Fomenting of hatred against the Jewish State has spilled into attacks on Jews in general

We Jews have faced thousands of years of such actions directed against us, and have managed to survive much worse.

However, it is also worth noting that Northern Ireland, as well as the Republic, have shown themselves not to be as vindictive, hateful and murderous as many nations on the continent have historically been towards the Jews.

That being said, this attack on the Jewish graves in Belfast must be handled with utmost urgency. History has shown that if left unchecked, such vile actions can continue and intensify. Anti semitism has no place in Belfast or Northern Ireland.

In order to prevent such bigotry from continuing, we must stamp out the vehement hatred that is spewed from numerous outlets in this country. Several political parties and groups have demonised and dehumanised Israel and Israelis for many years now.

In 2014, when Israel went to war with Hamas in Gaza, I witnessed Israeli flags being desecrated in the streets of Belfast. Radical activists stormed shops and attempted to smash products made in Israel.

The synagogue was attacked twice, and I had friends covering up their Jewish star jewellery out of fear. Representatives of Sinn Fein and like-minded groups tried to portray Israel as a blood thirsty monster, reminiscent of the Medieval Christian blood libel against the Jews.

You need just to walk around some of the murals in Belfast to see such examples of this vicious libel. In an environment that allows the fomenting of hatred against the Jewish State, it is not surprising that this has spilled over now into attacks on Jews in general.

I do not believe that Sinn Fein or other such groups will now stop their malicious campaign against Israel, but we as a society must make sure that these extremist views do not corrupt and pollute the minds of the people.

If we do not stand up and resist such attitudes and tactics, far worse will come.

Harold Ohayon, Belfast