cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/23789888

Generated Summary of Video Below:

Introduction to Tony Greenstein

  • Tony Greenstein is introduced as the son of an orthodox Rabbi and a writer for various publications including The Guardian and Electronic Intifada.
  • He has authored significant works such as “Fighting Fascism in Brighton and the South Coast,” and contributed to books on philosophy and ethics.
  • His notable book, “Zionism During the Holocaust: The Weaponization of Memory in the Service of State and Nation,” is highly recommended by the host.

Recent Arrest and Political Climate

  • Tony discusses his recent arrest on December 20th, which was prompted by a tweet he posted that allegedly supported the prescribed organization Hamas.
  • He notes that the charges have since been adjusted but emphasize the use of anti-terrorism laws to suppress Palestinian support.
  • Tony highlights that this trend of using anti-terrorism laws is affecting many individuals who express solidarity with Palestinians, equating such support to terrorism.
  • He references a fellow activist, Haim Bashid Zubir, who faced similar consequences for his comments at a protest against the Israeli ambassador.

Details of Arrest and Charges

  • Tony reveals that he was arrested based on a tweet where he expressed support for Palestinians and mentioned Hamas as part of the Palestinian resistance.
  • He recalls making a controversial comparison between Israel and Nazi Germany during a protest, which led to accusations of racially aggravated offenses.
  • After eight hours in custody, he was released, and the police later informed him that they would not pursue charges related to the racially aggravated offense.
  • Tony is currently facing serious anti-terrorism charges, which could lead to a lengthy prison sentence, and he is awaiting further court proceedings.

Legal Context and Freedom of Speech

  • The conversation shifts to the legal context of free speech in the UK, where Tony notes the absence of a First Amendment equivalent.
  • He argues that even in the US, free speech is not absolute and is being increasingly restricted by court rulings.
  • Tony cites Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights as a supposed protection for free speech, but expresses skepticism about its enforcement in practice.
  • He critiques the role of police and courts in the UK, suggesting that they often act in alignment with the interests of those in power rather than upholding justice.

Discussion on Palestinian Treatment and Anti-Semitism

  • The discussion touches upon the treatment of Palestinians, particularly those without prominent platforms, and the challenges faced by Palestinian and Arab British individuals.
  • Tony mentions that in Germany, a significant number of individuals arrested under anti-Semitism laws are Jewish, highlighting the irony in the situation.
  • He argues that Jewish identity is often politicized, where those who do not support the state of Israel are rendered invisible and accused of contributing to anti-Semitism.
  • Tony concludes by asserting that Jews are often used as a moral cover for imperialist actions in the Middle East, which complicates their identity in political discourse.

Tony Greenstein is the co-founder of Britain’s Palestine solidarity campaign and the author of “Zionism During the Holocaust: The Weaponisation of Memory in the Service of State and Nation.”

  1. 00:00:00 Tony’s bio
  2. 00:00:50 Tony’s arrest over comments about Hamas
  3. 00:02:12 arrest of Haim Bresheeth
  4. 00:02:42 Tony’s arrest-worthy words
  5. 00:03:20 Tony said “Israel is Hitler’s bastard offspring”
  6. 00:04:20 Tony’s two different charges
  7. 00:06:04 Is it fair to arrest people for speech if there’s no guaranteed freedom of speech?
  8. 00:06:56 Germany violating its own laws in order to punish criticism of Israel
  9. 00:07:25 justice under capitalism is justice for those who rule not those who are ruled
  10. 00:07:28 more Jews are being disproportionately punished under antisemitism laws
  11. 00:08:20 Zionist Jews don’t see antizionist Jews as really Jewish
  12. 00:08:22 "for them being Jewish means supporting a racist and apartheid state which serves imperialism’s purposes 00:08:44 “Jews are the moral alibi for imperialism in the Middle East”

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