Too many discussions lately involve the word anti-Semitic. Who are our real enemies? Can we win the war on ending Jewish hate if we abuse a term?

When I researched the definition of anti-Semitism, the overall meaning of the words used to describe it were hostility, prejudice and a negative perception of the Jewish people.

Perhaps part of the problem of solving the Jewish discrimination and hate problem is that depending on how a person interprets a definition they read, they react.

A great example is a person I know on Facebook. She calls everyone who disagrees with her an anti-Semite, including me. I have been called many things in my life, but being attacked as an anti-Semite is ridiculous.  I think anyone who researches me would agree.

This person, an Orthodox Jew, someone who has a following of other people with “loose lips” and a social media preoccupation, shares her posts. Suddenly, total strangers are exchanging misinformation.

This train is “gossip” is detrimental to fighting real anti-Semitism.

Zionism and anti-Semitism

Zionism is a movement of world Jewry that arose late in the 19th century with the aim of creating a Jewish state in the Middle East. Zionists are people of all faiths.

People or movements that call out for the elimination of Israel are anti-Zionists and therefore anti-Semitic.

The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions is a Palestinian-led movement promoting boycotts, divestments, and economic sanctions against Israel. It is anti-Zionist. Anyone that supports this movement is an anti-Semite.

Is a Two State Solution anti-Semitic?

The two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict envisions an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, west of the Jordan River.

In today’s world it seems unlikely that a two state solution would solve international relations and peace. People should spend time researching land given up by Israel by government leaders in the past seventy years, the possibility of peace in exchange for land seems impossible.

Those promoting a Palestinian state without knowledge of factual history and promoting violence and death to Jews is definitely anti-Semitism.

Warning Signs 

• Inconsistent remarks about Jews and Israel. Thanks to social media, it’s easier than ever to find out who discusses Israel and Jews often and what they say.
• Participating in rallies, protests and boycotts against Jews and Israel
• How do elected officials VOTE on Jewish issues? Forget what they say on social media. Forget where they stand at a press conference or what a paid media contact shares in a press release. Actions speak louder than words.
• If someone says something that seems anti-Semitic, how do they follow it up? People are often confused by misinformation they are taught. Once a public controversy arises, do they apologize and attempt to really change?
• How often does a person find themselves in the center of scrutiny for saying something that incites Jewish hatred? Do they stand in pictures and on stages multiple times with well known people who are known to hate Jews?

Are There Jewish anti-Semites? 

The answer is yes. Just like in other situations, people react in many ways to believing in religion. Jews are being by birth or by a religious conversion. Those who convert by choice tend to like the culture and laws of Judaism. Too many by birth choose to deny their birthright by reacting in a negative way.

One of the most famous Jewish anti-Semites was Edith Stein. Born into an Orthodox Jewish family, Stein renounced her faith in 1904 and became an atheist. She became a Roman Catholic scholar. She was murdered as a Jew in the Holocaust and declared a saint by the Roman Catholic Church in 1998.

Bernie Sanders was born Jewish and even lived on a kibbutz in Israel. However, during his tenure as a politician, his words and actions incite controversy and hate towards Jewish Israel and worldwide Jewry with his support of the BDS movement, his partnerships with “The Squad” and his activism for the radical Palestinians who teach children to arm themselves and murder Jews.

Ending anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism ends when Jews and non-Jews universally call for the end of all violence against Jews. Governments should endorse tough penalties and punishments for the destruction of Jewish religious institutions, kosher food establishments and public places.

Education is key to ending prejudices against Jews. Jews don’t own Wall Street, Hollywood or the media. We are fortunate to live in a world where everyone has opportunities and leaders from all backgrounds emerge with money, power and voices.

People like Kanye West, Mel Gibson and even the Hadid sisters are surrounded by Jews. We aren’t going away. It’s time to have some serious talks and take some trips around the world and visit Jewish communities.