➪ Who Can Define Antisemitism? A thread:
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I’ve seen something lately that’s very disturbing. Non-Jews are silent when actual antisemitism occurs, but suddenly become extremely vocal to say what is NOT antisemitism—especially when it involves Israel, & even if the incident has been condemned by the Jewish community.
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When a Jew is attacked? Silence. When we are slandered by public figures? Silence. When politicians use us for political volleyball? Silence. When antisemitic tropes are sneered at publicly? Silence. When burning crosses are displayed outside of Auschwitz? Silence.
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But when Israel is mentioned, the silence stops. When Israel is mentioned, suddenly everybody knows what ISN’T antisemitism. When 95% of Jewish people must fight for inclusion because of our ties to Israel and self-determination, suddenly people decide to care about Jews.
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Jewish people don’t say that criticism of Israel is antisemitic. It is fair, like it would be for any other country in the world.

What we DO say is that discrimination bc of unequal scrutiny of Israel—the only Jewish state—is based on antisemitism. THAT is antisemitic.

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It plays into antisemitic tropes that trace back further than “The Elders of Zion”. When you accuse Israel of Jewish Supremacy, bribery, or disproportionate control, you use the same rhetoric Nazis used against Jews 70 years ago. When we say it is antisemitic, listen to us.
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The unfortunate fact is this: if you only enter the conversation to say that criticism of Israel is not antisemitism, you are inherently being antisemitic. It may not be your intention, but it is the reality.

With this knowledge, however, you must grow as an ally.

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The same is true for all minorities: if you silent when we are attacked and loud when we are accused, you cannot call yourself an ally. Or a good activist. If you took the time and care to actually listen to us, you may understand. Our history is being torn by ignorance.

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