Weaponizing Antisemitism: Undermining Dissent

Antisemitism, hatred of Jews, must be denounced without equivocation wherever and whenever it occurs. Prejudice and hostility toward Jews are centuries old. They are accused of secret cabals, conspiracies, and control of media and financial institutions. As historian Hannah Arendt says: “Jews have been subject to persecutions, expulsions, and massacres from the end of the Roman Empire down to our own time.” Today, there is a rise in antisemitism. However, the term should not be used promiscuously. Criticism of Israeli state policies must not be conflated with antisemitism. To accuse someone falsely of antisemitism serves as a smear tactic. It’s used as a weapon to deflect, suppress, and silence dissent.