I suggest that Israel’s oppressive treatment of the Palestinians (and by common consent this is agreed upon) is only a partial explanation for the rise of anti-semitism in Europe. I think we are up against an older and more sinsiter form of anti-semitism connected to the rise of nationalistic movements that Identity with the racialist politics of a fascist past. No-one on the Left would support that and would fight vigorously against any manifestation of far-right politics that singles out any minority group for persecution.

Ian Townson

First of all what does him being a marxist have anything to do with what he said. His marxist beliefs have nothing to do with his statement. You are just trying to put him in a bad light before we even hear his statement.

Second of all I think you are completely misunderstanding what is meant by understandable. He is not saying that antisemitism justified, right, or condonable. No he is saying it is comprehensible, that one can see you this may be happening. Yes, in fact sexually provocative situations may cause incidents of sexual assault. Muslim attacks on America cause anti-Islamic sentiments. These things are understandable, but by no means justified or condonable. That is all Loach is saying.

He doesn’t think it is right to hate jews, but just that he can see (understand) how there could be a rise in people hating jews.

Loach is the tip of the iceberg of “progressive” racists in the UK.

I had to read this twice because Al Quaeda does in fact assault Muslims. I recall reading that something like two out of three Muslim deaths in Iraq was caused by the so called resistance.

I know you meant assaults by non Muslim bigots but that isn’t precisely clear.