Words have consequences. This phrase, or versions of it, has been around for a long time, and is apposite to Israel's current military actions in Gaza. The word 'genocide' courses through writing and discussion, and a UN Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Israel has committed genocide. In return Israel has furiously rejected the claim.
So many have a view, with varying degrees of knowledge of the Middle East. The mainstream media are challenged over their objectivity in reporting.
Natasha Boon and her colleagues run a flower stall close to Kentish Town Station. The last few months have not been easy for them: the tube station has been closed for escalator replacement, and by the time it re-opens in (cross fingers) September we will have been tubeless for a year. Their trade has suffered accordingly.
The Wiener Holocaust Library. Founded by Dr Alfred Wiener in 1933, it is described in its Home website section as '...one of the world's leading and most extensive archives on the Holocaust and Nazi era'. Today its research, teaching and advocacy work extend beyond the Holocaust to other acts of genocide, a piquant irony in view of the anger launched at Israel over its response to the Hamas terrorist attack of 7th October.
Values. Everyone has got them. According to Suella Braverman, there are British values. Nigel Farage had his account closed at Coutts because apparently certain of his views were incompatible with the Bank's values. Lloyds Banking Group's website says its values are 'People-first; Bold; Inclusive; Sustainable; Trust (yes, the grammar is flaky).
First of all, I declare an abhorrence of antisemitism, my feeling on which you will get through my recent autobiographical piece Writing on Israel?
The usual stuff. For anybody interested in Israel/Hamas, there is 'Writing on Israel?' plus some sideways comments below.
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Among sayings that can be thrown at armchair commentators on the Israel/Hamas conflict, the most striking one for me comes from the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein:
'Wherof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent'.
I am slightly above the bottom rung of those entitled to comment. I have personal connections to the Jewish community, and did a Masters dissertation on the intersection of law and history in relation to the Holocaust.