Tell John Kerry: Criticizing Israel is not anti-Semitic

Details: Published on Friday, 15 May 2015 10:30; Written by editor

Action Alert

Criticism of Israel ≠ Anti-Semitism

Tell John Kerry to revise the State Department's
definition of anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism is real - that’s not up for debate. Wherever anti-Semitism exists, we need to stamp it out.

But criticizing Israel isn’t anti-Semitic.

Unfortunately, the State Department doesn’t see it that way. Their definition of anti-Semitism includes “demonizing,” “delegitimizing,” or creating a “double-standard” for Israel. These definitions are intentionally vague, and are already being used by colleges and others to silence those of us -- Jews and non-Jews -- who speak out against Israel’s human rights abuses.

Hundreds of academics from across the U.S. have written an open letter to the State Department because they are deeply worried about the effect of this definition on academic freedom.

Add your name. Tell the Secretary of State John Kerry to change the State Department’s definition of anti-Semitism.

Here’s the thing, Mic. Labeling legitimate criticism of Israeli aggression as anti-Semitism does not just stifle debate. It trivializes the real struggles of those who are being persecuted because of who they are.

This isn’t an abstract issue. This State Department definition is having real ramifications, across the U.S. and around the world.

Speaking out against the occupation of Palestine is not anti-Semitic. Tell the State Department to revise their definition of anti-Semitism.

All too often, JVP chapters and members are slandered for organizing boycotts of companies profiting from injustice in Israel. All too often, Palestinian students on campus are punished for sharing their stories of oppression and occupation.

We need to end all forms of hate and prejudice, wherever they exist. But we won’t do that by muzzling activists. Join me in demanding the State Department revise their definition of anti-Semitism.

Onward,

Rabbi Alissa Wise

P.S. Criticism of Israel isn’t hatred. Tell Secretary John Kerry to direct the State Department to revise their definition of anti-Semitism.

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