Labeling critiques of Israeli policy and actions as “Jew Hatred” or saying global anger at the war in Gaza is a “PR problem” is precisely the wrong approach.
I'd agree that with your point that the fight against antisemitism should "not allow that fight to be instrumentalized to further unrelated political agendas – whether to shut down debate about Israel, to close the doors of the US to immigrants or to choke off funding to institutions of higher learning." And agree have to be careful about not just calling anyone "Antisemitic." But there is a lot out there that is antisemitic. And there's actually not-enough speaking out and denouncing such things.
And I would acknowledge that there are some who characterize almost anything as "Antisemitism." But I would say that that all the biggest problem IS Antisemitism. And without getting point-by-point; I think what's needed as much as "Zionist Left" groups and activists is to speak out MORE on antisemitism - And not just when it's coming from Republicans or the right. And not just a passing comment when this antisemitimism is coming from the Left.
I personally don't spend too much effort trying to determine whether something is "Antisemitic" or "only" Anti-Zionist. It's usually actually pretty clear. And anyway I think it's something of a semantic argument. Since advocating the destruction of the State of Israel - and the defacto killing of multitudes of Israeli Jews is pretty evil in itself. (And no words about those Jews engaged in such advocacy. Again I don't use the terms "Kapos" or "Self-hating Jews" (and have condemned that use.) but they're clearly something! But each to their own. Especially who do the "As a Jew" to denounced Israel
I'd agree with"Those leading the fight against antisemitism bear a heavy responsibility.
And we need to be on high alert that, in today’s overheated political debate, we don’t seek to establish an over-broad definition of “antisemitism” that ends up demeaning the term."
Sense of victim-blaming when you speak of actions against Antisemitism "very real risk of fueling ...antisemitism." "Specifically, demands for punishment as ‘antisemites’ of those who criticize – even in the harshest of terms – Israel’s actions in the Gaza War or its treatment of Palestinians living in territory occupied in 1967 runs a very real risk of fueling rather than quelling the fires of antisemitism." No antisemitism isn't (or should be accepted) as ensuring from actions against Antisemitism. You wouldn't accept saying that about racism or homophobia etc.
I think this is a "straw man argument" - Obviously some do. Obviously some non-Jews do as well. But that's not the rule of what's happening. "It is a tragic error for leaders and organizations in the Jewish community to seek to shut down debate and dissent by labeling all critiques of Israel as antisemitic.
As for the Teachers Union action vs ADL: Come on. If you go after the ADL - or exclude the ADL - that's sending quite a signal. And that signal is not against Antisemitism.
I think what's actually needed (as I said before) is that Jewish groups and activists on the left speak out more and louder against Antisemitism wherever it comes from. Just as loudly as they speak out on other social issues. Just as loudly as when they criticize Republicans or the Trump Administration. Just as loudly as when they criticize PM Netanyahu or the IDF or Settler Actions etc.
My concern is that Netanyahu, the "Settlers" and rabid Zionists have unleashed a monster in terms of anti-Semitism globally, which will only get FAR worse. There is no way to prevent it; and intellectual discussions are meaningless.
"I share the concerns of those who ask where the comparable outrage is over what is happening in other parts of the globe. Whether in Ukraine or South Sudan or the many other places where human rights atrocities are taking place, no country attracts the attention Israel gets for its every move."
With all due respect, they are not the same. We American taxpayers are funding Israel's atrocities against Palestinians, so we do have a responsibility as citizens to speak out. Arguably, Israel would be far less likely to be promulgating the slaughter of Gazan children in the absence of a reliable flow of weapons and support from the United States. We are not funding Russia's attacks on Ukraine or the abuses in South Sudan. Russia and South Sudan do not have PACs in this country that effectively buy members of Congress. Those who criticize Russia's actions are not met with a barrage of, "You're just bigoted against Russians!"
I don't live in New York, so I haven't seen much of the mayoral campaign. However, I just read in the New Yorker that Mamdani was repeatedly asked during the campaign how he would keep Jews safe. In contrast, Andrew Cuomo, whose campaign supporters subtly tried to incite Islamophobia, was not asked how he would keep Muslims safe. Some of the same Jews who complain about antisemitism are perfectly willing to engage in overt anti-Muslim rhetoric.
I don't think it helps the cause of fighting antisemitism for Jews to adopt an attitude that they are the only ones who suffer bigotry.
"With all due respect, they are not the same. We American taxpayers are funding Israel's atrocities against Palestinians"
Even if your claim about "atrocities" was justified and not hyperbolic drivel, the US is specifically funding many countries around the world who are committing "human rights atrocities". There is zero awareness or discussion of that.
"Arguably, Israel would be far less likely to be promulgating the slaughter of Gazan children in the absence of a reliable flow of weapons and support from the United States."
I also took issue with this sentence and have a problem with this refrain that I see repeated often. IMO, it seems clear that the primary reason there isn’t “comparable outrage” is directly tied to the overwhelming support of the US, which isn’t comparable to those other situations. Otherwise, loved and really appreciated this piece!
This is what I've been thinking almost from the time of the Hamas attack that precipitated the crackdown in Gaza. I'm tired of being labeled antisemitic for expressing opposition to what, at this point, is undeniably genocide. I'm also afraid for Jewish people around the world who might become targets because of the actions of the current extremist right-wing Israeli government. Silencing criticism of Israel will not end antisemitism; on the contrary, it is turning a subgroup of people who are horrified by what's happening in Gaza and the West Bank against Jews.
But Jeremy, as you must know Mamdani has been active in opposing the occupation but clearly agrees that the key date is not 67 but 47. He views the entire enterprise as illegitimate. Agree with the rest.
I actually think Jeremy has been doing pretty well. There has to be some middle ground between hysteria and the slavish subservience to Mamdani that the self anointed “Jewish left” has.
Jeremy is correct. The fight against anti-Semitism globally in our universities and elsewhere, and increased censorship (e.g., by the Israelis at OpenWeb), fuels more anti-Semitism -- which is reaching levels not seen since World War II.
Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt and General George Marshall opposed the creation of Israel; and they were correct and omniscient. What Netanyahu, the "Settlers" and rabid Zionists have done to non-Jewish men, women and children has reverberated around the world, with even worse yet to come.
Tragically, no Jew is safe anywhere; and Jews are denying their "Jewishness" to protect themselves. No one should forget that Netanyahu morphed into his ancestors' Nazi oppressors decades ago; and to stay out of prison, he has ratcheted up the war against non-Jews. Donald Trump has been his "handmaiden."
American Jews with no ties to Israel are affected, which is especially tragic. They are every bit Americans as any other American is. And yes, they are free and able to attack Israeli butchery as the rest of us are; and they should be encouraged to do so.
I guess you think the Jews should have just rotted in the DP camps after WW2 when Americans and every other nation had slammed the door closed on them. And that even more Jews should have died in Holocaust because they had nowhere to go to. Because that’s implicit in your comment.
With all due respect, there are less than 15 million Jews in the world today. The world was in a shambles after 1945. Europe and the Pacific had been devastated; and soon afterward, we Americans were facing a war in Korea.
Did Jews get lost in the shuffle? Lots of the world did. I had a secretary in Washington DC who had been a young girl in Berlin when the Soviets overran Germany. An estimated 2 million German women were raped.
At the rate that butcher Netanyahu is attacking everyone -- to stay out of prison for his many crimes -- I fully expect "Osama bin Laden 2.0" to launch a nation-ending EMP Attack or similar assault against Israel. At least nine nations have nukes (e.g., Pakistan, India, Russia); and it's a buyer's market.
October 7th underscored the fact that Israeli intelligence was non-existent; the Mossad was napping: and the Iron Dome was porous at best. Are the Israelis on the last "Voyage Of The Damned"? Time will tell.
Thank you Jeremy for drilling down and continuing to help me distinguish and tease out what is anti-semitism and what are painful truths about Israel government policies. Too bad the right wing extremists in power have no capacity to take a long hard look in the mirror.
Blaming Jews for antisemitism is truly appalling, and you blaming the ADL for the antisemitic decision to cut ties with the ADL is appallingly unsurprising.
There's a clarity that it's antisemitic. Not only would this decision entirely cut off educational materials about antisemitism from millions who rely on them, it was also justified by the delegate who put this forward, who said:
"Allowing the ADL to determine what constitutes antisemitism would be like allowing the fossil-fuel industry to determine what constitutes climate change,” NEA delegate Stephen Siegel claimed at the group’s meeting over the weekend…"
This is antisemitic in two ways. First, it makes the antisemitic claim that the ADL is the cause of antisemitism (because the analogy is to the fossil fuel industry, which causes climate change). That's antisemitism.
Second, it is a double standard for Jews. These institutions have long adopted the view that minorities get to define bigotries against them. Now they're claiming that the premiere Jewish institution, supporting a definition that polls show over 85% of American Jews support (not to mention even more worldwide), can't define antisemitism. That's a double-standard.
What do we call double standards for Jews? Antisemitism. And here you are, victim-blaming. Disgusting.
Thanks for the J St News Roundup this morning, alas with so much more terrible news: https://jstreet.org/news-roundups/. I've added it to my browser taps but signed up long ago for the daily reminders.
Your clarity is so fantastic, Jeremy! I am always so grateful for your analysis.
And, there is a lot of work to do. Time to roll up our sleeves and get some dialog going with Mamdani. There is so much that can be done to further peace for Israel and Palestine.
It's been pointed out that, in supporting Palestinian rights, working with people who do really do hate Israel can lead to absorbing some of their anti-Israel and even anti-semitic language.
Excellent clear statement about how to take on antisemitism while supporting Mamdani’s exciting campaign
Let's adopt this tool to operationalize this excellent suggestion:
https://jerusalemdeclaration.org/
Thank you for this. It makes clear the position that makes sense when dealing with the Israeli/ Palistinian issue.
I'd agree that with your point that the fight against antisemitism should "not allow that fight to be instrumentalized to further unrelated political agendas – whether to shut down debate about Israel, to close the doors of the US to immigrants or to choke off funding to institutions of higher learning." And agree have to be careful about not just calling anyone "Antisemitic." But there is a lot out there that is antisemitic. And there's actually not-enough speaking out and denouncing such things.
And I would acknowledge that there are some who characterize almost anything as "Antisemitism." But I would say that that all the biggest problem IS Antisemitism. And without getting point-by-point; I think what's needed as much as "Zionist Left" groups and activists is to speak out MORE on antisemitism - And not just when it's coming from Republicans or the right. And not just a passing comment when this antisemitimism is coming from the Left.
I personally don't spend too much effort trying to determine whether something is "Antisemitic" or "only" Anti-Zionist. It's usually actually pretty clear. And anyway I think it's something of a semantic argument. Since advocating the destruction of the State of Israel - and the defacto killing of multitudes of Israeli Jews is pretty evil in itself. (And no words about those Jews engaged in such advocacy. Again I don't use the terms "Kapos" or "Self-hating Jews" (and have condemned that use.) but they're clearly something! But each to their own. Especially who do the "As a Jew" to denounced Israel
I'd agree with"Those leading the fight against antisemitism bear a heavy responsibility.
And we need to be on high alert that, in today’s overheated political debate, we don’t seek to establish an over-broad definition of “antisemitism” that ends up demeaning the term."
Sense of victim-blaming when you speak of actions against Antisemitism "very real risk of fueling ...antisemitism." "Specifically, demands for punishment as ‘antisemites’ of those who criticize – even in the harshest of terms – Israel’s actions in the Gaza War or its treatment of Palestinians living in territory occupied in 1967 runs a very real risk of fueling rather than quelling the fires of antisemitism." No antisemitism isn't (or should be accepted) as ensuring from actions against Antisemitism. You wouldn't accept saying that about racism or homophobia etc.
I think this is a "straw man argument" - Obviously some do. Obviously some non-Jews do as well. But that's not the rule of what's happening. "It is a tragic error for leaders and organizations in the Jewish community to seek to shut down debate and dissent by labeling all critiques of Israel as antisemitic.
As for the Teachers Union action vs ADL: Come on. If you go after the ADL - or exclude the ADL - that's sending quite a signal. And that signal is not against Antisemitism.
I think what's actually needed (as I said before) is that Jewish groups and activists on the left speak out more and louder against Antisemitism wherever it comes from. Just as loudly as they speak out on other social issues. Just as loudly as when they criticize Republicans or the Trump Administration. Just as loudly as when they criticize PM Netanyahu or the IDF or Settler Actions etc.
My concern is that Netanyahu, the "Settlers" and rabid Zionists have unleashed a monster in terms of anti-Semitism globally, which will only get FAR worse. There is no way to prevent it; and intellectual discussions are meaningless.
Nice victim blaming, Tim.
Again it will only get far worse.
"I share the concerns of those who ask where the comparable outrage is over what is happening in other parts of the globe. Whether in Ukraine or South Sudan or the many other places where human rights atrocities are taking place, no country attracts the attention Israel gets for its every move."
With all due respect, they are not the same. We American taxpayers are funding Israel's atrocities against Palestinians, so we do have a responsibility as citizens to speak out. Arguably, Israel would be far less likely to be promulgating the slaughter of Gazan children in the absence of a reliable flow of weapons and support from the United States. We are not funding Russia's attacks on Ukraine or the abuses in South Sudan. Russia and South Sudan do not have PACs in this country that effectively buy members of Congress. Those who criticize Russia's actions are not met with a barrage of, "You're just bigoted against Russians!"
I don't live in New York, so I haven't seen much of the mayoral campaign. However, I just read in the New Yorker that Mamdani was repeatedly asked during the campaign how he would keep Jews safe. In contrast, Andrew Cuomo, whose campaign supporters subtly tried to incite Islamophobia, was not asked how he would keep Muslims safe. Some of the same Jews who complain about antisemitism are perfectly willing to engage in overt anti-Muslim rhetoric.
I don't think it helps the cause of fighting antisemitism for Jews to adopt an attitude that they are the only ones who suffer bigotry.
"With all due respect, they are not the same. We American taxpayers are funding Israel's atrocities against Palestinians"
Even if your claim about "atrocities" was justified and not hyperbolic drivel, the US is specifically funding many countries around the world who are committing "human rights atrocities". There is zero awareness or discussion of that.
"Arguably, Israel would be far less likely to be promulgating the slaughter of Gazan children in the absence of a reliable flow of weapons and support from the United States."
Oh goodie, blood libel. Nice one.
I also took issue with this sentence and have a problem with this refrain that I see repeated often. IMO, it seems clear that the primary reason there isn’t “comparable outrage” is directly tied to the overwhelming support of the US, which isn’t comparable to those other situations. Otherwise, loved and really appreciated this piece!
This is what I've been thinking almost from the time of the Hamas attack that precipitated the crackdown in Gaza. I'm tired of being labeled antisemitic for expressing opposition to what, at this point, is undeniably genocide. I'm also afraid for Jewish people around the world who might become targets because of the actions of the current extremist right-wing Israeli government. Silencing criticism of Israel will not end antisemitism; on the contrary, it is turning a subgroup of people who are horrified by what's happening in Gaza and the West Bank against Jews.
But Jeremy, as you must know Mamdani has been active in opposing the occupation but clearly agrees that the key date is not 67 but 47. He views the entire enterprise as illegitimate. Agree with the rest.
He knows that perfectly well.
I actually think Jeremy has been doing pretty well. There has to be some middle ground between hysteria and the slavish subservience to Mamdani that the self anointed “Jewish left” has.
Jeremy is correct. The fight against anti-Semitism globally in our universities and elsewhere, and increased censorship (e.g., by the Israelis at OpenWeb), fuels more anti-Semitism -- which is reaching levels not seen since World War II.
Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt and General George Marshall opposed the creation of Israel; and they were correct and omniscient. What Netanyahu, the "Settlers" and rabid Zionists have done to non-Jewish men, women and children has reverberated around the world, with even worse yet to come.
Tragically, no Jew is safe anywhere; and Jews are denying their "Jewishness" to protect themselves. No one should forget that Netanyahu morphed into his ancestors' Nazi oppressors decades ago; and to stay out of prison, he has ratcheted up the war against non-Jews. Donald Trump has been his "handmaiden."
American Jews with no ties to Israel are affected, which is especially tragic. They are every bit Americans as any other American is. And yes, they are free and able to attack Israeli butchery as the rest of us are; and they should be encouraged to do so.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2023/10/31/americas-jews-are-americans/ ("America’s Jews Are Americans")
I guess you think the Jews should have just rotted in the DP camps after WW2 when Americans and every other nation had slammed the door closed on them. And that even more Jews should have died in Holocaust because they had nowhere to go to. Because that’s implicit in your comment.
With all due respect, there are less than 15 million Jews in the world today. The world was in a shambles after 1945. Europe and the Pacific had been devastated; and soon afterward, we Americans were facing a war in Korea.
Did Jews get lost in the shuffle? Lots of the world did. I had a secretary in Washington DC who had been a young girl in Berlin when the Soviets overran Germany. An estimated 2 million German women were raped.
Nonsense. I have been to Dachau and seen the horrors of the Holocaust.
The tragedy is that Israel was founded by thugs, who set about repeating such horrors against non-Jews in Palestine.
Are the Israelis on the "Last Voyage Of The Damned"? Time will tell, but the world will cheer if it happens.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/31/is-israel-doomed/ ("Is Israel Doomed?")
My point is that the world abandoned the Jews. If they hadn’t, perhaps the necessity of a Jewish state wouldn’t have been so obvious.
Jews having to hide their identity is nothing new.
It's both sad and tragic. But as I have said before, this is the butcher Netanyahu’s "gift" to global Jewry.
Yea, who cares right? Why are there only 15 million Jews in the world today?
At the rate that butcher Netanyahu is attacking everyone -- to stay out of prison for his many crimes -- I fully expect "Osama bin Laden 2.0" to launch a nation-ending EMP Attack or similar assault against Israel. At least nine nations have nukes (e.g., Pakistan, India, Russia); and it's a buyer's market.
October 7th underscored the fact that Israeli intelligence was non-existent; the Mossad was napping: and the Iron Dome was porous at best. Are the Israelis on the last "Voyage Of The Damned"? Time will tell.
Thank you Jeremy for drilling down and continuing to help me distinguish and tease out what is anti-semitism and what are painful truths about Israel government policies. Too bad the right wing extremists in power have no capacity to take a long hard look in the mirror.
Blaming Jews for antisemitism is truly appalling, and you blaming the ADL for the antisemitic decision to cut ties with the ADL is appallingly unsurprising.
There's a clarity that it's antisemitic. Not only would this decision entirely cut off educational materials about antisemitism from millions who rely on them, it was also justified by the delegate who put this forward, who said:
"Allowing the ADL to determine what constitutes antisemitism would be like allowing the fossil-fuel industry to determine what constitutes climate change,” NEA delegate Stephen Siegel claimed at the group’s meeting over the weekend…"
This is antisemitic in two ways. First, it makes the antisemitic claim that the ADL is the cause of antisemitism (because the analogy is to the fossil fuel industry, which causes climate change). That's antisemitism.
Second, it is a double standard for Jews. These institutions have long adopted the view that minorities get to define bigotries against them. Now they're claiming that the premiere Jewish institution, supporting a definition that polls show over 85% of American Jews support (not to mention even more worldwide), can't define antisemitism. That's a double-standard.
What do we call double standards for Jews? Antisemitism. And here you are, victim-blaming. Disgusting.
100% agree
Thanks for the J St News Roundup this morning, alas with so much more terrible news: https://jstreet.org/news-roundups/. I've added it to my browser taps but signed up long ago for the daily reminders.
Your clarity is so fantastic, Jeremy! I am always so grateful for your analysis.
And, there is a lot of work to do. Time to roll up our sleeves and get some dialog going with Mamdani. There is so much that can be done to further peace for Israel and Palestine.
It's been pointed out that, in supporting Palestinian rights, working with people who do really do hate Israel can lead to absorbing some of their anti-Israel and even anti-semitic language.
Very important !!