Criticizing Israel is not antisemitism
The discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has always been emotionally charged, but more recently and because of the events on Oct. 7 and Israel’s disproportionate reaction that followed it, the discourse has become more polarized, reflecting the deepseated tensions and complexities of the situation.
Recent op-eds, politicians’ statements and police declarations have painted a concerning picture for the Palestinian and Muslim communities in Canada, suggesting that the rise in anti-Israel sentiments and the opposition to its violent and destructive campaign against the innocent civilian population in Palestine is a clear manifestation of antisemitism.
While it’s crucial to address genuine concerns about antisemitism, it’s equally important to uphold the democratic rights of Palestinians, Muslims and their Canadian allies to express opposition to Israeli policies without having to face being unjustly labelled as antisemitic. Mind you, many Jews have joined the ranks of those who expressed dismay at the aggressive Israeli slaughter of children and women.
First and foremost, it’s essential to acknowledge that peaceful protest and demonstrations are fundamental principles and practices of democratic societies. The right to assemble and express grievances is enshrined in Charters of Rights and basic democratic principles, allowing individuals to voice dissent against injustice and the right to advocate for change. Therefore, attempts to stifle legitimate criticism of Israeli policies under the guise of combating antisemitism risk undermining the very foundation of democratic values. Perhaps quite upsetting is the portrayal of events such as Al-Quds Day as platforms for unabashed Jew-hatred overlooks the diverse motivations and perspectives of the majority of participants.
It is crucial to distinguish between genuine criticism of Israeli government actions and antisemitic sentiments and behaviour. Conflating the two, not only silences legitimate voices, it also perpetuates a false narrative that undermines efforts to address the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and antisemitism.
Moreover, the focus on specific slogans or affiliations fails to capture the realities of the conflict, the motivations of protesters and represents an attempt to obscure the genocidal intent of the Israeli regime.
Chants calling for the liberation of Palestine or expressing solidarity with Palestinians seeking freedom and liberty do not equate to calls for violence or the destruction of Israel. Rather, they reflect the deeply held aspirations of a population subjected to decades of occupation, displacement, de-development and systemic oppression.
Until now, most of the arrests and the disturbances since the beginning of the conflict came from the pro-Israeli side. Instances of violence or unrest must be condemned unequivocally, regardless of the perpetrators’ affiliations.
However, framing the issue as a one-sided phenomenon risks obscuring the systemic injustices faced by Palestinians and perpetuates a narrative of victimhood that disregards their lived experiences.
Above all, using the antisemitism card for the sole purpose of silencing legitimate and peaceful criticism or suppressing the democratic rights of Palestinians, Muslims, and their allies, is an acceptable and unjust proposal. Upholding democratic principles requires fostering open dialogue, respecting diverse perspectives and acknowledging the historical injustices and the ongoing crimes against innocent Palestinians.