September 25, 2018 — Chicago
This piece originally appeared in Chicago Tribune.
In a recent op-ed, Hussein Ibish writes that “there can't be an exception to free speech for strong criticism and even boycotts of Israel.” We too believe that even the harshest criticism of Israel should be permitted. As Jews, we recognize that the protection of free expression is sacrosanct and has allowed us and other minorities to flourish in America.
Yet denying that some acts of antisemitism have been cloaked as criticism of the Jewish state is simply incorrect. Only months ago, a resident assistant at Stanford University vowed to “physically fight Zionists on campus next year.” Only days ago, a professor at the University of Michigan rescinded an offer to write a letter of recommendation for a student when he realized that the student planned to study in Israel.
Perhaps a debate can exist whether these are acts of antisemitism or political speech. But saying that the mention of the word “Israel” or “Zionist” somehow cleanses any act of animus toward the Jewish people flies in the face of reality.
Antisemitism has been around for a long time and has taken a variety of forms. The mere fact that its definition might be subject to misuse is not a reason to ignore an important part of that definition. One would be hard pressed to find another form of prejudice held to that same standard.
— Daniel Elbaum, senior associate executive director, American Jewish Committee
