Criticism of Israel is not Antisemitic

December 1, 2023

Critics rightly argue the Israeli government should be held accountable for its policies, decisions and for the illegal occupation of Palestinian lands. But let us not confuse opposing policies of the Israeli government, or advocating for the rights of Palestinians, with antisemitism.

Jews are not a race, this categorisation is wrong and dangerous. According to SBS Cultural Atlas, Israels population reports the following religious affiliations Jewish (74.3%), Muslim (17.8%), Christian (1.9%), Druze (1.6%) other religions (4.4%).

To speak of antisemitism in relation to the genocide of Palestinian peoples, is incorrect. To speak out against Israel is an anti-Israeli stance, not antisemitic. Not all Israelis are Jews. Positions have hardened, emotions run high especially when the term antisemitism is used to gather support and sympathy for Israeli actions. Let us be clear few accusations are more loaded than that of antisemitism.

As the current genocide of the Palestinian peoples continues we urge the Jewish people of Israeli to remember their own recent genocidal history and demand an immediate ceasefire.