Writer for HuffPost and Al Jazeera defends harassment of Jewish people, tweeting that British Jews are “either dual-nationals of Israel, serve in the army and/or have homes and lands there”

A writer for HuffPost and Al Jazeera has defended the harassment of Jewish people, tweeting that British Jews are “either dual-nationals of Israel, serve in the army and/or have homes and lands there.”

Dilly Hussain’s Twitter thread sought to justify the three anti-Israel YouTubers who filmed themselves harassing members of the Jewish community in Golders Green – to whom they appear to refer in the video’s title as “radical Israelis” – over “child-killing” last month.

The video, the premise of which is initially outlined by one of the presenters as intending to open “a dialogue…a discussion…a friendly debate,” quickly became an excuse for the presenters to accost passing members of the Jewish community, including children.

Mr Hussain’s thread began with: “I believe Muslims (be it lay or public figures) questioning Jews (many of whom are pro-Israel to different degrees) about Israel is legitimate.”

He proceeded to say that it is a false equivalence to question Muslims about terrorism and compared Israel to ISIS, writing: “Muslims don’t support ISIS or lone-wolf attacks in the remotest way in comparison to British Jews who are either dual-nationals of Israel, serve in the army and/or have homes and lands there.”

He added: “In short, the number of Muslims who support, justify and defend acts of criminality by their co-religionists is simply incomparable to a faith community who are grossly and intimately involved with Israel.”

According to the International Definition of Antisemitism, “Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations” is an example of antisemitism, as is “Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the State of Israel.”