Anti-Zionism is Anti-Semitism
Is Noam Chomsky an anti-Semite? How about Amy Goodman and Naomi Klein? The question may sound absurd. Yet, according to the definition of anti-Semitism that more than 30 countries including the United States under the Biden administration have adopted, Chomsky, Goodman and Klein could very well be labeled as such. Why? They are critical of Israeli policies. Zionism is the late 19th century Jewish national movement. The origin of the term is the Hebrew word “Zion” often used as a synonym for Jerusalem and Israel.
Anti-Zionism is Anti-Semitism is the motion debated at the Emmanuel Centre in London. Before a large audience, this lively and contentious discussion features voices arguing pro and con.
Speakers for the Motion:
Melanie Phillips, Journalist, broadcaster and author
Einat Wilf, Israeli politician, former Knesset member
Speakers Against the Motion:
Mehdi Hasan, Journalist and broadcaster
Ilan Pappé, Israeli historian, university professor
The moderator is Carrie Gracie of the BBC.
Speaker
Mehdi Hasan
Mehdi Hasan is an award-winning journalist. He hosts The Mehdi Hasan Show on MSNBC. He is a former senior columnist for The Intercept and launched their Deconstructed podcast.
Bruce K. –
The disgusting anti-Semitic streak that has been somehow glued to and bad-jacketed to Progressivism, Liberalism, Socialism is just another Right-wing fascist operation against political change by making the Left repugnant to civilized, educated people who keep up with what is going on in the world. The monied interests will go to any lengths to program people to hate and turn away from Leftist political change, including paying media networks to masquerade as Left in order to slip this kind of ugliness in the mix and discredit democracy.
I’ve heard this from “Progressive” radio and media since the 70’s. I have to at least entertain the idea that at least some of the forces of Progressive/Alternative media are funded by the Right-wing in order to discredit it.
Open your eyes and look at the countries Israel has to try to coexist with, and tell me again why the Progressive movement’s image is that they would rather stand with Islamic terrorists, than the people of these countries who are stuck in a no win situation.
Though my political objectives for the most are in line with many Progressive ideals, I find the obsession against Israel completely irrelevant and unnecessary and so believe it must exist for some other reason than to further progressive causes … which it does not, and never has.
Essrea in Boulder –
Just wanted to let you know that last week’s AR was SO good! The anti-zionism = anti-semitism debate — in particular Mehdi Hasan just knocked it out of the park. Thanks for spreading the good word as you do!
Chuck Buxbaum –
I’m hoping to put a link to this broadcast in my synagogue’s weekly e-news. Should be required listening for all Jews who value democracy.
Felix Almeida –
What a vigorous debate! Baring for all the Zionist narrative that distorts reality in its pursuit of exclusion for exclusivity.