Hey that’s no way to say goodbye – to antisemitism.

JVL Introduction

In this piece, Jonathan Kuttab clearly outlines the importance of separating zionism from Judaism and antisemitism from antizionism.  Antisemitism, he says “is an evil form of racism, bigotry, and discrimination” and he emphasises how crucial it is that we do not make a special case for antisemitism but rather place it solidly within the context of fighting all forms of racism and discrimination, that we all stand in solidarity with others who are oppressed.

Although written from a US perspective, his words could be applied with minimal change to the UK – and, indeed, to the situation in most of Europe and across the world.  Kuttab’s points include – and we would agree – that the heavy criticism of antisemitism on the left is largely unjustified; we can hardly improve on his statement that:

“There may be some vestiges of antisemitism on the Left, and it should be addressed and eliminated, but it is not the same as the toxic and violent antisemitism of the right. In addition, we see how blatant antisemites, from Hungary to the United States, seek to be exonerated for their own racism and antisemitism by showing support for Zionism and for Israel and its policies. Turning a blind eye to those, and giving them a free pass is not the way to fight antisemitism.”  (our emphasis)

LL

This article was originally published by Mondoweiss on Wed 28 Dec 2022. Read the original here.