An Open Letter to  The Executive Editor & Chief Leader Writer of The Times, London

Your recent article on antisemitism is the latest in a long line of comment condemning the alleged conflation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism but which, unfortunately, manages to completely avoid the obvious fact that the key driver of antisemitism, today, in both Britain and Europe is the policy agenda of the Netanyahu government of Israel.

The international community views with distaste, if not abhorrence, the policies that have illegally settled over half a million Israeli citizens on to occupied Palestinian land in gross violation of international law and in contempt of the will of the United Nations, plus the seven year old blockade of essential goods and services required by 1.82 million residents of Gaza – and the world makes a considered judgement upon the evidence it sees.

And that judgement is not only applicable to the government of Israel but also to those who indiscriminately support it, which includes AIPAC – the American Israel lobby group that has such substantiated influence over the US Congress that funds and arms the Netanyahu administration – plus also certain minority groups in Britain and Europe.

 These are the real reasons for the frightening rise in antisemitism in Europe and elsewhere that can now only be reversed by a paradigm shift in the Israeli government agenda and the attitude of the United States vis-à-vis the 4.55 million, indigenous people of the West Bank and Gaza.

And that includes, in addition to the extensive reconstruction of Gaza, urgent consideration for the planning of a deep-sea port on the Eastern Mediterranean and an international airport, to compete with those of Haifa and Tel Aviv, in Israel.   Only with an end to occupation will there be a sustainable peace and a reduction in animosity towards the State of Israel and those who support it.

 Yours etc

ANTHONY BELLCHAMBERS