Speaking the truth is not hatred

TO BE accused of antisemitism for voicing support for the Palestinian cause is as lazy as it is slanderous. Rod Waner's recent letter, in response to my article "Story of house of fallen storks..." is not only intellectually dishonest but also morally bankrupt.

- HALIM GENÇOĞLU

Let me make one thing clear: my doctoral thesis was on Jewish history. I have spent years studying the struggles, triumphs, and traumas of the Jewish people.

For someone like Mr. Waner - who knows nothing of my academic background to accuse me of harbouring hatred toward Jews because I dare to mourn the children of Gaza is not only ignorant, but also despicable.

Where was Mr. Waner’s moral compass when babies were pulled from the rubble of bombed hospitals in Gaza? When ambulances were targeted? When journalists were assassinated with impunity? Is the pain of Palestinian mothers invisible to him? Or is empathy reserved only for those whose suffering fits neatly into his political narrative?