Complete poppycock

Once again, Jews are being made the culprits for the increase in antisemitism (“UK lawmaker: Antisemitism on the rise because Jews won’t criticize Israel,” February 6).

Jenny Tonge, a member of the Liberal Democrats, claims that many people in England have suddenly discovered their hatred of Jews because of the Israeli government’s actions and political decisions. If this were the case, then other situations around the world should lead to similar developments.

According to Ms. Tonge’s logic, there is good reason to hate Syrians because of what Bashar Assad has done over the past several years. Also, due to the threat posed by Pyongyang, with its ever-growing arsenal of nuclear weapons, there must be people queuing up to register their hatred of North Koreans. Then there is Russia annexing the Crimea. Now, with US President Donald Trump making one controversial decision after another, surely half of Britain must have succumbed to the instantaneous vilification of anyone from across the big pond.

There is often good reason to criticize the politics of any given government, but that the actions of politicians in foreign countries should lead to hatred of individuals in one’s own country is complete poppycock.

Ms. Tonge, as many others around the world, has no understanding of the word “liberal.” It means openness and tolerance. The sooner her party ships her off to a comfortable care home, the better. That just leaves Britain with the Labour Party – a hotbed of Jew hatred, and also in desperate need of reform.

ROBERT HICKINBOTHAM

Tel Aviv