Zionism does not equal racism - anti-Zionism does

Combating of Anti-Semitism revolved was that the new anti-Semitism, from the new Left, hides under the guise of the more (sadly and unjustifiably) politically correct term "anti-Zionism". Over 60 years after the establishment of the state, we are still defending the right of Israel to even exist. Why? Israel is a fact, not a question.

It was refreshing to hear the anti-Zionist = anti-Semitism equation being made without it being bogged down with caveats meant to protect against accusations of paranoia, over-sensitivity, or manipulative usage of a provocative term. Anti-Zionism is a much more radical idea than recent discourse would have one believe, and it insidiously leads to increased acceptance of anti-Semitic views.

Zionism is the belief that Jews have the right to self-determination in their own sovereign state on some part of their historic homeland. Zionism comprises a belief that Jews are a nation, and as such are entitled to the same self-determination that all other nations are. To oppose Zionism is to refuse to accept its political manifestation, Israel, as a legitimate entity. Anti-Zionism denies the Jewish people what it readily bestows other nations (most emphatically to the Palestinians) - the right to nationhood, self-determination and legitimate coexistence with other members of the family of nations. This is inherently anti-Semitic.

Many argue that anti-Zionism is quite separate from anti-Semitism, but if Israel's de-legitimizers are indeed not anti-Semitic, why are they so opposed to Jews asserting their national rights? The great champion of human rights Martin Luther King bluntly stated that: "When people criticize Zionists, they mean Jews."

In the spirit of "calling it like it is," an issue that the Jewish world must begin to take more seriously is the question of how to deal with Jewish anti-Zionists. Leaving aside the Neturei Karta, widely recognized as a fringe movement, a small but loud minority of self-described "liberal" Jews condemn Israel and reject Zionism without any denunciation from their peers. In fact, they earn praise among the intellectual elite by their systematic demonization of Israel.

The anti-Israel media bias we lose so much sleep over actually has its origins in the pages of Israel's very own news media; at least once a week Ha'aretz runs an article or opinion piece casting doubt on Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. Israeli university professors freely call for the boycott of the very institutions that pay their salaries. Jewish contributors to publications such as The Guardian allow their employers to legitimize their criticism of Israel because the statements are coming from Jews. Only Jews, after all, can advocate the destruction of the Jewish state without being labeled anti-Semites. Thus, anti-Zionist Jews become a convenient tool in anti-Israeli campaigns.

Self-criticism is of course legitimate, necessary and indeed a traditionally Jewish value. Opposition to the policies of the Israeli government or supporting the removal of settlements are not synonymous with anti-Zionism.

Alvin H. Rosenfeld, in his essay, "Progressive Jewish Thought and the New Anti-Semitism", said about these anti-Zionist Jews:

"Their contributions to what's becoming normative discourse are toxic. They're helping to make [anti-Semitic] views about the Jewish state respectable - for example, that it's a Nazi-like state, comparable to South African apartheid; that it engages in ethnic cleansing and genocide. These charges are not true and can have the effect of delegitimizing Israel."

So how should these vehemently anti-Zionist Jews be dealt with? Again, by laying things clearly on the line. We must call them what they are and respond to them the same way we deal with non-Jewish de-legitimizers of Israel - by marginalizing them and exposing them as betrayers of the causes of justice and human rights. These are people who claim to be acting in name of human rights, but do exactly the opposite. They should not be regarded as courageous whistle-blowers. Their approach contradicts their own proclaimed values and is ultimately destructive, not just to Israel and the Jews, but to all those who care about the rights of a collective people.

Many accuse Jews of being too sensitive on the topic of anti-Semitism, even as they unleash unmerited and imbalanced criticism against Israel. We must stand strong in the face of accusations of being paranoid or "crying wolf". We must remain secure in the righteousness of the Zionist cause. Jews are indigenous people to this land, and there should be pride in identification as an Israeli patriot.

It's high time to establish clear definitions - Zionism does not equal racism. Anti-Zionism does.