The classic manoeuvre of conflating criticism with antisemitism! Let's dissect this myopic view, shall we?
Firstly, to brand Ireland as the "most antisemitic place in Europe" because of its support for Palestinian rights is a staggering leap in logic. It's a convenient narrative that sidesteps the actual issues at hand. The Irish, with their own history of struggle for independence, naturally empathize with the plight of the Palestinians. This isn't about antisemitism; it's about recognizing the parallels in struggles for self-determination and resisting oppression.
Your comment about the 'staunchly Catholic' Irish hating Jews for their religion is not just historically inaccurate, it's absurd. Ireland's history with its Jewish community has been largely one of coexistence and mutual respect. To suggest otherwise is to rewrite history for the sake of a spurious argument.
And what of these 'racial characteristics' you speak of? To insinuate that the criticism of Israel's policies stems from racial prejudice is to ignore the global outcry against the human rights violations in Palestine. The issue at hand is not race or religion, it's about justice, human rights, and the illegal occupation of Palestinian lands.
The comparison of Palestinians to the Irish in their struggle against English rule is a poignant one. It’s a recognition of shared experiences in the fight against colonialism and the quest for national identity and freedom. To dismiss this as antisemitism is to ignore the complexities of both histories.
So, as you wring your hands about antisemitism, let me pose this question: When will you realise that the struggle for Palestinian rights is not an attack on Judaism or Jewish people, but a call for justice in the face of a brutal 75 years long oppression and occupation? Isn't it time to differentiate between legitimate criticism of Zionist Israeli policies and the heinous hatred that is antisemitism?