Don’t lump all Muslims in the extremist camp

Expressions of hostility towards Islam are now routine in this country. But we risk fuelling fanaticism with our hatred

Imagine reading the following comments in the online responses of Times readers.

“All Jews are extremists.”

“We should embark upon a sustained effort to destroy this cancer in our midst.”

“Too late, the fifth column is already with us.”

“The problem is here, already in place in our towns and cities, embedded in schools and universities . . .”

“We don’t even tell Jews here to stop breeding like rabbits on other people’s taxes . . .”

“Your Jewish friends [have told you only what they know] you want to hear. Truth, honesty and Judaism are . . . not natural allies, so they wouldn’t dream of saying it openly.”

“[You have] very little understanding [of] . . . the mindset of the Jew.”

Enough