Times columnist Melanie Phillips joins Brendan O'Neill to discuss the barbarism of Hamas and the rise of elite anti-Semitism. They delve into the shock and trauma experienced by the Israeli people due to recent attacks, the dehumanization of Israeli settlers in the West, and the bias and ignorance towards Israel by elite institutions. The speakers also explore the Western liberal mindset towards war and the lack of awareness and information in Britain about historical pacts with Hitler to exterminate Jews in the Middle East.
The hatred towards Israel goes beyond policy disagreements and involves an obsessive demonization of the country.
Israel takes steps to protect civilians while Hamas uses them as human shields, exposing the double standards in media coverage.
The crisis of Western civilization and the rise of identity politics contribute to the increasing instances of anti-Semitism, making it crucial to support Israel and combat false narratives.
Deep dives
Israel and the Hatred for Israel
The speaker discusses the author's knowledge and views on Israel and the pervasive hatred towards the country. The author highlights how the hatred is not just about disagreements over policy but an obsessive demonization of Israel.
Israel's Actions and the Response from the West
The author explains Israel's actions in response to the terrorist attacks and the role of the West in distorting the coverage. The author criticizes the hypocrisy and double standards in the coverage, emphasizing how Israel takes precautions to protect civilians, while Hamas uses them as human shields.
The Future for Jewish People in Britain
The author expresses concern about the rising anti-Jewish racism in Britain, highlighting recent hate marches and incidents of anti-Semitism. The author reflects on their personal decision to spend most of their time in Israel and discusses the future of British Jews in light of the current climate.
The Distorted Narrative on Israel and Palestine
The speaker discusses the distorted narrative surrounding Israel and Palestine, which often portrays Israelis as oppressors and Palestinians as victims. This narrative is fueled by a desire to maintain a moral free pass for oppressed individuals and groups, even when they engage in acts of terrorism. The speaker asserts that this false narrative prevents many individuals from acknowledging the reality of the conflict and recognizing the barbarism perpetrated by some Palestinians. The inability to challenge this narrative stems from a fear of being labeled right-wing or evil, as their entire moral identity is built upon the belief in standing up for the oppressed. The speaker expresses skepticism about a possible return to moral sanity within the left and highlights the post-moral situation in the West, where war is seen as unnecessary and negotiation is believed to be the solution for any conflict.
The Crisis of Western Civilization and Solidarity with Israel
This part of the discussion focuses on the interplay between the crisis of Western civilization and the predicament faced by Israel. The erosion of moral values, faith in the Western project, and the rise of identity politics have fueled hatred for Israel and increased instances of anti-Semitism. The speaker argues that supporting Israel ought to be a pressing concern for those who value Western civilization and its moral foundations. However, the speaker criticizes Israel's failure to effectively present its cause and educate the public about Jewish history and the Middle East. The speaker also highlights the need for political, cultural, and religious leadership to correct the false narratives surrounding Israel and combat anti-Semitism. The outcome of this crisis and its impact on the Jewish community and Western society remains uncertain.
Times columnist Melanie Phillips returns for the latest episode of The Brendan O’Neill Show. Melanie and Brendan discuss the barbarism of Hamas and the grim rise of elite anti-Semitism.
