(Jewish Group) Anti-Semitism: What it is, what it isn't and why it matters
It would be wrong to claim that all opposition to Israel is anti-Semitic, but it would be dangerous to believe that none of it is. Even the fiercest criticism of Israeli policies, including the oppressive occupation of Palestine, should never be confused with anti-Semitism, so long as it is objective, specific and based in fact. In contrast, actual anti-Semitism can be identified when actions are taken against, or demands are made upon, Jewish individuals or organizations that are never imposed upon others.
It is likewise anti-Semitic when baseless accusations are leveled against imaginary "Zionists" that just happen to dovetail with ancient anti-Jewish stereotypes. Here are some examples.
After Senate Republicans filibustered the Freedom to Vote Act last month, the Declaration for American Democracy Coalition organized a voting rights rally, to be held in Washington, D.C. The hundreds of sponsoring organizations included the Sierra Club, the Franciscan Action Network, the National Organization for Women and many others. The broad progressive solidarity was shattered, however, when the D.C. chapter of the environmentalist Sunrise Movement announced that it refused to participate alongside three Jewish groups, due to their support for "Zionism and the State of Israel."
The Jewish organizations targeted by Sunrise DC were the Jewish Council on Public Affairs, the National Council of Jewish Women and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. All three focus on progressive issues in the U.S., while also supporting security for Israel and an independent Palestinian state.
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