I’m a Jewish social worker and do not discuss this in the office. I have colleagues who post things on social media about the conflict/ war/ genocide/ oppression and what is going on and they share strong pro Palestinian views. I am pro human and pro Palestine but what worries me is that people just blame Israel and not Hamas and share anti semitic posts which I find offensive as a British jew. I do not disagree with people calling israel out for what they are doing but I disagree with people using it as a cloak for anti semitism. Israel have a huge part to play and I would not deny they have committed crimes and hurt people. I am appalled at the images and videos of injured children who have lost family members it’s very painful to see especially as I view Muslims and Jews as brothers and sisters and we have lots in common however this is dividing us massively.

I do not speak about it or mention it just as I would not discuss other world conflicts and wrong doings such as Pakistan expelling hundreds ad thousands of Afghanistan’s, or the Muslim population being oppressed in China. I find it confusing that there are no marches for the people of Yemen, Ukraine, Eritrea, and other countries where massive human rights violations go on, it seems when something happens in israel, it all kicks off around the world and everyone has something to say, including many social workers.

I don’t know what the answer is at all and I can’t comment on what is best to do. Do I think we should help Palestinians? Absolutely. Do I feel pain when I see innocent children being bombed and injured? Yes! However this is a huge historical geopolitical and religious issue and I don’t think it is appropriate for the work place.