Letter

In response to Antisemitism is rising and we’re not being honest about why

Addressing antisemitism

I’m perturbed that Meg Schwartz refers to Gaza being “not the only factor”, “one of several factors” and “not the only cause” in the rise of antisemitism.

Yes, latent antisemitism is real, as is ignorance. Education must help but in different ways. History needs to be addressed more broadly but in the current context the more important factors are the difference between a government and its people, the situation of Jewish people not resident in Israel, the faith system that is Judaism, the ideology of Zionism.

Regrettably, the phrases I have quoted serve to minimise the role of Gaza, and Palestine more generally. Ignorance would have remained unnoticed and latent antisemitism inactive if the genocide in Gaza wasn’t happening.

Gaza IS the reason for the rise in antisemitism but so much that is called antisemitism is actually antizionism and legitimate criticism of the Government of Israel. We need to be honest about that.

— Margaret Callinan from Hawthorn VIC 3122