In its annual report issued in January, the US State Department expressed great concern over what it called the rising trend of anti-Semitism in the world. The report specifically mentioned the increasing frequency and severity of anti-Semitic incidents since the start of the 21st century, particularly in Europe. The report spoke of the “anti-Jewish prejudice that has pervaded Europe and some countries in other parts of the world for centuries”.
The report criticized some governments for not taking necessary measures to stop the tide of anti-Semitism, stating that many nations still do not have hate crime laws that address anti-Semitic and other intolerance-related crimes.
One can easily note that instead of adopting a scientific and realistic approach to explain the anti-Semitism tide, the report chose to attack Arab and European countries and governments as if it was the United States that was targeted by the hatred.
The current American administration rushes to protect Zionism and the State of Israel whenever Israel defies an international law. The protection Israel continues to enjoy has crossed all limits to the extent it has started generating controversy.
Why is the US administration so concerned with protecting Semitism? Before answering the question it must be stated that any attempt to define “Semitism” sparks controversy.
What does anti-Semitism exactly mean? Does it mean being anti-Jewish and anti-Zionist or does it mean opposing the policies of the Israeli government? There is great difference here. Of course, any hatred directed at Judaism as a religion or its followers is unacceptable. Judaism is a divine religion and must be respected and revered. No divine religion should be condemned because of stupid acts committed by some of its followers.
If being anti-Semitic means being anti-Zionism, these indeed is absurd because many Jews, especially the ultra-orthodox and secular Jews reject Zionism as an ideology and oppose the establishment of any state on religious basis. Can these Jewish groups be considered anti-Semitic?
Demanding punishment for every one who rejects an ideology that they don’t believe means we should also punish all those who oppose communism, Marxism, democracy, Nazism or fascism and other extremist thoughts.
If anti-Semitism means opposing the policies of the government of Israel, this is unacceptable. It is unfair that all countries of the world can be subjected to criticism except one — Israel.
In his daring book “East-il Permis de Critiquer Israel” French writer Pascal Boniface says criticizing Israel is a theoretical right that is extremely difficult to practice.
People can direct criticism at the French government, the constitution and even the president and the prime minister as long as they do not commit a crime punishable by law, and yet they would not be accused of being anti-French.
People can criticize any of the 189 countries making up the United Nations and fear nothing but if they dare to criticize Israel they risk being accused of anti-Semitism. Criticizing Israel is a crime that merits severe punishment.
There is also the puzzling question of what Semitism means and who are the Semites. According to the Jewish Encyclopedia, anti-Semitism means all signs of hatred and racism toward the Semites. But who are these Semites? Are they Jews or the Arabs or both?
There is no clear definition for Semitism and anti-Semitism. The ambiguity and vagueness is intended to mean criticism is directed toward both the Jews and the State of Israel. Whoever dares to criticize the government of Israel for its crimes is considered to have criticized Zionism, something that should not happen.
Some have embraced the theory that anti-Semitism is the outcome of a European culture that evolved around the Christian faith and European nationalities more than 1,500 years ago.
This explains why anti-Semitism in the continent would continue to grow. While the Jews in Europe were being persecuted, they led a peaceful life in Arab societies.
The State Department report should have used the term “anti-Jew” instead of anti-Semitism since Jews are not the only Semitic people. Arabs, too, are Semites.
Pascal asked who would dare to criticize Israel. We should ask who would dare to change the phrase “anti-Semitism” to “anti-Jew”?
