Ms Campbell'This forum is becoming toxic. Already felt the racist vibes but the bullying and nastiness on here is sad'.I think it more than possible that my comments could be perceived as having 'racist vibes'.That was not my intention.What I posted were responses to what I read as support for and condoning of attacks on Israel (its right to exist) and Jews in general (following the 2023 October massacre), in some of which I detected antisemitism.These attacks were and are taking place in a national mood not only of anti-Israel and anti-Jewish feeling.But also one where pro-Palestine support has become the overwhelming and de facto political position to take, irrespective of its seeming alliance to Hamas and Islamist fundamentalism in general that has caused so much pain and carnage in this country.However having read much of the historical context of the Middle East dispute ('Myths and Facts - A Guide to the Arab-Israeli Conflict' by Mitchell G Bard ISBN 9781537152721) as well as, like others, diving into Wikipedia my position remains unashamedly the same.Without condoning many of its excesses in defending itself, I believe the state of Israel and its people are under existential threat from extremists in the Arab world and I will do whatever I can to support its resistance.I know Mr Ainsworth holds opposing views to mine; seemingly not believing in the concept of a nation state and certainly not one called Israel.That's his entitlement.But I will now spare Forum readers any further comments from me on the matter and responses to him.
John Hawkes ● 313d