Unmasking Antisemitism Today

In the heart of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” has emerged as a rallying cry, igniting fervent discussions on its implications and the far-reaching impact it holds for various communities.

Frequently employed at protests and on social media, this slogan encompasses the expansive territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, encapsulating the West Bank, Gaza, and the state of Israel. Often followed by the clause “Palestine will be free,” interpretations of its meaning vary widely. While some see it as a symbol of support for Gaza and Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, others interpret it as a direct threat to the existence of the State of Israel.

It is important to emphasize that advocating for the rights and self-determination of Palestinians is not inherently antisemitic. The desire for Palestinians to have their own state is a valid and widely supported cause. However, the issue arises when the phrase is employed as a rallying cry that goes beyond the call for a Palestinian state and instead suggests the elimination of the Jewish state.

The association of this slogan with anti-Israel campaigns and its adoption by supporters of terrorist organizations like Hamas and the PFLP raises valid concerns. These groups openly seek the destruction of Israel through violent means, and the slogan itself implies the establishment of a Palestinian state that encompasses the territory of the State of Israel. This would, in essence, lead to the dismantling of the Jewish state, denying Jews their right to self-determination and potentially resulting in the removal of Jews from their ancestral homeland.

Critics, including certain Jewish organizations, argue that the phrase constitutes antisemitic speech, contributing to the alarming rise in antisemitic attacks in the United States and Europe. Pro-Palestinian activists, on the other hand, perceive the controversy as an attempt to stifle dissent over Israel’s recent assault on Hamas in Gaza, a response to a prior attack on Israeli communities.

For many Jews, the phrase is more than a call for the end of the state of Israel; at its worst, it signifies a call for the annihilation of Jewish people living between the river and the sea. The recent attack by Hamas on October 7 has intensified negative interpretations of the phrase, invoking memories of genocide and displacement instilled in Jewish communities by Nazi Germany’s eradication of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust.

University presidents, recognizing the gravity of the situation, have issued warnings about antisemitic incidents on campuses. They stress the specific historical meanings attached to phrases like “From the river to the sea,” which, for many, imply the eradication of Jews from Israel and evoke profound pain and existential fears.

This slogan has not only become a rallying cry for pro-Palestinian activists but has also been adopted by terrorist groups and their sympathizers, including the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Hamas. The latter, responsible for the October 7 terror attack on Israeli civilians, resulted in the single deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

The link between the phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” and the Holocaust adds a deeply troubling layer to the ongoing debate. For Jewish communities, particularly those who have witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust, the imagery evoked by the slogan taps into a wellspring of historical trauma. The Holocaust, with its systematic genocide of six million Jews by Nazi Germany, instilled a profound fear of persecution and annihilation within the collective consciousness of Jewish people.

The phrase, when associated with calls for the annihilation of the State of Israel, resonates with the painful memories of forced displacement, violence, and genocide experienced by Jewish communities during World War II. The Holocaust remains an indelible scar in the psyche of Jewish individuals, and the fear of history repeating itself is deeply embedded in their collective consciousness. The trauma endured by Holocaust survivors has been passed down through generations, creating what psychologists term “intergenerational trauma.”

In this context, the usage of a slogan that seemingly calls for the dismantling of the State of Israel triggers not only historical trauma but also intergenerational trauma among Jewish communities. The fear of annihilation, displacement, and existential threats is not just a theoretical concern but a lived reality deeply ingrained in the collective memory of Jewish families.

As discussions unfold, it is imperative to approach the topic with sensitivity and awareness of the profound impact of historical events on present-day perspectives. Striking a balance between advocating for Palestinian rights and acknowledging the fears and concerns of the Jewish community is crucial for fostering a more nuanced and empathetic dialogue. Only through understanding and respect for the complex historical context can meaningful conversations lead to reconciliation and lasting peace in the region.