A good few years ago, when the world was a less febrile place, I was engaged in a lively discussion with my dear friend Howard Jacobson, the celebrated novelist. It’s fair to say that we inhabit different points on the spectrum when it comes to the politics of the Middle East, and I was expressing my opposition to the actions of the Israeli government in relation to Palestinian refugees.

Howard believed that my position – as a Jewish person voicing opposition to Israel’s actions – would only encourage antisemitism. Someone in our group suggested, not entirely seriously, that I might be “a self-hating Jew”. Howard responded in characteristically sardonic tones. “No way,” he said. “He loves himself”.

It was a good joke, and one that was brought to mind with the news that a Jewish protest group has been demonstrating against a Jewish-owned restaurant in west London. It was a relatively small gathering – about 50 or so people – but it was enough to excite the interest of the Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch.

In ordinary circumstances, we might not pay any........

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