Given this significant uptick in antisemitism, the question no doubt arises as to why anti-Israeli and anti-Zionistic sentiments oftentimes translate into antisemitic feelings. It’s important to note, however, that many times this is not the case. One can criticize any government and any country they see fit. They can bash their policies and decry their methodologies, and this includes the Israeli government. However, when anti-Israeli and anti-Zionist sentiments turn into calls to eradicate the entire Jewish state because there are Jews living there, when anti-Israeli and anti-Zionist sentiments lead to protests calling for Hitler to kill all Jews in Israel, and when these anti-Israeli and anti-Zionist sentiments turn into only single Israel as opposed to other, more oppressive countries like Iran, China, and North Korea, then these sentiments become antisemitic.

Antisemitism and Israel

To best understand anti-semitism and its relation to anti-Zionism, it is instructive to refer to the most prevalent definition of antisemitism as provided by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance in their Working Definition of Anti-Semitism. The IHRA definition has been adopted by 36 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Germany, and as of June 5th, Switzerland. International bodies such as the United Kingdom and European Parliament have also recognized the legitimacy of IHRA’s definition of antisemitism, and it has been and continues to be adopted by thousands of universities across the world.

Their definition of antisemitism goes as follows:

“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

Based on this definition, acts considered a “manifestations of antisemitism” include, but are not limited to, making stereotypical allegations against the Jews, denying the occurance of the Holocaust, and, most pertinent to this topic, “denying the Jewish people their right to self determination, e.g. by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor,” and “applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.” As was previously mentioned and as was explicitly stated in the aforementioned definition of antisemitism, denying the Jews their right to their own country (by virtue of their religion only) and judging the Jewish state by a higher standard than other countries is inherently antisemitic. Once again, it is critical to note that anti-Zionism in itself is not antisemitism; it is only when one treats the Jewish state differently than other non Jewish countries on the basis of the Jewish religion that the action becomes antisemitic.

Applying the Definition to Critique of Israel

No one is asking others to silence all critiques of Israel. Conversations, debates, and even denunciations of Israel and the actions of the Israeli government are encouraged to promote a healthy political climate; these arguments only become antisemitism when they cross a certain line, when they begin to disproportionately target the Jews and judge them on the basis of their religion. When a double standard is applied in condemning Israel, it is clear that hatred and Jewish stereotypes are the root cause. Hence, the best way to combat antisemitism is to first understand its definition, and be informed about the issues of the day. With this capability, ignorance and hatred can be more effectively combated, making the world a safer place for Jews everywhere.