‘South Africa has alleged that Israel’s war on Gaza constituted genocide. Israel contends it has a right to defend itself after the October attacks by Hamas.’

‘While both sides want the other one eradicated from the face of the earth this latest attack by Israel on the population of Gaza bears no comparison to the genocide in Rwanda, which started exactly 30 years ago or the Armenian genocide which was the systematic destruction of about 1 million of the Armenian people during World War I or the holocaust perpetrated by the Nazi regime. The systemic mass execution of 6 million Jews, Roma Gypsies, disabled and homosexual people on an industrial scale is unprecedented in human history. The incinerators, gas lines and train stations servicing half a dozen termination or death camps as well as hundreds of concentration camps were designed and engineered with one object in mind: Efficient killing of as many people in as short a time as possible. Nothing in today’s many wars comes even close to that.’ Camp stated unequivocally. I agreed totally. There was nothing to add.

‘Have you seen Jonathan Glazer’s movie The Zone of Interest loosely based on Martin Amis’ novel?  It’s about the so-called normal life of the Höss family, living next to Auschwitz Concentration Camp, which was under Höss’ command.’

‘Can’t say I have nor do I have any interest in seeing it. You know me and movies. I don’t watch them. I’d rather read a book.’

‘Clare and I watched it the other night. Not much of a film or a story really. Just the life of the family sharing a wall of their backyard with the Auschwitz camp next door. I think the most unnerving and disturbing aspect of the film was the constant industrial sound track, punctuated by the odd cry and some rifle shots but it was always there, twenty-four hours a day. The mechanized noise of murder and death.’

‘Thanks for that. Now I’m definitely never going to watch it. I saw the Holocaust exhibition at Izzy Asper’s Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg. Seeing the blue prints of the death factory layout and the staff photo under the famous gate ‘Arbeit macht Frei’ was quite enough for my sensibilities. Secretaries and workmen all smiling and waving as if this was a holiday resort and they’re just welcoming new guests. I cannot and will never understand the depravity that humans are capable off. Nothing explains it and you can analyze it to death but it doesn’t make it any more accessible or palatable.’ 

‘What do you think of the pro-Palestine student demonstrations all over America and now Europe and Canada?’ I asked Camp who I knew had a definite opinion about it.

‘These protests are organized gatherings; nothing spontaneous about it. Also, the demands and battle-cries like ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘Sea to shining Sea’ are a simplification of the most complicated conflict in the world. They blame the Israelis for all the bloody mess in the Middle East and make it into bumper stickers and a Hollywood plot: the villains on one side, on the other side the oppressed freedom fighters.’

‘The talk of genocide and ‘Israeli annihilation attack’ and the deafening silence about the murderous attack by the radical Islamic Hamas and above all the demanded boycott of Israeli universities; all have anti-Semitic connotations that critical thinking minds will turn away from. The university administrations in Europe have so far remained steadfast by refusing to entertain the boycott calls so far. And rightly so, I think,’ I said.

The difficulty is it to answer the question of what is the right mix of repression and tolerance. The majority of the universities seem determined to shut down the protests with help from the police. However, freedom of speech obliges us to endure even questionable and unsympathetic statements. Although the protesters may technically be trespassing, they have so far abstained from violence and the demonstrations are peaceful. So far. It remains to be seen if the center holds.’

‘What do you mean by that?’ Camp said.

‘The longer the conflict goes on and the more Netanyahu defies world opinion towards a more humanitarian approach towards his neighbours, the more unstable the tipping point from peaceful demonstrations to violent escalations. These mass gatherings of defiance are ideal for the anonymous, radical elements amongst the demonstrators. It is a short step from information to action.’

‘By anonymous radical elements you mean the shit disturbers,’ Camp said, ‘the usual suspects like the Alright, the Neo-Nazis, Communists, Feedom Parties and whoever has a problem with democracy, tolerance and dialogue.’

‘Maybe they should let us solve the crisis. Free beer, food and hugs for all instead of bullets, blood and jihad.’

‘Are you two solving the woes of the world again?’ Vicky asked when she brought around another round.

‘We do have some ideas but nobody is interested or asking us,’ Camp said.

‘Maybe it’s better that way. I hate to see you two get into a fight you can’t win. Best to stay here and enjoy the drinks, the weather and the fact that we live here.’