Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism redefined

It would be futile to attempt to analyze the entire debate about whether or not anti-Zionism is antisemitism. The point is that the entire debate is flawed, and if American Jewry–the vast majority of which is Zionist but utterly dismayed by the character of Israeli politics at this moment–it would be best to redefine and refocus the debate.

Let’s face it. There are anti-Zionists who are antisemitic. Anyone who would think, for instance, that the Jews are Christ-killing vermin who should not even exist let alone have a state of their own is an antisemitic anti-Zionist. On the other hand, if someone feels that the UN had no right to partition British-mandate Palestine into two states, one for Jews and one for Arabs, without significant input from the indigenous Arab population, while I may disagree with that sentiment, it is anti-Zionist without being antisemitic.

Now, what if someone believes that the advent of the State of Israel marks the beginning of the second coming of Christ, preceded by the tribulations which would involve a cataclysmic war, during which the the faithful followers of Jesus would experience the “rapture,” translated to heaven during the war, only to return to earth under the kingdom of Christ ruling from Jerusalem in which the only Jews that survive would be those who chose to follow Jesus, would you call that person a Zionist? Is that person antisemitic? After all, the denouement of this vision would see the end of the State of Israel and the end of the Jewish people, at least as an overwhelming majority of Jews would define being Jewish. I would, therefore, suggest that at least this particular model of Christian Zionism is an oxymoron.

Now, what if someone is a committed Jew, discounting for the moment his/her level of observance, but feels either that the return of the Jews to the Land of Israel can only occur with the coming of the Messiah, or that Jews should accept diaspora and struggle instead to establish human rights everywhere, that person would obviously be considered anti-Zionist, but is he/she antisemitic? Are certain Hasidic sects that renounce Zionism antisemitic?

Consider, now, the individual, Jewish or otherwise, who has no particular connection to Israel or Zionism, but has understood that in a post-Holocaust world, the Jews need a state of their own, and that it seems only natural that the state should be in the ancestral Jewish homeland. However, this person is utterly appalled by what is happening in Israel–the devastating war in Gaza, the ultra-ethno nationalism and the undermining of democracy that is occurring–and has decided to join the BDS movement. Is that person anti-Zionist? Antisemitic? Anti-Israel? I would suggest none of the above. That person is simply anti-Bibi et. al.

Consider, now, a person like me: a knowledgeable Jew, moderately observant, ardently Zionist, but utterly appalled by what is happening in Israel–the devastating war in Gaza, the ultra-ethno nationalism and the undermining of democracy that is occurring. While I am not yet prepared to join BDS, I am totally committed to supporting and working with all institutions and organizations that are committed to reconstituting the original Zionist vision as articulated in Israel’s Declaration of Independence: an Israel that is determined to defend itself, but also determined to act in whatever way possible to establish peaceful relations with its neighbors; to “ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; a state “based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel.”

I would further insist that it is high time for the vast majority of American Jews–I would suggest the “silent majority”–who share this vision to step forth and advance it and to support and work with all institutions and organizations that are committed to reconstituting the original Zionist vision. I am convinced that a State of Israel that is a vibrant, flourishing democracy at peace with all of its neighbors is the most powerful antidote to both anti-Zionism and antisemitism.