Recognizing Anti-Zionism as an Attack on Jewish Identity

Key Findings:

The author explores how anti-Zionist views under the guise of political stance are inherently antisemitic. 

The IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) defines antisemitism as “a perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” 

This definition has been accepted worldwide. 

A further way to define antisemitism is via Natan Sharansky’s “3D test”. It states that criticism which seeks to dehumanize, delegitimize, and that uses a double standard against the State of Israel is antisemitic as well.

According to both of these definitions, pro-Israel, or Zionist students on college campuses facing harassment, coercion, and exclusion from certain spaces are in fact targets of antisemitism. As Jewish people, the support of their ancestral land is politicized. 

The yearning for Israel, what the author defines as “Zion”, is an integral part of Jewish tradition and history. It is a core tenant of prayers, rituals and the only place in which the Jewish people can be self-determined. Attachment to this land preceded the current socio-political climate and is not a statement of support for policies set forth by the modern-day State of Israel. Therefore, discrimination against Jews on this basis on college campuses is an attack on Jewish identity. 

Legally, there are repercussions for anti-Zionist behaviors, because there are legal repercussions against antisemitism, as there are against any form of racial discrimination. However, a clear definition of antisemitism which includes anti-Zionism has yet to be adopted by federal law. If a definition such as this would be in place legally, it would provide guidelines necessary for universities and educators to address campus harassment of pro-Israel Jewish students.