The Hard Truth About the Palestinian Movement and Rising Anti-Semitism
The brutal murder of two Jewish individuals in New York last week is a painful reminder that hatred and violence against Jewish communities remain a pressing reality. These attacks do not happen in isolation. They are part of a wider context of conflict, misinformation, and deep-seated animosities that have been allowed to persist for far too long. To truly understand the hatred behind such violence, we must take an honest and critical look at the Palestinian cause and movement—not as a single grievance but as a political force that has repeatedly rejected peace, embraced violence, and fostered a culture of hostility.
For many decades, Palestinian leaders have turned down peace offers that could have created a viable state and ended the cycle of suffering. From the Camp David Summit in 2000 to the Trump administration’s peace plan in 2020, Palestinian authorities have refused realistic proposals that offered sovereignty and security. These refusals are not accidents or borne from desperation. They are deliberate choices designed to maintain maximalist demands, effectively ensuring that conflict continues rather than ends. Douglas Murray, a well-known commentator on Middle Eastern affairs, has made clear how these repeated rejections have blocked peace and prolonged hardship for millions.
Corruption runs deep within the Palestinian leadership. Reports from Hillel Neuer and UN Watch show how aid meant to relieve suffering is often diverted to enrich a small elite, while ordinary Palestinians face poverty and repression. This misuse of funds and the authoritarian style of governance mean the leadership cannot claim moral high ground or true representation. The Palestinian Authority and Hamas focus on holding power instead of improving the lives of their people, keeping a system alive that feeds on grievance and violence rather than peace and progress.
Beyond political failures, Palestinian society often teaches hatred from an early age. Children grow up exposed to education and media that glorify violence against Jews and spread anti-Semitic ideas. Recruiting child soldiers and celebrating terror attacks have become disturbingly common. This indoctrination steals childhoods and keeps the cycle of violence alive, directly contributing to the hatred behind recent attacks.
The horrific Hamas assault on 7 October 2023 is a clear example of this violent culture’s deadly consequences. Civilians were deliberately targeted in a brutal attack that shocked the world. It exposed how deeply incitement and militarisation have taken root in Palestinian society. These acts demand honest acknowledgement rather than being dismissed as mere side effects of political struggle.
One often overlooked fact is that no other Muslim-majority country wants to take in Palestinian refugees. Historical experiences in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria have shown attempts to destabilise host countries through violence and terror by some Palestinians. This unwillingness to offer refuge reveals problems within Palestinian leadership and society that prefer conflict over peace and integration.
The rise in anti-Semitism and the spread of divisive ideas are not caused only by extremist groups or fringe activists. Political leaders in the United States and United Kingdom also bear responsibility. Their reactions to pro-Palestinian activism and campus unrest show a worrying contrast.
In the US, the Trump administration recognised that some foreign students were involved in violent protests and spreading hate on campuses. Policies were introduced to tighten visa rules and prevent people who might cause unrest from entering the country. These measures were meant to keep campuses safe and stop political violence disrupting learning (U.S. Department of State, 2019). While some criticised these moves as harsh, they reflected a serious effort to protect vulnerable communities from harassment.
Foreign influence in campus activism has been linked to rising tensions. Universities such as Harvard, Berkeley, and UCLA have faced violent protests and organised campaigns that target Jewish students disproportionately (Anti-Defamation League, 2020). The crackdown sought to restore peace and protect those at risk.
By contrast, the UK government and police have repeatedly failed to respond adequately. Universities like Cambridge and Oxford have been criticised for systemic anti-Semitism that university authorities have largely ignored. Jewish students report feeling unsafe and targeted, with incidents of harassment growing more frequent (Campaign Against Antisemitism, 2022). Despite evidence, these universities have been slow to act, often saying they must remain neutral rather than protect students.
This failure is worsened by politics. The Labour Party has faced serious allegations of anti-Semitism among its members and leaders, damaging trust in its commitment to fighting hate (The Guardian, 2020). Police forces have been criticised for not taking anti-Semitic crimes seriously, leaving victims feeling abandoned (Jewish Chronicle, 2021).
In the US, despite efforts from the Trump administration, political leaders in the Democratic Party have often hesitated to condemn anti-Semitic voices within the pro-Palestinian movement. This reluctance has allowed hateful rhetoric to grow, normalising attacks on Jewish communities.
American universities, even the most prestigious, are not free from these issues. Harvard and others have been called out for tolerating environments where Jewish students face discrimination and pressure to hide their identity or views. Social media campaigns from pro-Palestinian activists often include hateful and intimidating messages against Jewish students, with universities struggling to respond effectively (The Forward, 2021).
These failures show a widespread unwillingness to face difficult truths on campus. Free speech matters deeply, but it cannot be used to justify hate or incitement. Jewish students deserve safe, supportive spaces backed by strong policies and education against prejudice.
The difference between the US and UK responses shows how important leadership is. Where leaders act decisively, communities feel safer and supported. Where they hesitate, hatred thrives.
Ending systemic anti-Semitism requires more than short-term fixes. It needs education, accountability, and bravery. Universities must do more than tolerate Jewish students—they must welcome and protect them. Governments must ensure police forces treat anti-Semitism with urgency.
The safety of Jewish communities depends on honest leadership from governments, schools, and law enforcement. Without it, divisions will deepen and violence will continue.
A real path to peace means facing failures and responsibilities on all sides honestly. We must reject hate firmly and hold those who cause violence to account. This does not deny the real struggles many Palestinians face. It means insisting that justice cannot come from movements that tolerate racism and terror.
Jewish suffering is very real and urgent. It deserves recognition and protection. The pro-Palestinian movement, in many of its forms today, undermines peace and fuels division. It is time to face these hard truths and stand firmly for justice, security, and coexistence.
Further Reading and Resources
Douglas Murray, The War on the West (2022)
Palestinian Refugee History and Regional Impact, Middle East Institute
Political Responses to Pro-Palestinian Activism, The Guardian