Antisemitism claims used against Palestinian lives

False claims of antisemitism are being weaponized worldwide to silence Palestinian lived experiences.

Film screenings hosted in communities and on college campuses have been particularly targeted by this tactic to shut down any media giving voice to Palestinians or to Jewish community members critical of the Israeli government.

The Hawaiʻi Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, representing a diverse group of Jews across our islands, is a co-sponsor of a film series hosted by Seed of Love Hawaiʻi, that has come under attack in a recent letter.

As Jews, we unequivocally reject any attempts to label this series as misinformation or libel. The hui behind this film series- Seed of Love Hawaiʻi, JVP Hawaiʻi, Veterans for Peace Hawaiʻi, the Kahn Family Foundation, and more know that fighting against antisemitism and for Palestinian freedom are inextricably linked and we are deeply committed to both.

Misrepresenting what antisemitism is harms all of our work for justice and endangers our communities.

The strategic backlash represented in the letter is meant to censor Palestinian and anti-zionist Jewish voices and is an immense threat to free speech and the free flow of information.

An example of false claims of antisemitism having no bounds is in Israel calling the International Court of Justice antisemitic simply for ruling that Israel must take measures to prevent genocidal acts against Palestinians.

We are entering a world where any attempt to uphold the human rights of

Palestinians or shed light on their experiences is being accused of being antisemitic.

Julie Warech, Rebecca Maria Goldschmidt, Gregory Kahn, Jayson Mizula, Imani Altemus-Williams Kaunakakai