Robert Crohan/Staff Writer
The events of 2021 have meant many things for many people.
With a new course being chartered for the US by President Biden, and the pandemic dragging on, many have hope while others are less fortunate. As a student of international relations here at FIU, I can attest that global interstate events hold especially heavy implications for common people. US-China tensions have led to a sea of hate towards Asian Americans, the Venezuela crisis led to debates over socialism in US elections, and the Israel-Hamas conflict has had a spillover effect of discrimination on Jews, Arabs and Muslims the world over.
As I have argued, it is great to see so much discussion on the latter topic, as it determines the fate of many peoples across the Middle East and the world. Islamophobia has played an outsized role in US affairs towards Israel and Muslim countries. At the same time, anti-Semitism is spiking and is responsible for wholly troubling approaches towards the Israel-Palestine conflict.
However, many of those talking about the injustices faced by Palestinians have, often unknowingly, engaged in both anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist sentiments. It is crucial to distinguish between the two, as Jews have faced discrimination from those who merely oppose the existence and policies of Israel.
Anti-Semitism is discrimination or hatred towards the Jewish people and faith, which, as we all know, has been very commonplace across many societies in world history. Anti-Zionism, however, merely opposes the existence of a Jewish state, Israel, in the Holy Land and Palestine.
Many Jews say that the “Zionist” label has essentially been used to target them and their religion despite the word’s political background. Therefore, new approaches and labels need to be considered in order to address Israel as an entity while respecting Jews and the Jewish faith.
It is true that there are many who hold both views, opposing Judaism altogether, a combination of attitudes that is unacceptable. However, for many, the distinction is made difficult given the fact that Israel is the world’s only Jewish country.
Indeed, many Jews say that Zionism is the only way to ensure the safety of their community. Israel was a haven for Jews fleeing oppressive countries following its establishment in 1948. Additionally, many people believe that God will grant the Jewish people a proper state in the Holy Land with the coming of the Messiah.
Jon Warech, Executive Director of Hillel at FIU, says that “Zionism is the right to self-determination by the Jewish people and the reestablishment of a Jewish state.” He expressed the view that Zionism does not require others to suffer: “saying so is a misrepresentation.”
“To me, if you understand the definition of Zionism and you’re anti-that, you’re against the right of the Jewish people to call home the place they have lived for thousands of years, then that is anti-Semitism,” he continued. He informed me of present-day Israel’s role as the homeland for the Jewish people for thousands of years, made clear with archeological findings and the presence of holy sites like the Western Wall.
“Both people can live freely and an overwhelming majority of Jewish people want that. If you are attacking Jews in the name of Palestinian rights, then you are not helping the cause and that is anti-Semitism.” He also said that the phrase “from the river to the sea” sounds as if there is no room for the Jewish people.
For many non-Jews, however, anti-Zionism lies in the history and actions of Israel as an entity, given the displacement of millions of Palestinians. The Palestinian cause is a rallying cry for many Muslims and Arabs, and is promoted by some states and political movements.
In the Middle East, anti-Semitism has infiltrated some of the anti-Israel sentiment. Palestinian-descended activists like US Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Linda Sarsour have been criticized for anti-Semitic comments. Thankfully, positive steps have been taken, with Saudi Arabia removing both anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist attitudes from school textbooks.
It seems that one can criticize Israel’s policies without infringing on Judaism and Jews. Indeed, many anti-Zionist countries have thriving Jewish communities. However, much like US criticism towards other countries, caution is necessary so as to prevent the people themselves from becoming targets of hate.
Indeed, there are many Jews who are anti-Zionist, for religious, political and ethical reasons. Most Zionists are outspoken against Israeli actions towards Palestinians, and believe that a two-state solution uplifting both peoples is necessary for Jewish and Palestinian interests.
Another common cause for misconception lies in stereotypes: for centuries, Jews have been depicted as cunning and manipulating gold diggers. More recently, conspiracies have tried to paint Jews as controlling much of the world’s affairs, especially the media.
Figures like George Soros have become central to right-wing conspiracies about the Democratic Party. The Republican Party, especially in the era of George W. Bush, rallied Evangelical Christians around Zionism. Some say that the pro-Israel movements tie the ideas together so as to prevent criticism of Israel altogether.
There is a tendency to regard Jews as privileged, on par with non-Jewish, straight, white people, given the economic success of many Jews in major US cities. Listening to Jews of all backgrounds is necessary to understanding the Jewish experience as much as possible so that reasonable judgments are made.
Going further, many, especially non-Jews, have used this as a means to attack Muslims, pro-Palestinian activists, Democrats, and others broadly as anti-Semitic. This exacerbates interfaith tensions and often leads to even more Anti-Semitic incidents. Not helping is that many pro-and-Anti-Zionists have referenced Adolf Hitler in a not-so-contempt way.
Although I am not Jewish, I can attest to the necessity of this distinction. Not long ago, in criticizing Israel’s pummeling of Gaza, someone made a comment that appeared Anti-Semitic to an acquaintance, allowing others to learn from that mistake.
It is crucial for the general public, and elected officials, to understand Judaism and understand that it is a peaceful and tolerant faith. Like Islam, it is a fascinating religion with great morals that has taught me many lessons and ideas. The accomplishments of Jews and Jewish civilizations must be promoted as well.
This topic is especially relevant for FIU, given Miami’s heavy Jewish presence. The university hosts a number of Jewish organizations, like Hillel, and interfaith events with the Muslim Students Association and numerous Christian groups.
Ultimately, much like the fights for LGBTQA+ rights, racial justice, and the normalization of Islam and Muslims, the most affected by this topic, the Jewish people(s), must lead this fight. Only by listening to the Jewish communities and uplifting Jews to leadership can we end the scourge of anti-Semitism once and for all.
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