Yes. Yes. Yes. Engage! (Hat tip: Normblog.)
Engage was set up in response to the Association of University Teacher’s decision to take steps towards an academic and cultural boycott of Israel:
No TagsEngage opposes Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. We are in favour of the foundation of a Palestinian state alongside the state of Israel. We do not believe that Israel is an ‘illegitimate state’. We are for reconciliation between Israeli Jews and Palestinians.
1 . Engage opposes the idea of an academic or cultural boycott of Israel.·
2 . Engage aims to encourage, facilitate and publicise positive links between Israeli, Palestinian, British and global academia. Engage is for closer engagement, not boycotts.
3 . Engage stands up against antisemitism in our universities, in our unions and in our students unions.
I remember in the days of apartheid in South Africa, those outside of the country either…were ignorant of the regime/supported it/did not care/opposed it.
Sanctions were imposed & apartheid ended.
There was no talk of “reconcilliation” from anyone, pro apartheid or anti…you either supported an unjust regime or you did not.
You either support Israel or you don’t. Those who do need to examine their consciences. Those who do not, need to stop feeling guilty about the despicable accusation of “anti semitism”.
Wrong doing is wrong doing, regardless of creed. Israel has been doing terrible wrongs for decades. Acknowledge this & their brutal occupation before condemning others for being “anti” anyone.
Also please don’t forget that the Great Satan appointed a black ambassador to S. Africa during apartheid. Why didn’t any other country think of that?