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Monday, June 16, 2025

Being an Anti-Zionist Does Not Mean Being an Anti-Semite

In today's political climate, the line between anti-Zionism and antisemitism is often blurred, both in public discourse and policy. While antisemitism — prejudice or discrimination against Jewish people — is a centuries-old form of bigotry that must be unequivocally condemned, anti-Zionism — opposition to Zionism as a political ideology — is a distinct political stance that should not be automatically conflated with hatred of Jews.

Understanding the difference between the two is not just a matter of semantics; it has profound implications for free speech, global politics, and the safety of both Jews and Palestinians. To critically analyze Zionism or the state of Israel does not, by definition, mean one harbors ill will toward Jews. Failing to draw this distinction does a disservice to both Jewish communities and those advocating for Palestinian rights.

What Is Zionism?

Zionism emerged in the late 19th century as a nationalist movement advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland, primarily in response to widespread antisemitism in Europe and Russia. Its goals were ultimately realized with the founding of the state of Israel in 1948. Zionism, like any political movement, is not monolithic. It encompasses a range of ideologies — from secular nationalism to religious messianism.

However, it’s essential to note that not all Jews are Zionists, and not all Zionists are Jews. There have always been Jewish voices who opposed Zionism on theological, political, or ethical grounds. For example, ultra-Orthodox groups such as Neturei Karta reject Zionism because they believe the Jewish people must wait for the Messiah to establish a Jewish homeland. Meanwhile, some secular Jewish thinkers have criticized Zionism for its colonial implications and for what they perceive as its role in the displacement of Palestinians.

The Problem With Conflating Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism

Conflating anti-Zionism with antisemitism can be deeply problematic. It silences legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies and actions, particularly concerning the treatment of Palestinians in the occupied territories. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and B’Tselem (an Israeli group) have documented systemic inequalities and abuses that they argue constitute apartheid. Critiquing these realities, or advocating for Palestinian rights, does not make one an antisemite.

Moreover, equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism puts Jews who are critical of Israel in an impossible position. Many Jewish individuals and organizations, such as Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow, oppose Zionism or at least aspects of Israeli policy. To brand these critics as antisemitic is to deny the diversity of thought within the Jewish community itself.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism has been widely adopted but remains controversial, especially its examples conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism. Critics argue that this framing stifles free speech and criminalizes political activism, particularly in academic and cultural spaces where discussion and dissent are vital.

Anti-Zionism as Political Dissent

At its core, anti-Zionism is a political position. It can be motivated by a commitment to anti-colonialism, human rights, or secularism. Many anti-Zionists argue that Israel, as a state built on the displacement of Palestinians, functions as a settler-colonial project. Others contend that any state based on ethnoreligious identity — whether Jewish, Islamic, or Christian — is inherently exclusionary and unjust.

Criticism of Zionism can also be tied to global solidarity movements. Activists who support Indigenous rights, anti-apartheid struggles, or anti-racist causes may view the Palestinian struggle as interconnected with these issues. Labeling such criticism as antisemitic not only shuts down important conversations but also undermines the very real fight against actual antisemitism.

Historical and Contemporary Jewish Anti-Zionism

Historically, many Jewish communities, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, did not support Zionism. Some feared that advocating for a Jewish state would question their loyalty to their countries of residence. Others rejected the idea on theological grounds. In the early 20th century, organizations such as the Jewish Labour Bund in Eastern Europe envisioned a future where Jews lived freely and equally in diasporic communities, not in a separate state.

Today, Jewish anti-Zionists continue this legacy. Jewish intellectuals, rabbis, and activists argue that their opposition to Zionism stems not from self-hatred, but from a deep commitment to justice, ethical responsibility, and even to Jewish values themselves. To call these voices antisemitic is not only inaccurate but also silences valuable perspectives within Jewish thought.

Antisemitism Is Real — And It Should Not Be Politicized

None of this is to deny that antisemitism exists. It is on the rise in many parts of the world, often fueled by conspiracy theories, white nationalism, and extremist ideologies. Real antisemitism includes synagogue shootings, Holocaust denial, hate speech, and discriminatory laws. It is a grave and ongoing threat.

But diluting the term by applying it to all criticism of Israel weakens efforts to fight genuine antisemitism. It becomes harder to identify and address real threats when the term is overused or misapplied. Moreover, it risks creating a “boy who cried wolf” situation, where legitimate concerns about Jewish safety are dismissed because the term has been politicized.

The Importance of Nuance and Open Dialogue

In a polarized world, nuance is often the first casualty. But if we are serious about justice, equality, and free expression, we must distinguish between legitimate political criticism and hate. Anti-Zionism is not a monolithic ideology; it can be principled, well-reasoned, and grounded in universal human rights. At the same time, antisemitism is a specific form of hatred that must be identified and confronted wherever it appears.

The task for activists, scholars, and policymakers is to make these distinctions clear — to protect the right to criticize governments and ideologies without impugning entire ethnic or religious groups. This includes holding Israel accountable for its actions, just as we would any other state, without resorting to racist or antisemitic tropes.

Conclusion

Being anti-Zionist is not inherently antisemitic. It can reflect a legitimate, even deeply moral, stance against nationalism, colonialism, or ethnocracy. A healthy democracy must be able to accommodate this range of thought. At the same time, society must remain vigilant against genuine antisemitism in all its forms — and not allow political interests to obscure the difference between hate and dissent.

If we are to move toward a more just and peaceful future — for Jews, Palestinians, and everyone else — we must be able to talk honestly about power, ideology, and history. That requires clarity, courage, and above all, a refusal to let bad-faith accusations derail necessary conversations.

Saturday, June 7, 2025

A Lobby for Israel: American-Israeli Relations by Edward Tivnan

Edward Tivnan’s The Lobby: Jewish Political Power and American Foreign Policy (1987) offers a critical examination of the pro-Israel lobby in the United States, particularly focusing on the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Tivnan, a former journalist for Time, delves into the historical development, strategies, and political influence of this lobby, presenting a perspective that has sparked significant debate. commentary.org+6publishersweekly.com+6wrmea.org+6


Origins and Evolution of the Israel Lobby

Tivnan traces the roots of the American-Israeli lobby back to the early 20th century, highlighting the efforts of Zionist leaders to garner support for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. He notes that organizations like the American Zionist Council of Public Affairs, established in the 1950s, laid the groundwork for what would become AIPAC. By the 1960s, these efforts culminated in the formation of AIPAC, which Tivnan describes as a powerful entity capable of influencing U.S. foreign policy to align with Israeli intereststhefreelibrary.com


AIPAC’s Political Influence

Central to Tivnan’s thesis is the assertion that AIPAC has become a formidable force in American politics, leveraging financial contributions, grassroots mobilization, and strategic lobbying to shape policy decisions. He provides examples such as the 1981 battle over the sale of AWACS surveillance planes to Saudi Arabia, where AIPAC successfully rallied opposition, influencing congressional votes . Tivnan argues that such actions demonstrate AIPAC’s capacity to sway legislative outcomes, often prioritizing Israeli interests over broader American strategic considerations. washingtonpost.comnybooks.com+4wrmea.org+4publishersweekly.com+4


Ethical and Strategic Concerns

Tivnan raises concerns about the ethical implications of AIPAC’s influence, suggesting that the lobby's unwavering support for Israeli policies may sometimes conflict with American values and interests. He criticizes instances where AIPAC has defended controversial Israeli actions, such as military operations in Lebanon and settlement expansions in the West Bank, without sufficient scrutiny or acknowledgment of the broader geopolitical consequencesnybooks.com+1wrmea.org+1


Internal Dissent and Criticism

The book also highlights internal dissent within the Jewish-American community regarding AIPAC's approach. Tivnan quotes individuals like Arthur Hertzberg, who criticized AIPAC for its narrow focus and lack of engagement with diverse Jewish perspectives. This internal critique underscores the complexity of the relationship between American Jews and Israeli policies, challenging the monolithic portrayal often associated with the pro-Israel lobbynewyorker.comwrmea.org


Reception and Critique

Upon its release, The Lobby garnered attention for its bold assertions and in-depth analysis. However, it also faced criticism for perceived bias and selective presentation of facts. Some reviewers contended that Tivnan's portrayal lacked nuance and failed to adequately consider the broader context of Middle Eastern geopolitics. Additionally, the book's focus on AIPAC's influence raised questions about the role of lobbying in American democracy and the ethical boundaries of political advocacypublishersweekly.com+4washingtonpost.com+4wrmea.org+4


Conclusion

Edward Tivnan’s The Lobby remains a provocative contribution to discussions on American foreign policy and the influence of interest groups. While it offers a critical perspective on the pro-Israel lobby, it also invites readers to reflect on the complexities of political influence, ethical considerations, and the interplay between domestic politics and international relations. The book serves as a starting point for further exploration into the dynamics of lobbying and its impact on shaping national policy.

Monday, June 2, 2025

Against Our Better Judgment: The Hidden History of How the U.S. Was Used to Create Israel by Alison Weir

Against Our Better Judgment: The Hidden History of How the U.S. Was Used to Create Israel by Alison Weir is a meticulously researched examination of the political maneuvering and lobbying efforts that led to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. The book challenges the conventional narrative by highlighting how American political Zionists influenced U.S. foreign policy, often against the advice of seasoned diplomats and military experts.


The Genesis of Zionist Influence in the U.S.

The roots of Zionist influence in the United States trace back to the late 19th century. By 1897, Theodor Herzl had convened the First Zionist World Congress, marking the formalization of political Zionism. In the U.S., figures like Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis and his associate Felix Frankfurter played pivotal roles. Brandeis, in particular, was instrumental in recruiting young lawyers to champion Zionist causes, often through clandestine organizations such as the Parushim, a secret society dedicated to Zionist objectives.


The Balfour Declaration and Its Aftermath

During World War I, Zionist leaders negotiated with the British government, leading to the 1917 Balfour Declaration. This document expressed British support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. In exchange, Zionist leaders promised to mobilize American Jewish support for the Allied cause, thereby securing U.S. involvement in the war.


The U.S. Decision to Support the Creation of Israel

Despite warnings from U.S. officials like Secretary of State Dean Acheson, who cautioned that creating Israel on land already inhabited by Palestinians would "imperil" American and Western interests, President Truman supported the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine . Weir argues that this decision was heavily influenced by a powerful Zionist lobby that utilized its influence to shape American foreign policy, often sidelining the best interests of the United States.


The Displacement of Palestinians

The establishment of Israel led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, who were forced to flee their homes and become refugees. This has created a long-standing humanitarian crisis and a source of ongoing regional conflict.


The Rise of the Israel Lobby

Weir delves into the evolution of the Israel lobby in the United States, highlighting how Zionist groups organized campaigns, established committees, and launched political and public relations offensives to garner support for their cause. These efforts were aimed at key sectors of American society, including Congress, the media, and academic institutions, to shape public opinion and influence policy decisions.


Suppression of Dissenting Voices

The book also examines how dissenting voices within the U.S. government and media were marginalized or silenced. Officials who opposed the creation of Israel on strategic grounds faced career repercussions, and journalists who reported on the Palestinian perspective were often discredited or ostracized. Weir provides examples of how the Zionist lobby effectively suppressed criticism and maintained a narrative favorable to their objectives.


The Legacy of U.S. Support for Israel

Weir argues that the U.S. decision to support the creation of Israel has had far-reaching consequences, including undermining America's credibility as an honest broker in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This has contributed to anti-American sentiment in the region and has made it difficult for the United States to play a neutral role in peace negotiations.


Reception and Impact

Since its publication in 2014, Against Our Better Judgment has sold over 50,000 copies and has been praised by various experts and former U.S. officials. Ambassador Andrew Killgore described the book as "prodigiously documented" and commended Weir for shedding light on the relationship between the United States and Israel . Senator James Abourezk called it "a must for all Americans," emphasizing its importance in understanding U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.


Conclusion

Alison Weir's Against Our Better Judgment offers a critical perspective on the historical events that led to the creation of Israel and the role of U.S. foreign policy in that process. By highlighting the influence of the Zionist lobby and the suppression of dissenting voices, Weir provides a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The book serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to comprehend the historical context of one of the most contentious issues in international relations.