This article details how the right-wing in the US and Israel has strategically redefined antisemitism to suppress criticism of Israeli policies and silence pro-Palestinian voices. This involves conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism, effectively making support for Israel a litmus test for Jewish identity.
The article highlights the actions of prominent figures like Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, and organizations such as AIPAC and the ADL, in promoting this rebranding. These entities have used accusations of antisemitism as a political weapon to discredit their opponents, including progressive American Jews and those supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The concept of "New Antisemitism" is examined, where anti-Zionism is equated with antisemitism. The article argues this misrepresents the long history of antisemitism, and creates a climate where criticism of Israeli actions is immediately labeled as racist.
The article explores the impact of this redefinition of antisemitism on US politics. The bipartisan support for Israel is fracturing, and the efforts to silence criticism has led to the marginalization of pro-Palestinian voices and the suppression of BDS activism.
The article concludes by stressing the dangers of this manipulative tactic, which obscures the true meaning of antisemitism and undermines efforts to combat actual instances of anti-Jewish hate. It calls for more courageous politicians and leaders to challenge this status quo.