A great article on the GOP’s Phoney War on antisemitism, and its enlistment in a very real and wider campaign against democracy.
— ‘Foer and Bash are right that American democracy is imperiled. But as the draconian crackdown on non-violent student protests makes clear, accusations of antisemitism are not themselves evidence of liberal decline, but rather the tip of the spear in a frightening illiberal project serving the agenda of an emboldened, autocratic right wing.’
Antisemitism shouldn’t be tolerated and, as well being wrong and hypocritical, it’s counterproductive.
It’s made harder though by the political abuse of the term itself.
Everyone would, ideally, debate (or not) reasonably and without taking offence – a lot to ask from students – but that itself may be reported as antisemitism.
It’s understandable why people would want to avoid that. 🤷🏻♂️
— ‘some of what they describe is social ostracism and being made to feel unwelcome’
@jmeosbn It’s bullshit to equate every scintilla of criticism of Israel as ‘antisemitic’. To the extent that Israel is criticised more than other countries with similar human rights records, it is more to do with pro than anti. As many Jews and indeed many Israelis feel, we expect better of civilised people. And, rightly or wrongly, the morality of the Gaza conflict feels clearer than with other current conflicts.
Yes, it’s also way more visible. I don’t “read” social media, so I’ve avoided much of the graphic horror, but it’s objectively clear that Israel has committed atrocities.
It’s just as clear that its extremist govt doesn’t give a single fuck. Not for civilians (“terrorists”), not for allies, not for hostages.
The US / UK are also more responsible for this situation, so we are more outraged when our own craven and hypocritical govts are pained to even acknowledge reality.
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