Anti-Israel criticism often masks anti-Semitism
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May 7, 2012
Having just celebrated Israel’s 64th Independence Day, those who care about Israel are confronted by some very troubling statistics just released about anti-Semitism in Europe. A recent study undertaken by the German-based Friedrich Ebert Foundation found that anti-Semitic criticism of Israel comes close to majority support in most European countries. I fear that these concerns could ultimately be valid in America as well.
What counts as anti-Semitic criticism of Israel? According to Jewish Agency for Israel chair Natan Sharansky, a former Soviet political prisoner who knows a thing or two about persecution: when Israel is demonized, when Israel is delegitimized, and when a double standard is used to assess Israeli behavior.
We hear these attacks on Israel more and more, from protesters on college campuses to reactions to conflicts around flotillas and flytillas. Somehow, labeling something as criticism of Israel often whitewashes what is really anti-Semitic and legitimizes views that would otherwise be blatantly unacceptable. While such criticism leveled against Israel is often couched in terms of justice and universal rights, this is often just a bait and switch. Many of the “peace activists” making the accusations are not advocating for social change in Israel or a peaceful solution for Israel and its neighbors to coexist; rather, they want to see the end of Israel as we know it, regardless of the consequences.
Those who truly do care about justice and rights need to make clear that calling for the end of Israel is anti-Semitism plain and simple and should not be tolerated by the civilized world in any guise.
After 64 years, while grappling with significant challenges, Israel is a remarkable country with a vibrant high-tech economy, world-class universities and medical centers, and full individual freedoms for all its citizens — all on a parcel of land about the size of New Jersey in a not-so-friendly neighborhood.
The country has provided a home for Jews who suffered and lost home and family in the Holocaust and a haven for Jewish refugees from around the world ever since.
Israel is also a true friend of the United States, a partner in the war on terrorism, and a beacon for our country’s ideals because both nations share the same core values.
At a time when we hear calls for Israel’s destruction from terrorist groups and from an Iran on the verge of obtaining nuclear capability, it is important to remember that anti-Semitism is still alive today — and the next target after Israel is “The Great Satan,” the United States. We must remain vigilant against those who call for Israel’s destruction, for a strong Israel is in the interest of America and Americans.
At this time, we all should celebrate Israel’s independence and achievements and look forward to more success and an even brighter future.
Comments
J Whack
May 07, 2012
Your article is based on a massive equivocation between seeking “the end of Israel” versus “the end of Israel as we know it”.
Those are two very different outcomes. The anti-zionism which I find supportable does not seek the end of Israel but rather a renovated Israel, one which grants the same rights and respect to all, from the river to the sea, non-Jews together with Jews. Which is to say, an Israel which lives up to its claim to be a democracy.
I would hope that you will not label a person “anti-Semitic” for holding that view. However, if you do, then so be it. At some point this tactic of playing with language is self-defeating. Actually we reached that point long ago. But use whatever language you like, and we’ll all try to move on from there.
Janet
May 08, 2012
I have never met an anti-Semite that was not anti Zionist.
Richard Mather
May 10, 2012
I agree with Mr Hollander’s article. I live in the UK and I am ashamed of how our campuses have been hijacked by Israel-haters. A lot of the rhetoric on the campuses is blatantly anti-Semitic. The trouble is, this is not confined to the campuses but is poisoning public debate in Britain. The Guardian newspaper, for example, doesn’t even bother to hide its contempt for all things Jewish and its comments website is infamous for its disgusting anti-Semitic slurs. The trade unions are as bad. Just recently, UNISON prevented Professor Moty Cristal from speaking at an National Health Service event because he happened to be an Israeli. The fact that Professor Cristal is a supporter of the two-state solution did not matter to UNISON. He was boycotted simply because he is an Israeli Jew. How long will it be before an American Jew or a French is subject to a boycott because he happens to be Jewish?
larry niemotka
September 10, 2012
Once upon a time, many years ago, in a foreign land , lived a slick talking politician. He promised consolidation of power. He told folks “You don’t need to worry about responsibilities” . His govern
ment will ” take good care of you”. Just vote for me and all who walk the party line. Folks liked what he said and HITLER won and became chancellor. What must be realized is truth implied or discerned is feared by everyone . The comparison between factual leadership or a populace that blindly follows a leader with stars in their eyes and unwillingness to see him as a messianic messenger, with narcissistic attributes, is by all indications, steering them to what can only lead to eventual financial and moral disaster. It is well advised that “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”. For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who don’t understand no explanation is possible.
Deborah Shapiro
November 22, 2012
The cry of “anti-Semite!” became The Boy Who Cried Wolf six years ago. Nobody falls for that line anymore. An anti-Semite used to be someone who hated Jews. Now, it’s someone whom Jews hate.
Paul Besterman
November 22, 2012
No! Deborah an Anti-semite is still someone who hates Jews, and there are many.Ironically a lot of them also hate other Semites and they racist bigots. I have found in my sojourn here in the states an immense amount of ignorance of and by Jews. The lack of awareness of Gentiles (though I hate that term) is quite shocking to me even now but I can understand therefore how their prejudices arise and see the answer as a personal responsibility in helping to illuminate for them some of the intricacies and foibles of our faith and cultural heritage. What I find dispiriting though, is the vast gulf between youth of say 30 and under in America who have no conception of the persecution,degradation and at the very least hate that I have personally witnessed that went on here and in Europe for centuries. This is not a reason to return this despicable condition, and I have always been uncomfortable with my previous generations lingering reverse racism, but must be kept in mind so as not to be complacently beset upon once again. I do not feel that Israel or America owe on another lip service as the author has described, and would welcome a move from Israel separate from the states to find a peaceable conclusion to it’s troubles. I loved Larry Niemotkas’ parable of the George W. Bush years and thank G-d we shall never see his like again.