antisemitism anti-Zionism

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That’s a mathematical symbol in the headline. Roughly, it means that the one implies the other, and they’re the same thing when you get right down to it.

I am still, in my new-to-Judaism life, astounded at how widespread antisemitism is on the net, and in life. I’ll get over it (the astoundedness, that is). Meanwhile, a bit of light in the jungle, brought to you from our friends at Israpundit. Go click…

Anti-Zionism is anti-semitism
Behind much criticism of Israel is a thinly veiled hatred of Jews A wonderful piece of writing by Emanuele Ottolenghi, the Leone Ginzburg Fellow in Israel Studies at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies and the Middle East…

[Israpundit]

3 thoughts on “antisemitism anti-Zionism”

  1. I understand this argument, but I rather strongly disagree with it. While some critics of Israel’s policies may fit this straw-man argument, I have difficulty believing that the majority do.

    Among the more objectionable comments in the article is the idea that comparing certain extreme policies of Israel’s government to certain extreme policies of Nazi Germany’s government “denies the Holocaust,” which is absurd. I do agree with the idea that anti-Zionism neccesarily requires opposition to Palestinian nationalism, as well; in fact, I turn that argument back again as an argument FOR a Palestinian state.

    I do NOT believe that my criticism of certain of Israel’s government policies is the same as hatred of Jews any more than I believe that my criticism of certain ridiculous U.S. policies (notably the Dubya White House’s foreign policies) is the same as hatred of America.

    But, to be fair, I don’t necessarily believe that being critical of certain extreme Israeli policies is anti-Zionist, either.

  2. By this formula, I suffer self-hatred, apparently.

    Well, we knew this. But I never thought my depression should be a political issue.

  3. I wish that (the other) John were correct, and the bulk of criticism of Israel was not guided by a heavy dose of antisemitism. Unfortunately, that’s increasingly not the case.

    As someone with a long history of leftist activism, including criticism of Israel’s deeply unjust behavior in the occupied territories and double-standard of justice for Palestinian residents of Israel, I’ve been finding it increasingly difficult to reasonable critiques of Israel that aren’t dripping with what seem to be anti-semitic messages, tone, and intent.

    Anyhow, as one recommendation for a group that does a great job of being critical of Israel while still being mindful and critical of anti-semitic remarks, I’d suggest checking out Peace Now: http://www.peacenow.org

    Shalom 🙂
    John

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