You’ve heard the slogan: “Anti-Zionism = Antisemitism.” It’s an applause line for politicians and a fundraising tool for some orgs. But it’s also profoundly misguided – and ultimately dangerous. 2/
You’ve heard the slogan: “Anti-Zionism = Antisemitism.” It’s an applause line for politicians and a fundraising tool for some orgs. But it’s also profoundly misguided – and ultimately dangerous. 2/
Antisemitism is hatred of Jews for being Jews. It’s one of the world’s oldest prejudices: Pogroms, expulsions, the Holocaust and hate crimes today from Pittsburgh to Poway. It is real and deadly, and it must be fought with moral clarity. 3/
Zionism, by contrast, is a political ideology. It emerged in 19th-century Europe as a nationalist movement among Jews seeking safety and self-determination. It succeeded in founding a state – but like any nationalist project, it has always been contested. 4/
Many Jews historically opposed Zionism, for religious, political or ideological reasons. That diversity continues. Even today, some Jewish thought leaders openly call themselves anti-Zionists – from a place of Jewish identity and values. 5/
To equate all criticism of Israel or Zionism with antisemitism erases dissent and conflates Jewish identity with the policies of a state. And when Netanyahu’s government pursues extremism, that sends the false message: “This is what all Jews want.” 6/
That isn’t just untrue – it’s dangerous. It fosters resentment, alienation and hostility toward Jews as a monolith. Over time, it undermines the very safety we’re trying to protect. 7/
This is why the push to codify the IHRA definition of antisemitism is so troubling. It risks branding students, activists or even Members of Congress as bigots simply for opposing occupation or calling for Palestinian rights. 8/
This is especially true on campuses. “Criticism of Israel is not inherently antisemitic, and restricting pro-Palestinian speech does not make any college student safer,” wrote the @jstreetu.bsky.social chapter at George Washington University. 9/
American Jews are not a monolith. Majorities oppose settlement expansion, support a two-state solution and disapprove of Netanyahu’s government. To call those views “antisemitic” is to slander our own community. 10/
Jewish safety and Palestinian freedom are linked. The more Israel entrenches occupation, the more isolated it becomes – and the more Jews worldwide become targets of misplaced rage. 11/
If we want to keep Jews safe and achieve peace, we must defend the distinction between political argument and racial hatred. Labeling every opponent of Zionism an antisemite may win headlines now – but in the long run, it’s dangerous and self-defeating. 12/
Most Jews in the US and in Israel no longer support a two state solution. That's the majority opinion. Why give terrorist animals a state?
Hamas is Hamas. The Palestinian people are the Palestinian people. And even given that most of the adults cheered Oct. 7th, every single child is innocent, even the ones who fire guns put in their hands by adults.
When Jewish students were being attacked, harrassed, barred from parts of school, J Street defended the terrorist supporters. We know what side J Street is on. Jewish students are winning antisemitism lawsuits now when J Street abandoned them
When Jewish students were being attacked, harrassed, barred from parts of school, J Street defended the terrorist supporters. We know what side J Street is on. Jewish students are winning antisemitism lawsuits now when J Street abandoned them