Israel in a Singular Spotlight

We have witnessed how Israel, alone among nations, endures a disproportionate amount of censure from influential international forums and various public bodies here in Britain. It goes well beyond criticism of particular policies: the condemnations, sanctions, and boycotts directed solely at Israel are profoundly different in character from the measured scrutiny—or total lack of it—applied to other countries, many of which commit far graver offences without attracting the same condemnation.

This differential treatment exerts real pressure on Jewish communities worldwide, especially in the UK, where blanket boycotts of Israeli goods or institutions often bleed into a broader hostility aimed at Jews themselves. When kosher foods vanish from shop shelves, or theatre events are cancelled merely for fundraising for Israeli students, it proves these measures don’t simply challenge a government’s actions; they threaten the cultural and economic freedoms of an entire diaspora.

I find the conflation of Zionists with Jews deeply troubling. I am not Jewish, yet I am a Zionist, which only means that I believe Jews have the right to their own state. For most Jews, the historical and spiritual significance of Israel is inseparable from their identity. While it is legitimate to challenge any administration’s decisions—even that of Israel—singling out an entire state for total elimination, as some do when chanting from the river to the sea, crosses the line into overt aggression.

In that moment, it is not a discourse on specific laws or leaders but a call for erasure. I support a balanced approach: debate the merits of policies, scrutinise actions where necessary, and pursue diplomatic avenues that could ease tensions on all sides. Yet for true dialogue to occur, we must first acknowledge that repeatedly isolating one nation fosters prejudice and fuels anti-Semitism. When the international community and certain public institutions treat Israel differently and champion efforts that undermine its legitimacy, they set the stage for rising hatred and intimidation. In my view, we must resist that instinct for double standards. Doing so remains the best path to fostering a society—both in the UK and globally—where debate is anchored in genuine fairness, not selective hostility.