A group of Jewish people have expressed concern over the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland\u2019s endorsement of an event entitled: \u201cAnti-Zionism as the new anti-Semitism\u201d.<\/p>\n
The virtual event, due to take place this Thursday, bills itself as training that provides practical tools for people to \u201cdirectly confront and combat anti-Zionist hate by directing our attention at its perpetrators, naming the cycle of libel, and setting boundaries\u201d.<\/p>\n
It is run by international group Movement Against Antizionism, which says it is \u201cleading the fight\u201d against anti-Zionism \u201cas the new anti-Semitism\u201d. The organisation describes anti-Zionism as a \u201cmodern ideological hate movement that treats Jewish peoplehood as an inherent crime\u201d and \u201cfixates on Israel through accusations of colonialism, apartheid, and genocide\u201d.<\/p>\n
It says anti-Zionism is \u201cnot criticism of Israeli policy\u201d but portrays Israel itself as \u201cillegitimate and criminal\u201d and advances \u201cnot for policy change but for elimination\u201d.<\/p>\n
A flyer for Thursday\u2019s event bears the logo of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland (JRCI), which said the workshop has been organised in response to \u201chostile narratives and, at times, threats\u201d increasingly encountered by Jewish people across Ireland. <\/p>\n
The training is not intended to define Zionism, but responds to repeated requests from members of the community for guidance on responding to situations where \u201cthe language of anti-Zionism is used to mask or justify hostility towards Jews\u201d, the JRCI said in response to queries.<\/p>\n
In a letter to the JRCI, a group of 21 Jewish people in Ireland said they learned of the council\u2019s endorsement of the event with \u201cprofound disappointment\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was our understanding that JRCI were a representative body for all Jews in Ireland, not only those who support Israel,\u201d they wrote.<\/p>\n
The group noted members of Israel\u2019s parliament and defence forces<\/a> stand accused of war crimes by the United Nations<\/a>. <\/p>\n