Is it anti-Semitism to support the destruction of the one and only Jewish nation-state – home to approximately half of the Jews in the world today? Is it anti-Semitism to say that Jews do not have a right to self-determination – that Jews have no right to exercise sovereignty within any borders in their ancestral homeland, the Land of Israel?
This question lies at the heart of today’s debate over anti-Semitism.
When U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism last week, he answered this question in the affirmative by incorporating the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition of Antisemitism, which includes as a contemporary example of anti-Semitism “[d]enying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.”
Applying Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to Jews, as the Executive Order does, is not new. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in programs and activities that receive federal funding. National origin discrimination has been interpreted for years to include discrimination against those who have shared ancestry or ethnicity. In this way, Title VI protects religious groups such as Jews, Sikhs and Muslims. That part of the Executive Order was not new. What is new is that the Executive Order requires all executive branch agencies and departments charged with enforcing Title VI (not just the U.S. Department of Education) to apply the IHRA Definition of Anti-Semitism when determining whether unlawful conduct has been motivated by discriminatory intent. It is the “adoption” of this definition of anti-Semitism that is causing the ruckus.
There is nothing in either the IHRA Definition or the Executive Order that precludes anyone from criticizing the policies of the government of Israel.
It is important to note that there is nothing in either the IHRA Definition or the Executive Order that precludes anyone from criticizing the policies of the government of Israel. In fact, the IHRA definition explicitly states that “criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic.” So why are some individuals opposed to this definition? Because it makes clear that opposing Israel’s existence as a Jewish homeland is anti-Semitism. Those who oppose Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish nation-state condemn the Executive Order’s adoption of the IHRA definition because it labels their position anti-Semitic. Anti-Semites don’t like to be called anti-Semites.
It is not unlawful in the United States to make racist or anti-Jewish comments. In America, the First Amendment protects your right to express yourself as a bigot. Nothing in the Executive Order changes that fact. But the First Amendment does not insulate and prevent those who make racist or anti-Semitic comments from being labeled as racists and anti-Semites. By incorporating the IHRA definition, the Executive Order delineates what constitutes anti-Semitism so that it can be recognized, labeled and condemned.
Those who believe that the Jews have a right to self-determination in some borders in the Land of Israel do not have to agree with the policies of the Government of Israel. There are Jews in Israel and around the globe who support the right of a Jewish nation-state, but who do not support some or all of the policies of the current government. Criticizing those policies is not anti-Semitic. What is anti-Semitic, according to the IHRA Definition, is claiming that there is no right to a Jewish state within any borders.
Denying the right of Jewish self-determination is tantamount to supporting the destruction of the world’s only Jewish nation-state.
Denying the right of Jewish self-determination is tantamount to supporting the destruction of the world’s only Jewish nation-state. It means supporting the destruction of the safety net for Jews who are persecuted around the globe. And it demands that Jews shed what many consider a key component of their Jewish identity – namely, the yearning and determination of the Jews to return to Zion (Jerusalem) and to re-establish Jewish sovereignty in their ancestral homeland. Those who support self-determination for other groups (like the Palestinians, the Kurds or the Tibetans), but deny the right to Jewish self-determination apply a double standard to the Jews is anti-Semitism.
Zionism – the yearning and desire of Jews to exercise their right to self-determination and to re-establish a Jewish homeland in the Land of Israel – is an inherent part of the Jews’ shared ancestry and ethnicity. Zionism as the political movement of the Jewish people may have originated in the 19th century, but the “determination to return to Zion,” is as old as Abraham and the Bible. To be a Zionist means to support the right of Jewish self-determination. Those who oppose Zionism deny Jews this right. Judea Pearl, father of the late journalist Daniel Pearl, coined a term for this. He calls it “Zionophobia” – an irrational fear or hatred of a homeland for the Jewish people. The IHRA definition recognizes that “Zionophobia” – denying this fundamental core Jewish belief – is anti-Semitism.
Colleges have failed to recognize the problem
Not all Jews are Zionists, just as not all Jews observe the Sabbath or adhere to kosher dietary rules. However, just as it is anti-Semitic to attack, harass or discriminate against Jews on the basis of their Sabbath or kashrut observance, so, too, is it anti-Semitic to attack, harass or marginalize Jews who advocate, express or support the Zionist part of their Jewish identity.
To combat anti-Semitism effectively, we must recognize that it targets all Jews. It doesn’t matter how one identifies – Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrahi, Conservative, Orthodox, Reform, Chassidic, haredi, Chiloni, Zionist or non-Zionist. If a Jew is targeted because he or she expresses a component of his or her identity as a Jew, that is anti-Semitism. By incorporating the IHRA definition, the Executive Order does not define all Jews as Zionists. It merely recognizes that Jews (including students on college campuses) who view Zionism as a key component of their identity as Jews may not be harassed and demonized for expressing or supporting that part of their ethnic and religious identity.
On university campuses, anti-Zionist activity has moved well beyond speech. Today, students who express support for Israel’s existence as the Jewish homeland are boycotted, harassed, demonized, excluded and pushed to the periphery. It makes no difference whether or not these students support the policies of the current government of Israel. If they express support for the Jewish nation-state at all, they are treated by anti-Israel groups as “the enemy,” and are forced to closet their Zionism and often their Judaism in order to be accepted as full members of the college community. Students report being afraid to wear items that distinguish them as Jewish, including kipahs, Stars of David and even T-shirts with Hebrew letters, because such items render them targets for abuse.
University administrators have repeatedly failed to address this problem adequately, primarily because they have not understood when and how anti-Zionism becomes anti-Semitism. Equally importantly, administrators have not appreciated that failure to protect students who express the Zionist part of their Jewish identity from persistent and pervasive harassment and discrimination will subject the universities to legal liability under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Trump’s Executive Order made both of these points abundantly clear. It clarified for universities that, as the IHRA definition provides, the following are some contemporary examples of anti-Semitism:
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Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
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Applying double standards by requiring of [Israel] a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
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Using the symbols and images associated with classic anti-Semitism … to characterize Israel or Israelis.
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Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
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Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the State of Israel.
Recognizing these as examples of anti-Semitism does not make expression of these views unlawful. Trump’s Executive Order does not bar students or professors from expressing these perspectives, and it certainly does not prevent students or professors from engaging in constructive, challenging dialogue regarding the policies of the current government of Israel.
However, the Executive Order puts universities on notice that they must treat this type of anti-Semitism the same way they treat racism or other forms of discrimination. Universities must call out and condemn as anti-Semitic the persistent and pervasive demonization of Zionists, just as they would call out and condemn persistent and pervasive anti-black, anti-Hispanic or anti-Muslim rhetoric. When anti-Semitic rhetoric is ignored, it escalates into anti-Semitic conduct. Universities, therefore, must act to prevent the creation of a hostile environment on campus. Failure to protect students will, according to Trump’s Executive Order, result in legal liability and could cause the U.S. Department of Education to withhold federal funding from the offending institution of higher learning.
As anti-Semitism around the globe continues to rise, it is imperative that society define it. If we cannot define it, we will never be able to recognize and effectively combat it. Trump’s measure took a bold and necessary first step by prescribing a domestic definition for U.S. federal agencies. Now we must utilize this definition to combat anti-Semitism in all its forms and from all sides of the spectrum – in academia, in politics, in the media, in places of worship, online and in our own communities.
(9) felice, December 27, 2019 6:47 AM
Like Balaam, A bad guy who decreed a good thing
Don't trust in man for protection, particularly not this one. Jews who love Israel are loyal voters, like the "fine people", as Trump describes therm, who are members of the KKK.
Raymond, December 28, 2019 2:16 PM
No Difference
In other words, no matter how pro-Israel and pro-Jews that President Trump is, it is never good enough. Sure makes sense to me.
Anonymous, December 29, 2019 5:58 AM
Correct
The hero worship on the right toward Trump is troubling. I agree with Biden about Trump stirring the antisemitism pot. As long as it remains clear the harm his divisiveness adds to the hatred, you are correct; it will make no difference.
Raymond, December 29, 2019 4:06 PM
Making Sense
So let me get this straight. President Donald J Trump is stirring the antisemitic pot by being such a fantastic friend to our Jewish people, and that anybody who appreciates what a good friend he is to our Jewish people, that we are somehow worshiping him. Is that supposed to make any sense?
(8) Rachel, December 25, 2019 3:34 AM
What does this column have to do with the election?
For everyone arguing about the candidates, I don’t understand why everything has to be about the election. President Trump made the right call on this. I disagree with many of his policies, but I give credit where it’s due. I will vote for whomever I think will do the best for Americans, including Jews and others. I don’t understand why that provokes immediate outrage. It is equally horrific when Hispanics are murdered for their ethnicity (as occurred in El Paso over the summer) as when people are murdered because they are inside a kosher market. I am disturbed that these days it cannot be assumed that everyone agrees on this basic understanding that murder is always wrong and indefensible.
Yoni, December 25, 2019 4:37 AM
Everyone Agrees Murder is Always Wrong
No need to be disturbed, I’m sure everyone agrees that murder is always wrong and indefensible. This article was about President Trump showing leadership and taking a strong stance against anti semitisim which lead some to state that it’s a good idea to keep him in office. As is usually the case, when some see praise of the president, it bothers them and they feel a need to respond. It’s actually an interesting study in how the larger world sees things in politics today. It seems that one is either with Trump or against him.
I truly don’t see in anyone’s comments any condoning of murder G-d forbid. In my opinion, it’s wrong to insinuate that anyone meant that.
(7) Anonymous, December 23, 2019 3:33 PM
The hidden danger
There is a big problem when Jews look to man for protection. But that is not the only issue in this "celebrated" executive order. The wording suggests that Judaism or those who practice it are part of same race. This is far from the truth. There are many shades and hues within the Jewish faith. In America, most Jews are from Eastern Europe but we all know that there are Jews from many other parts of the world. The first thing Nazi's did was to classify the Jew as a race of people. What comes next is an emblem of marker. So though many are celebrating this new "protection" from Trump. One should be very cautions in giving honor and glory to any man when it comes to protecting the Children of Israel. There were even kippas with Trump's name on it. A kippa is a symbol of a person being under the Most High God. newsflash: Trump does not fit this bill.
Yoni, December 23, 2019 4:32 PM
Agreed 100%
I agree 100% that the protection for the Children of Israel doesn’t come from any human, rather from Hashem. We are however required to show our gratitude to someone who acts with kindness to us. That’s called Hakoras Hatov. And I am of the belief that President Trump, despite his many personal flaws, deserves the gratitude of the Jewish community.
Anonymous, December 28, 2019 2:21 PM
Celebrated Protection
To those suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome, it literally makes no difference whatsoever that he is the best friend that we Jews have had in the White House since Abraham Lincoln. President Trump can literally find a way to bring back from the dead the six million Jews murdered by the nazis, and still his detractors would call him a racist.
(6) Anonymous, December 23, 2019 2:12 PM
A bit of a tangent
Re: Trump vs. Biden on their views of Israel. I am not going to address that issue. Instead, I urge everyone to read about ANOTHER Democratic candidate for president. Amy Klobuchur has stood in fierce opposition of BDS policies. Unfortunately this fact is not well known. If you do some research on her, you will find that she does not fall in lock step with others. This is someone who indeed has a mind of her own and can be counted on to do the right thing. Re: Anti Semitism on college campuses and Trump's actions. (Okay, so I am talking about Trump). I am not a fan of his and did not vote for him. However, I give him credit for stepping up to the plate and doing the right thing here.
Anonymous, December 23, 2019 9:03 PM
Nope, Trump is way better for Israel!!!
Klobuchur’s record speaks for itself:
She wants to re-enter Iran deal, she denounced statement that settlements are legal, she opposed Golan Heights recognition,
& she opposes annexing parts of the West Bank. Jews who don’t vote for Trump are on the wrong side of history.
Anonymous, December 26, 2019 11:13 PM
Re: Klobuchur's record speaks for itself
I'm not trying to be argumentative here, but I would love to know where you got this information. The information that I got stated she is 100% anti BDS. How can there be such a contradiction? Btw--I am not a Trump supporter but I do agree with this action that he took.
(5) Yoni, December 23, 2019 4:34 AM
Trump Derangement Syndrome
What’s truly surprising is the number of Jews that publicly opposed this executive order. The Jewish Democratic Council and J-Street issued statements against it. The only reason I can think of why a Jew would oppose this is because unfortunately, their hatred for Donald Trump is stronger than their care for their fellow Jews which is truly sad.
Anonymous, December 23, 2019 8:07 AM
That isn't it, Yoni.
They are not acting from some blind hatred that obscures their perception when it comes to their care for their fellow Jews. Kenneth Stern drafted the definition of antisemitism at the center of this controversy. He has spoken before Congress, he is the director of the Bard Center on Hatred, and he told those groups the definition was never ever intended to be used on college campuses. He and they are afraid it will harm Israel and Jews, and that is why they are against it. I am not saying they don't strongly dislike Trump as the President, hate is a strong word, but many feel he has contributed to the rise of antisemitism in the U.S., despite all he has done for Israel. They don't agree with your position, that he is the best President for Jews, but it is not because they do not care, about their fellow Jews; the opposite. Their viewpoint stems from their deep caring.
I agree and support Trump in this executive order because I have seen that what is happening goes far beyond speech. So, this is no longer a free speech issue, which I cherish, as an American. It is about preventing hate speech and hateful acts, neither protected by the U.S. constitution. Nor, is there a place for them, anywhere.
Yoni, December 23, 2019 1:06 PM
If the exact same executive order would have been signed by President Obama, would have the same Jews opposed it? I think not.
(4) alec becker, December 23, 2019 12:22 AM
Whether you like Donald Trump or not he is doing more to help fight antisemitism than any other President ever. Being a Jew for almost 90 years I find the antisemitism in the Colleges, Universities, some schools and other organizations despicable.
Bless President Trump for his courage and actions.
A pox on all antisemitism. Or on hatred of any kind that is unwarranted.
(3) M McLaughlin, December 22, 2019 7:52 PM
&
Most Zionists on campus are Protestant not Jewish 30 to 1.
Anonymous, December 28, 2019 2:24 PM
Ignorant of Their Heritage
That is because the vast majority of American Jews know little or nothing about their own Jewish heritage. Such ignorance explains better than anything else, why the vast majority of American Jews continue to oppose such a good friend to us Jews as President Trump so clearly is.
(2) Rick A., December 22, 2019 2:23 PM
Rethink your guilt
American Jews should re-think their collective animosity for Donald Trump in the clear light of what he is doing for us. He has given new strength to our ability to push back against BDS and other discriminatory horrors now ubiquitous on college campuses across this country. Get over your antipathy. That's what's perilous....not the President!
Anonymous, December 22, 2019 4:04 PM
Thank you!
Could my fellow American Jews find it within themselves to finally say "thank you" to the most pro-Jewish president since John Adams? He cancelled the Iran deal (under which the previous president donated $150 billion to Iran to wipe Israel off the map); he recognized Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem and the Golan Heights; he moved the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem; he legitimized Jews living in Judea and Samaria; and he gave Jewish students a powerful tool to fight against anti-Semitism. For once, can't we just say "Thank you"?
Rachel, December 22, 2019 11:07 PM
Not ubiquitous
My son is in college. He takes courses for his major. International politics never comes up. For thousands of students, it is a non-issue. There’s no reason the typical university student needs to engage on these issues. One will not be a better nurse, marketer, engineer, actor or teacher by marching or organizing boycotts of Israel
I would urge all prospective college students to investigate whether they will be learning their subject and preparing for their careers. Just as it’s a waste of time and money to go to a “party school”, it’s likewise a waste to go to one where no one is in class because it’s more stirring to engage in politics instead of writing good essays or completing labwork.
Dvirah, December 23, 2019 4:48 PM
Are We Our Professions?
Perhaps one is not a better nurse, marketer, engineer, actor or teacher by fighting anti-semitism, but one is a better human being for doing so.
Rachel, December 25, 2019 3:12 AM
You missed my point
My complaint is with the students who organize against Israel (which I believe is clear from my post). And I would not give my business to any professional who is more interested in geopolitics than than in teaching my children, caring for patients, or designing a car.
I am aware that hotbeds of political activity exist on campus. If they really cared they would be doing boring things like voting and writing to their legislators, but that’s not as much fun as declaring one’s solidarity, marching, and being “woke”. We are not our jobs, but we owe it to ourselves to get the best education possible, for ourselves and for those who will be counting on us.
I was unaware of amchaiinitiative. I would hope that more students would take advantage of the tremendous fortune they have to be enrolled in college and spend time and money wisely to get an education.
Dvirah, December 26, 2019 12:42 PM
Not Good Enough
Can one concentrate only on one's education if one is in danger of being attacked just walking from dorm to classroom? It seems to be coming to that. Haters rarely distinguish between active and passive individuals who share the particular hate-value they target. If there is active antisemitism in the school one is attending, it is foolish to ignore it.
Rachel, December 29, 2019 7:40 PM
Why are any students involved in this
Again: Why are ANY students more interested in attacking Jews (or others), Israel (or other countries), etc than in getting an education? I am not talking about responding when one is attacked, I am talking about all of the nonsense from the fringes. Were I in a position to hire someone, I want an employee who knows how to do their work. If recent grads, I want to see good grades. I don’t understand why you see my comments as attacking the attacked. Why are so few people telling students that they should be focusing on learning? Newsflash, students: marching around campus chanting does not effect change in the real world.
Regina, December 24, 2019 3:45 AM
What's your point?
And I strongly recommend that parents and prospective college students go to amchainitiative.org and see what kind of anti-jewish activity is taking place on the campuses of the colleges that you are considering.
Rachel, while it might not be 'ubiquitous' there is a tremendous amount of jew hatred being demonstrated in words and deeds on many college campuses. If your son has not been victimized, CONSIDER YOURSELF VERY FORTUNATE. Pro-Israel students and faculty alike are finding themselves harassed all-too-often.
GD Bless President Trump.
GD Bless America.
Am Yisroel Chai!
Anonymous, December 22, 2019 11:39 PM
Political choice is individual - Judaism is Torah and HaShem.
https://m.jpost.com/Diaspora/Joe-Biden-accuses-Trump-of-fanning-the-flames-of-anti-Semitism-611480
Joe Biden 3 days ago accused President Trump of fanning the flames of anti-semitism. It is at its highest rate since the Shoah and the massacres at Pittsburgh, Poway and New Jersey are evidence of the pure hatred of Jews practicing and living their Faith, that exists. The increases in swastiksa and assaults and vandalism, is at its worst across the country. Biden is against any conditioning of aid to Israel. He is a Pro Israel candidate and does not have an ounce of anti-semitic belief or word to his name. Political affiliation is individual choice and Judaism is about Torah and HaShem. Separate. The article is about the controversy concerning the definition of anti-semitism and the author did a fabulous job explaining.
All that said, I tremendously applaud Trump's action in this executive order. The controversy over the definition of anti-semitism remains, but the hostile environments need to end; free speech does mean hateful speech or action.
Anonymous, December 23, 2019 2:25 AM
Biden is not nearly as pro-Israel as Trump
Please fellow Jews, vote for Trump. Need more convincing? Here’s Biden’s totally unimpressive record on Israel: He denounced the statement that settlements are legal, he opposed the US embassy move to Jerusalem, he opposes the Golan Heights Recognition, he wants to restore USAID to the PA, he opposes annexing parts of the West Bank, he condemns “Israeli occupation”, and he has not addressed even one BDS law. And guess what, he’s better than the other dems for Israel. Show some appreciation and Please, vote Trump!
Yoni, December 23, 2019 4:42 AM
With friends like Biden, who needs enemies
Joe Biden publicly denounced Israel because they we’re building in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Ramat Shlomo. To anyone familiar with the area, that’s beyond ludicrous. Joe Biden joined with his party in publicly snubbing Israel’s prime minister for daring to address congress in defense of his people in opposition to the disastrous Iran deal. Enough said.
Anonymous, December 28, 2019 2:30 PM
Joe Biden and the Jews
Some years ago, Joe Biden slammed his fist on his desk, exclaiming that "Jews must give up their dream of a greater Israel," meaning that we should hand over the Biblical heartland (the so-called West Bank) to our sworn terrorist enemies. And when the late, great Menachem Begin made his famous comment about how Israel is not America's vassal state and therefore does not deserve to be pushed around, he was saying it to Joe Biden.
(1) Anonymous, December 22, 2019 11:03 AM
Excellent !
A much needed article; very well articulated, complete and clear. Thank you !!