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From: Tony Greenstein <tonygreenstein...@gmail.com> Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2016 04:41:50 +0100 Subject: [Marxism] Israel - world's most racist state? I find this kind of discussion list antiquated since it is difficult to reply or respond. I also have little time since organising against the real witch hunters in the British labour party, from which I am suspended for 'anti-Semitism' is taking most of my time. Amith accuses me of 'racist privileging of Jewish voices like his own.' whatever that means. Amith's accusations are absurd. I did indeed wage a campaign against Atzmon, who is a virulent anti-Semite (no not a nut job, a typically chauvinist way of writing someone off). It was at a time when the SWP was supporting him. contrary to Amith's lies I didn't do so from a Jewish perspective but from a Palestinian one viz that Atzmon was endangering the Palestine solidarity movement and making it easier for the Zionists to attack it. After some time, various Palestinian figures of note, like Ali Abunimah and Omar Barghouti issued a statement denouncing Atzmon's anti-Semitism, which was also Zionist in its political stance e.g. criticising BDS. It's no accident that Atzmon has been gleeful at the Israeli attacks on Omar Barghouti. If Amith hasn't read what he says then maybe he should before commenting on things he knows nothing about. The fact is that there was a time when Atzmon had considerable support. It is a lie to say that I have said or suggested that I have 'used ethnocentric rhetoric in other writings portraying the Palestinian struggle as an internal Jewish community issue'. This is an Atzmon trope. There is no truth in it and it would suggest that Amith is accepting part of Atzmon's anti-Semitic rhetoric whilst distancing himself from the man himself. I criticised those who lent Atzmon support in e.g. the blurb of his book 'Wandering Who' such as Richard Falk. I didn't accuse him of anti-Semitism but naivety. Counterpunch is a different matter. It has given considerable space to anti-Semites and indeed fascists like israel Shamir. I know little of the Stanford incident but I do know that Alison Weir has appeared on platforms with white supremacists and believe that the latter have something to offer the Palestine solidarity movement. In this I wholeheartedly support JVP in their opposition to her and her ilk because they know that genuine anti-Semitism is something that the Zionists welcome and that it is destructive of the PS movement. Yes I criticised Neturei Karta for demonstration in support of the Hungarian Jobbik party, which is a fascist party as well as being anti-Semitic and of course anti-Gypsy. Perhaps Amith has problems with that? Far from me 'privileging' Jews I do the opposite. I say that Jewish people have a duty to speak out against Zionism since the latter claims to speak on their behalf. The fight against Zionism is an anti-racist one. Alliances with racists, white supremacists, fascists or those who employ racist tropes or arguments does a disservice to the Palestinians. if you don't understand that then keep away from the Palestine solidarity movement as you can only do us damage. At a time when increasing numbers of young Jews are coming out against Israel and Zionism we don't want sympathisers with the Alison Weirs and other reactionary supporters of US imperialism to put them off. Tony Greenstein _________________________________________________________ Full posting guidelines at: http://www.marxmail.org/sub.htm Set your options at: http://lists.csbs.utah.edu/options/marxism/archive%40mail-archive.com
