WORLD AFFAIRS
The Spooky New Face Of Anti-Semitism

The anti-Semitism charge has been bandied about lately. Here’s where the charges are accurate and blown way out of proportion.
By Melissa Langsam Braunstein

On Wednesday, Pope Francis waded into the ongoing discussion about anti-Semitism. He told a Jewish audience, “To attack Jews is anti-Semitism, but an outright attack on the State of Israel is also anti-Semitism.”

What exactly is anti-Semitism? The term has been bandied about so often and in so many different contexts lately, we must consider whether we’re using it correctly. In an effort to understand that, I reached out to Kenneth L. Marcus, founder and president of the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law (where my husband is an unpaid member of the Legal Advisory Board), which combats anti-Semitism on college campuses.


Marcus is also the author of a new book entitled, “The Definition of Anti-Semitism.” We recently spoke by phone about the term and its real-world applications.

Why do we need a book that defines anti-Semitism now?

I spend so much time in the trenches; there’s no end to work to be done on campuses around the country. There’s so much ignorance and confusion about the line between anti-Semitism and criticism of Israel. There needs to be some clarity. I wrote this to educate people in academia, policy makers, and the general public about what’s happening and where the line is between what’s anti-Semitism and what’s not.

What differentiates “the new anti-Semitism” from traditional anti-Semitism? Is it more dangerous?

Anti-Semitism is continually evolving. At one time, it was primarily religious prejudice. By the nineteenth century, it evolved to more of a racial hatred. Now we also have forms of anti-Semitism that relate more closely to the state of Israel. The new anti-Semitism provides a new guise for the older hatred. They’re equally dangerous; they’re both forms of racism or bigotry.

When was there a transition from one form to the other, and what prompted the change?

The new anti-Semitism can be traced back to the establishment to the state of Israel, but it became more prominent after the Six Day War in 1967. It became far more widespread after the onset of the Second Intifada. That significantly increased hostility toward Jews around the world. At the Durban I United Nations conference, this new anti-Semitism became much more deeply entrenched and pervasive. That was the moment the world took notice of the new anti-Semitism.

Walmart and Amazon are at the center of a social media storm for selling an Israeli soldier costume for kids this Halloween. What’s your take on that?

People could choose an [Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)] costume for all sorts of reasons. For example, some people see IDF soldiers as heroic figures who are courageously defending their people. They might view an IDF uniform in the same way that they would view a Superman or Batman costume—that is to say, it is a hero’s attire. On the other hand, it is clear that some people are viewing the IDF costumes in a very different light, i.e., as being more monstrous, like a vampire. This approach can descend quite quickly into blatant, explicit anti-Semitism.

Walmart is also being attacked for selling a “Fagin nose” to go with a sheik’s costume. What do you make of that?

There is nothing about the “Fagin nose” that isn’t anti-Semitic. The Fagin character was wholly based on anti-Semitic stereotypes. Calling it a “Fagin nose” just reinforces the stereotype. Applying it to a sheik’s costume, as opposed to an IDF soldier’s costume, doesn’t change this. What were they thinking?

Did President Obama trade in anti-Semitic canards while working to pass the Iran deal?

Obama and his administration didn’t help things with the language they used about the opposition to the Iran deal. I don’t see any intentional anti-Semitism in his remarks, but he fed into canards people tell about the “Israel lobby.” Given President Obama’s background in constitutional law, he should be more sensitive to coded forms of bias and the ways in which hostile environments are created by loose uses of coded language.

Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson recently landed in hot water by suggesting that the scope of the Holocaust would have been “greatly diminished” if European Jewry had been armed. Was Carson’s comment “dangerous,” as The Forward suggested? Was it anti-Semitic?

Carson’s comment has been interpreted in wildly different ways. I tend to give Dr. Carson the benefit of the doubt and think there was nothing anti-Semitic or dangerous in his intent. Those people who call him “dangerous” are more focused on their own views about gun control and the right to bear arms.

Has it become more socially acceptable to express anti-Semitic views in Europe and the United States? If so, how do you explain the change?

There’s no question that in polite circles, especially among political progressives in Europe and North America, people are finding it more acceptable to say certain things about Jews and the state of Israel than a generation ago. Anti-Israel ideology has often filled the void among progressives who can no longer command support for the old Marxist canards. It increasingly binds left-wing groups behind a common cause.

There are people who say they’re not anti-Semitic, just anti-Israel. Is that a legitimate distinction?

It’s a legitimate distinction, but it certainly isn’t always the case. People may say that, but then their words and actions belie that. There is far more anti-Semitism among the anti-Israel movement than they’d admit. Some is unconscious, and some is simply lying. When people join anti-Israel extremism, they are making common cause with the worst kind of bigots.

Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters is active in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and most recently made news with his open letter urging Bon Jovi not to perform in Israel. Is Waters’ letter-writing campaign anti-Semitic?

Waters participates in a movement that’s anti-Semitic. Whether he himself is an anti-Semite is immaterial. Regardless of his mental state, he’s joining in a hate campaign that’s based on anti-Semitism. In some circles, the BDS movement has become one of the more fashionable ways to express that you’re a leftist. People feel pressure to join BDS, whether they believe in it or not.

Will the next generation have people like Roseanne Barr and Howard Stern who aren’t religious, but feel a deep and powerful connection to Israel and the Jewish people?

If present trends continue, the current rifts within the Jewish community will widen considerably. There will remain a significant group of Jewish Americans who feel very close to Israel, but they will predominantly be members of the growing Orthodox communities. On the other hand, liberal Jewry is declining both in its size and in its connection to the Jewish state. One can envision a future in which Jewish-American connections to Israel are mostly based on Orthodox religious belief. At that point, the Roseanne Barrs and Howard Sterns of the world would appear to be relics of a vanished age.

Is there anyone who deserves recognition for effectively fighting anti-Semitism, in the United States or elsewhere?

[Former Canadian] Prime Minister Harper’s government has shown strong leadership on fighting anti-Semitism worldwide and deserves kudos for that.

Are there certain individuals or organizations you think are most effective at calling attention to anti-Semitism on social media? And if so, what makes them effective?

Andre Oboler’s Online Hate Prevention Institute, based in Melbourne, is doing a great job, and I am pleased to serve on its International Advisory Board. In the United States, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Anti-Defamation League, among others, have done good work.

How important is social media to fighting anti-Semitism in the larger world? How about on college campuses?

Social media is critical for reaching people nowadays, especially young people. We use Facebook, Twitter, and other such platforms as key components of our communications strategy. At the same time, there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction, which is why I spend so much time traveling from campus to campus.

What do you think of the Simon Asher character on “Quantico,” who was initially introduced as a gay, Jewish conservative? We just learned that Simon spent time in Gaza while working undercover for the IDF.

It’s an interesting show. I am not quite up to date on my DVR, so I have not yet seen this latest disclosure. One thing I like about the show is the notion that things aren’t always as they appear. I don’t know how this will play out with the Simon Asher character. My hope is that the writers won’t lazily lapse into stereotypes or canards about the Middle East.

Now for the lightning round. I’ll name some recent news items. You tell me whether the incident is anti-Semitic, tasteless, funny, forgettable, or something else altogether. Lena Dunham’s dog or Jewish boyfriend quiz for The New Yorker.

Forgettable. When will Lena Dunham’s 15 minutes be over?

Marco Rubio’s pre-Yom Kippur fundraiser at the home of a Dallas real estate investor who owns a signed copy of “Mein Kampf.”

Much ado about nothing.

On “The Mindy Project,” a pregnant Mindy remarked, “‘I kind of want to raise him [her baby] Jewish,” she says, “so he can get ahead in life.’”

Not funny, but not offensive either.

New “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah’s tweets about Jews.

Tasteless.

Ann Coulter’s tweet about “f*%king Jews” during the Republican debate?

Juvenile, but not as hateful when read in context.

Where can interested readers find your book?

On Amazon.

Parting thoughts?

While anti-Semitism is far worse in the Middle East and Europe, it’s unfortunate that we have a resurgent problem on U.S. campuses. It’s unacceptable, and people should speak out against it. If things are happening on any campus you’re affiliated with, speak out and let your voice be heard. Also let government officials know that firmer actions should be taken against anti-Semitism on American campuses.

Melissa Langsam Braunstein, a former U.S. Department of State speechwriter, is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C.
Amazon.com anti-semitism Israel Israeli Defense Forces Jews racism Wal-Mart


The Spooky New Face Of Anti-Semitism http://thefederalist.com/2015/10/30/the-spooky-new-face-of-anti-semitism/

This article was published October 30, 2015. And within 24 hours had at least 920 comments. I think that is significant. Especially since some people don't seem to the difference between Anti - Semetic & Anti-Zionist ...
And many do not know what Zionist means. The true definition & tend to try to use it to be derogatory. If so...... you failed . Because that is like calling me an American.

And this article just give me another reason (as if I need another), to hate Walmart.

"Zionist" is just another word for jew haters to make them think they aren't hating... makes me sick...

Zionist isn't a term explicit for 'jew haters'

this is an article BY A JEWISH MAN about it

http://www.thewatcherfiles.com/jews-against-zionists.html






and possibly further supported by the bible,,,

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Revelation 2:9

A Definition of Zionism | Jewish Virtual Library http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Zionism/zionism.html/



Moe, you are probably a Zionist.
That is my point. People have been using it incorrectly.

Zi·on·ism
/ˈzīəˌnizəm/

noun

1. a movement for (originally) the re-establishment and (now) the development and protection of a Jewish nation in what is now Israel. It was established as a political organization in 1897 under Theodor Herzl, and was later led by Chaim Weizmann

like i said, just another word for hate... but yes, i would be a zionist

thats my point right there, if someone wants to be called a jew, whats the problem? half the US calls themselves Christians, but are not... should i hate them?

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/nov/29/comment

Anti-Zionism is anti-semitism
Emanuele Ottolenghi
Behind much criticism of Israel is a thinly veiled hatred of Jews


...If Israel's critics are truly opposed to anti-semitism, they should not repeat traditional anti-semitic themes under the anti-Israel banner. When such themes - the Jewish conspiracy to rule the world, linking Jews with money and media, the hooked-nose stingy Jew, the blood libel, disparaging use of Jewish symbols, or traditional Christian anti-Jewish imagery - are used to describe Israel's actions, concern should be voiced. Labour MP Tam Dalyell decried the influence of "a Jewish cabal" on British foreign policy-making; an Italian cartoonist last year depicted the Israeli siege of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem as an attempt to kill Jesus "again". Is it necessary to evoke the Jewish conspiracy or depict Israelis as Christ-killers to denounce Israeli policies?

The fact that accusations of anti-semitism are dismissed as paranoia, even when anti-semitic imagery is at work, is a subterfuge. Israel deserves to be judged by the same standards adopted for others, not by the standards of utopia. Singling out Israel for an impossibly high standard not applied to any other country begs the question: why such different treatment? ....

.....Anti-Zionists are prepared to treat Jews equally and fight anti-semitic prejudice only if Jews give up their distinctiveness as a nation: Jews as a nation deserve no sympathy and no rights, Jews as individuals are worthy of both. Supporters of this view love Jews, but not when Jews assert their national rights. Jews condemning Israel and rejecting Zionism earn their praise. Denouncing Israel becomes a passport to full integration. Noam Chomsky and his imitators are the new heroes, their Jewish pride and identity expressed solely through their shame for Israel's existence. Zionist Jews earn no respect, sympathy or protection. It is their expression of Jewish identity through identification with Israel that is under attack.

The argument that it is Israel's behaviour, and Jewish support for it, that invite prejudice sounds hollow at best and sinister at worst. That argument means that sympathy for Jews is conditional on the political views they espouse. This is hardly an expression of tolerance. It singles Jews out. It is anti-semitism.

Zionism reversed Jewish historical passivity to persecution and asserted the Jewish right to self-determination and independent survival. This is why anti-Zionists see it as a perversion of Jewish humanism. Zionism entails the difficulty of dealing with sometimes impossible moral dilemmas, which traditional Jewish passivity in the wake of historical persecution had never faced. By negating Zionism, the anti-semite is arguing that the Jew must always be the victim, for victims do no wrong and deserve our sympathy and support.

Israel errs like all other nations: it is normal. What anti-Zionists find so obscene is that Israel is neither martyr nor saint. Their outrage refuses legitimacy to a people's national liberation movement. Israel's stubborn refusal to comply with the invitation to commit national suicide and thereby regain a supposedly lost moral ground draws condemnation. Jews now have the right to self-determination, and that is what the anti-semite dislikes so much.

exactly, there's no difference between them... haters gunna find a way to hate

I don't personally HATE anyone,,,and I think that is the problem
that people have gone so far as to equate any type of criticism of actions as 'hatred'


I can certainly understand jewish people and others who feel Zionism is a perversion of true Judaism


or that Zionists reflect poorly on the jewish culture



particularly when even the bible makes reference to that division,,,

http://mingle2.com/topic/329883

Is Anti-Zionism merely Anti-Semitism repackaged?

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-05-27/mendes---when-does-anti-zionism-become-anti-jewish-hatred3f/2733944

Bull crap there's no difference no one needs to "like""love" anyone who suppresses otheres lie steal cheat and believe they are "chosen ones" many jews don't care for zionism either. Americam seem to hate sharia law hmm wanted try talmudic law. Talmudic law is as unconstitutional as it can be. So what is happening to our constitution with the Jewish lobby so powerful??? So when an israeli senator gives terrorist one trillion usa dollars I'm suppose to be quiet cause people will say "anti semitic". Zionists seem to hate Putin. Rightly so Putin is putting them out of business. Tired of Usa government peeing on my leg telling me its raining. Why is USA supporting world largest concentration camp and calling itself land of the free. Don't worry the world shows dislike with Israel the world is hating on the USA!!!!! Is china now telling USA to shutup or war?? Is mccain a zionist? Sure he is and certainly a warmonger.

Confused much?

I think the article misses the point in fundamental ways. Mostly by zeroing in on details, and losing track of the big picture.

The thing to look at isn't to try to find a way to declare that this or that detailed action is an act of Antisemitism or not. That is the mistake that EVERY sensitive group seems to make, including those on the left, the right, and everywhere in between.

The thing to recognize is, that people who hate, or who want YOU to hate, will find ways to use ANYTHING that happens, to promote their agendas.

Trying to make alterations to details of costumery, or political speech verbiage just gets you distracted from the direct assault by the hate groups.

It is a basic part of what I like to call "Antipeople" of every kind, to try to divide their opponents against each other, by getting them to squabble over things like whether anti-Zionism is antisemitic or not.

Hate is not created in a vacumn. Did israel PM not just stand up and say it was a "muslim" that wanted the holocaust. Not hitler. Theres no doubt israel stirs the hate also.

Edited for attacking other members.

soufie
Site Moderator

I give you a US State Dept. report on the subject.

The definition of anti-Semitism has been the focus of innumerable discussions and studies. While there is no universally accepted definition, there is a generally clear understanding of what the term encompasses.

For the purposes of this report, anti-Semitism is considered to be hatred toward Jews individually and as a group that can be attributed to the Jewish religion and/or ethnicity. An important issue is the distinction between legitimate criticism of policies and practices of the State of Israel, and commentary that assumes an anti-Semitic character. The demonization of Israel, or vilification of Israeli leaders, sometimes through comparisons with Nazi leaders, and through the use of Nazi symbols to caricature them, indicates an anti-Semitic bias rather than a valid criticism of policy concerning a controversial issue.

Global anti-Semitism in recent years has had four main sources:


Traditional anti-Jewish prejudice that has pervaded Europe and some countries in other parts of the world for centuries. This includes ultra-nationalists and others who assert that the Jewish community controls governments, the media, international business, and the financial world.
Strong anti-Israel sentiment that crosses the line between objective criticism of Israeli policies and anti-Semitism.
Anti-Jewish sentiment expressed by some in Europe's growing Muslim population, based on longstanding antipathy toward both Israel and Jews, as well as Muslim opposition to developments in Israel and the occupied territories, and more recently in Iraq.
Criticism of both the United States and globalization that spills over to Israel, and to Jews in general who are identified with both.

http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/40258.htm

suppose you enlighten us on The Big Picture?