Anti-Zionism is Anti-Semitism
I note from the Jerusalem Post of Dec. 21 that the Dickinson Student Senate passed a resolution to ban the sale of Sabra Hummus (“Sabra Hummus banned from Dickinson University” (sic)). The author of the resolution is quoted as inviting his Jewish brothers and sisters to support this resolution and fight for justice.
I have also read that the College administration has overturned the resolution, so commenting on that particular action is rendered moot. But the broader issues remain, and so I write to comment briefly.
Would banning Sabra products be an act of justice? Banning Sabra products comes as a recommendation of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Justice in Israel/Palestine is to be pursued in advocating for a two-state solution, a proposition that, by the way, the Palestinians rejected three times in recent years (2000, 2001, and 2008), not in support of BDS.
BDS is openly anti-Zionist, meaning the movement advocates the dismantling of the only Jewish state in the world. Since the Jewish people everywhere are inextricably tied to the Jewish state, an anti-Zionist position is necessarily anti-Semitic. Twenty-six states in this country have passed anti-BDS laws in recognition of the innately anti-Semitic nature of BDS.
Instead of advocating for BDS, supporters of the resolution to ban Sabra products might consider using their passion for justice to support groups that advocate for two states and leave Sabra Hummus alone. Might I suggest considering beginning a Dickinson chapter of J Street? (Jstreet.org), whose positions on peace might be congenial with the supporters of the resolution?
a • Feb 3, 2020 at 9:44 pm
Jewess here, I am not “inextricably tied to Jewish state,” never have been, even when I lived there briefly. Zionism is entitlement. Building illegal settlements. Creating an apartheid state. Violently separating people from their land, because it was “ours” millennia ago. Machismo military state. It’s offensive that you believe you can speak for all of us, keep your disturbing ideologies to yourself.
However, I do believe there are much more pressing and dire matters on Dickinson’s campus, and that this endeavor was frivolous. They should put their energy towards something that directly helps the students.
Kathy Skolnik • Jan 30, 2020 at 7:23 pm
Thank you for voicing this important view. Anti-Zionism is, according to the Anti-Defamation League, connected to Anti-Semitism—either hand in hand with it or enabling it to grow. The BDS movement, in particular, is according to the ADL anti-Semitic at its core. I’ve pasted the pertinent information from the ADL website below. Remember, too, that Jews can still be anti-Semitic.
I believe the anti-Sabra vote came from misplaced compassion for others but was directed towards Israel by the increasing presence of anti-Israel movements on campuses. Perhaps, instead of focusing so narrowly, redirect the boycott effort to countries around the world from whom we import expansively that are committing human rights violations, ie, China?
From ADL:
What is anti-Zionism?
Anti-Zionism is a prejudice against the Jewish movement for self-determination and the right of the Jewish people to a homeland in the State of Israel. It may be motivated by or result in anti-Semitism, or it may create a climate in which anti-Semitism becomes more acceptable.
Anti-Zionism can include threats to destroy the State of Israel (or otherwise eliminate its Jewish character), unfounded and inaccurate characterizations of Israel’s power in the world, and language or actions that hold Israel to a different standard than other countries.
…
s the BDS (boycott, divestment, sanctions) campaign against Israel anti-Semitic?
ADL believes that the founding goals of the BDS movement and many of the strategies used by BDS campaigns are anti-Semitic. While there are people who support BDS but are not anti-Semitic, the campaign is founded on a rejection of Israel’s very existence as a Jewish state. It denies the Jewish people the right to self-determination – a right universally afforded to other groups. In ADL’s view, this differs from legitimate criticism of Israel and is anti-Semitic.
Gary Bayat • Jan 30, 2020 at 4:23 pm
This post is foolish. Palestine is under an open air prison by Israel who does not allow medicine or food going through properly. Let’s not forget settlements tearing apart Palestinian homes. I’m Jewish myself and I’m ashamed of people like this.
Laura • Jan 30, 2020 at 12:09 pm
Nope.
RC • Jan 30, 2020 at 10:55 am
Antizionism is not antisemitism!! When we as Jews allow ourselves to be inextricably associated with the racist colonial Jewish state, we are actually fueling the fire of antisemitism in the world—apartheid states should expect resistance from those they are oppressing. I am Jewish and Israel does not represent me. Free Palestine.
Matt McLaughlin • Jan 30, 2020 at 10:52 am
Asher Ginsberg 1891,
“We tend to believe abroad that Palestine is nowadays almost completely deserted, an uncultivated wilderness, and anyone can come there and buy as much land as his heart desires. But in reality this is not the case. It is difficult to find anywhere in the country Arab land which lies fallow.”
(Palestine in 1891 was %90 nonJews.)