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Em Hilton is a Jewish leftist activist and writer living between Tel Aviv and London. She is the co-founder of Na’amod, British Jews Against Occupation, and sits on the steering committee of the Centre for Jewish Non-Violence.
By accusing actress Emma Watson of antisemitism, Israel’s apologists have exposed their strategy for defending apartheid: to smear anyone who dares to acknowledge that Palestinians exist.
Sally Rooney’s decision to stand with Palestinians against decades of occupation and apartheid was always likely to prompt a smear campaign – but meaningful solidarity is never easy.
Benjamin Netanyahu is no longer prime minister, but the racism he represented remains a major force in Israeli politics – meaning no relief for the Palestinians still living under an apartheid regime.
For years, there has been a cynical campaign to cast the struggle against apartheid in Israel as a threat to Jews – but growing numbers of Jewish people refuse to accept that their safety relies on the oppression of others.