Israel
Black Lives Matter UK Faces Backlash Over Anti-Israel Tweet
Black Lives Matter’s U.K. chapter posted a series of tweets over the weekend dismissing the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in Israel. The backlash, however, that followed the group’s statement has increased accusations of antisemitism as the group continues what it describes, as its fight for social justice.
BLM has been leading protests that have erupted across the globe in recent weeks since the death of George Floyd. Floyd tragically died in police custody when a Minneapolis Police Officer knelt on his neck for over 8 minutes.
“As Israel moves forward with the annexation of the West Bank, and mainstream British politics is gagged of the right to critique Zionism, and Israel’s settler colonial pursuits, we loudly and clearly stand beside our Palestinian comrades. FREE PALESTINE,” BLM UK wrote on Twitter Sunday, defending that the comments are not antisemitic, but are merely “opposition to Israel’s policies.”
In this case, the comments come as Israel inches closer to claiming sovereignty over parts of Judea and Samaria, also known as the West Bank. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has “strongly objected” the move, calling it a “breach of international law.”
Black Lives Matter has now inserted itself into that debate, but with an outright dismissal of Jewish claims to the land. It isn’t the first time for the supporter of the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement.
As a Zionist, myself, it’s been quite difficult to reconcile my support for our right to our homeland and for the pursuit of justice. The same goes for other Zionists, who have come out in outspoken condemnation of the group’s recent comments.
Yoni Michanie, a former IDF paratrooper, pointed to this on Twitter saying, “The belief that you can achieve justice and equality by demanding the dismantling of a movement which seeks to protect indigenous rights to national liberation seems counterintuitive.”
The belief that you can achieve justice and equality by demanding the dismantling of a movement which seeks to protect indigenous rights to national liberation seems counterintuitive. https://t.co/TjN06DrJQ9
— Yoni Michanie (@YoniMichanie) June 28, 2020
Jerry Dunleavy, a reporter for The Washington Examiner wrote, “Black Lives Matter ***the org*** is a radical group founded by Marxists who admire cop killers. The UK org says it is endorsed by Patrisse Cullors, current leader of BLM, who openly admits that she is a Marxist. Looks like they’re openly anti-Israel too.”
Black Lives Matter ***the org*** is a radical group founded by Marxists who admire cop killers. This UK org says it is endorsed by Patrisse Cullors, current leader of BLM, who openly admits that she is a Marxist. Looks like they're openly anti-Israel too.https://t.co/lDb5ZaERuD https://t.co/YPVoIlWpdf
— Jerry Christmas 🎄🎅🏽 (@JerryDunleavy) June 28, 2020
Ashager Araro, an IDF reserves lieutenant and Founder of Bettae – Ethiopian Israeli Heritage Center, questioned the group’s mission, asking, “Can someone explain to me how promoting an anti-Israel agenda help black people in the UK? AHAHA..it doesn’t?” adding, “So you’re just abusing legitimate and important struggle to promote your uneducated political point of view?”
Can someone explain to me how promoting an anti-Israel agenda help black people in the UK?
AHAHA..it doesn't?
So you're just abusing legitimate and important struggle to promote your uneducated political point of view? https://t.co/mAq5dkT86q— Ashager Araro (@AshagerAraro) June 28, 2020
Read BLM’s Twitter thread below:
Further reading below
👇🏿👇🏿👇🏿— #BlackLivesMatterUK (@ukblm) June 28, 2020
Tens of BAME organisations in the UK condemned efforts "deny Palestinians’ basic humanity by suppressing their entire history and current plight" https://t.co/sdRHI7LXSN pic.twitter.com/9FUf7oHhPS
— #BlackLivesMatterUK (@ukblm) June 28, 2020
240 Jewish and Israeli scholars, including internationally-recognised experts on antisemitism, addressed the German parliament last year, regarding the BDS movement for Palestinian rights. https://t.co/EWgZ3k24rY pic.twitter.com/jgN1Aot1eX
— #BlackLivesMatterUK (@ukblm) June 28, 2020
British Palestinians called for the active protection and promotion of "accurate information about current and past events in the life of the Palestinian people, as part of Britain’s ongoing, and outstanding, colonial debt." https://t.co/O4DpuWeJsD pic.twitter.com/Pt1RYG3Cb3
— #BlackLivesMatterUK (@ukblm) June 28, 2020
On the eve of Israel's planned formal annexation of Palestinian land, we stand with Palestinian civil society in calling for targeted sanctions in line with international law against Israel's colonial, apartheid regime.
https://t.co/1I50O4yIBL pic.twitter.com/7nXTz3Krti
— #BlackLivesMatterUK (@ukblm) June 28, 2020
We stand with Palestinians at this most urgent time, and against the accelerated attacks on their rights laid out above and in many other sources.
Ours is a united fight against colonialism in all its forms. Justice is indivisible. https://t.co/m5iWzwvtUB
— #BlackLivesMatterUK (@ukblm) June 28, 2020
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By Jenny Goldsberry
Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns visited Israel Wednesday in an effort to rally regional support amidst attacks from Iran. Burns discussed possibilities for regional cooperation with Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
Late July, drones struck an Israeli tanker off the coast of Oman. As a result, two crew members died. Since then, the United States blamed Tehran for the attack. Iranian officials deny their involvement.
At the time, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the White House was noticing a disturbing pattern. “We feel it follows a pattern of attacks and other belligerent behavior,” Psaki said. “And these actions also threaten freedom of navigation through crucial waterways — something that is posing a risk to a range of countries around the world.”
Therefore, the press secretary suggested that countries get involved. “You know, I would also note that we know our British partners have called for action, called for steps in a coordinated way from international bodies, including the United Nations, which we would certainly support,” Psaki said. Now, Burns’ visit symbolizes the United State following through on the White House’s comments.
According to a statement from Burns’ office, he met with Bennett after meeting with the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligency agency David Barnea. Burns met the Israeli leader in Tel-Aviv. “They discussed the situation in the Middle East, with emphasis on Iran, and possibilities for expanding and deepening regional cooperation,” the statement read.
Next, Burns will meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
You can follow Jenny Goldsberry on Twitter @jennyjournalism.
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