Jews Must Fight Anti-Semitism Now

In the 1970's and '80's the issue du jour among human rights groups was apartheid, the hateful South African caste system. The anger certainly was justified, but there was also a degree of hypocrisy associated with the movement. Human rights groups were conspicuously silent about the murders in the Sudan, slavery in parts of Africa, the plight of the "boat people," and other issues. One might get the impression that if a human rights matter embarrasses the United States, it is worthy of concern. If not, the issue doesn't see the light of day among activists.

Now, at the beginning of the 21st century, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, the United Nations, and assorted pro-Palestinian groups have discovered their new "apartheid": they accuse Israel of being a racist society -- that Zionism can be equated with racism.

Although evidence for this claim is nonexistent, activists will not be deterred. They contend, for example, that the newly built fence between Israel and Palestinian territories is designed as a wall of racial separation. Ignored in this accusation is that the fence makes it harder for Palestinian suicide bombers to murder Israeli civilians.

Similarly, they contend that the recent Israeli government decision to deny citizenship to Palestinians who marry Israelis is racist. Ignored in this accusation is evidence that many of these cases set the stage for suicide bombings.

For human rights organizations here and abroad, Israel is sui generis. Conditions that apply to European states which restrict immigration on openly ethnic grounds are routinely ignored.

Present claims of racism are not unlike classic anti-Semitism charges based on the myth that Jews seek to dominate non-Jews or that Jews actively seek to separate themselves from others. In contrast to the prevailing mythology, Zionism shows remarkable indifference to race as the integration of Ethiopians into the Israeli society suggests. This fact is also conspicuously ignored by critics.

For most critics, Zionism is a symbol of evil and imperialism. It is limned as a criminal conspiracy with global reach meant to destroy Palestinian national ambitions. Notwithstanding concessions the Israeli government has made, including a willingness to consider a "two state" solution, the myth persists.

At the Herzliya conference on December 16 Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he is ready to coordinate the Gaza withdrawal "without hesitation." To the Palestinians he noted, "We have no desire to rule over you. We have no desire to run your affairs."

While the anti-Israeli campaign continues unabated and gains momentum, it sometimes appears that the Israelis themselves do not appreciate the magnitude of the threat. Perhaps they have heard these accusations for so long their response mechanism has been dulled. But there is great danger in a non-confrontational stance. Zionism as a lifeline of salvation for Jews after the Holocaust could be seriously threatened in this generation.

The time to challenge the demonology and persistent myths has arrived. It is imperative that the Jewish community engage in an unfiltered dialogue with Europeans and Americans who are increasingly accepting of the anti-Israeli campaign positions.

When Israel separates itself from the Palestinians, it is charged with a lack of concern; when it involves itself in dysfunctional Palestinian government activities, it is accused of imperialism. Damned if you do; damned if you don't.

It is time to cut the Gordian knot. Israelis must realize this is a key moment in holding back the tide of sentimental criticism. To ignore the campaign against Zionism puts the state of Israel at risk and allows for yet another round of worldwide anti-Semitism. Deconstructing the mythology should become a priority for every Jew who cares about the future of Israel and the survival of the Jewish people.