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.”

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.”

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?”

Read BLM’s Twitter thread below: