagon of hate so as to justify their jealousy of the Jews and their incompetence to deal with their own moral issues. When Jews look at the bizarre play taking place in The Hague, they can only smile as this artificial game once more proves how the world paradoxically admits the Jews uniqueness. It is in their need to undermine the Jews that they actually raise them. The study of history of Europe during the past centuries teaches us one uniform lesson: That the nations which received and in any way dealt fairly and mercifully with the Jew have prospered; and that the nations that have tortured and oppressed them have written out their own curse."

to nr. 9. i donot agree with you. there is really a difference between anti-semitism and anti-zionism. anti-semitism/jews-hate is about a people, anti the jewish people. anti-zionism is about an ideology: the zionist ideology/zionism. the word anti-semitsm is for the first time used by wilhelm marr in 1879 in germany as an euphemism for jews-hate/judenhass in his antisemitische hefte. sem one of noach"s sons was the forefather/archfather of the semitic peoples: e.g. the jews, palestinians and the rest of the arabs. the term: self-hating jew, was invented by theodor lessing in 1930 in germany in his book: der juedische selbsthass. zionism began with moses hess in 1862 in germany with his book: rom und jerusalem and with theodor herzl in austria/hungary (the ex danube monarchy in central-europe) in 1896, with his book: der judenstaat/the jews-state.

Yes, a good discussion. I may, however, offer some tangents: At this point in time, given the confusion in Israel you allude to, Jews in the Diaspora defending Israel are (in my opinion) attempting to keep things from getting worse. It would need clarity to arise in Israel for the Diaspora or Israel itself to break through to 'the other side' and be able to aim for things to get better. Also, on another tack: People are afraid of what they don't know. People are more prejudiced the less they know of those they are prejudiced against. If there are no more Jews in the Diaspora, I fear prejudice will go through the roof as no one outside Israel will be able to see us as normal human beings. Was it Bialik that said "We'll know we have a state when we have a Jewish prostitute brought in by a Jewish policeman to stand in front of a Jewish judge." ie we are like everyone else. Confusion is to be expected. I think we are discussing the present extent of the confusion.