WEAPONIZING ANTISEMITISM TO STIFLE CRITICISM OF ISRAEL
Teach-In Session 27 - May 7, 2024
TEACHING NOTES
This teach-in is uniquely effective in deconstructing Zionist narratives that weaponize the historical marginalization of Jewish people by demonstrating how antisemitism has been perpetually weaponized to stifle legitimate criticism of Israel as a settler-colonial state. Our speakers examine this specific method of dissenting Palestinian voices, among other tactics, and how the fallacious conflation of Zionism as a religious ideology undermines genuine efforts to address Israel's apartheid and systematic erasure of Palestinians by shifting the focus away from substantive debate and towards accusations of prejudice.
Adam Horowitz is Executive Editor of Mondoweiss.net, a news and opinion website that covers Palestine, U.S. politics, and the movement for Palestinian liberation. Adam has been an activist and writer in the Palestine movement for the last 25 years and previously worked at the American Friends Service Committee before joining Mondoweiss in 2008. Adam is co-editor, along with Philip Weiss and Lizzy Ratner, of The Goldstone Report: The Legacy of the Landmark Investigation of the Gaza Conflict (Bold Type Books).
Raz Segal is Associate Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and Endowed Professor in the Study of Modern Genocide at Stockton University. Dr. Segal has held a Harry Frank Guggenheim Fellowship, a Fulbright Fellowship, and was recently a Senior Fellow at the Vienna Wiesenthal Institute for Holocaust Studies (2023). His publications include Genocide in the Carpathians: War, Social Breakdown, and Mass Violence, 1914-1945 (2016); Days of Ruin: The Jews of Munkács during the Holocaust (2013); and he was guest editor of the Hebrew-language special issue on Genocide: Mass Violence and Cultural Erasure of Zmanim: A Historical Quarterly (2018). Dr. Segal is at work on two new books: one provides a critical account of the history and memory of Holocaust bystanders, the other offers a new analysis of Israeli mass violence from the 1948 Nakba to the current genocidal assault on Gaza. In addition to scholarly publications, Dr. Segal has published op-eds, book reviews, and larger articles on genocide, state violence, and memory politics in Hebrew, English, and German in The Guardian, LA Times, The Nation, Jewish Currents, Haaretz, +972 Magazine, and Berliner Zeitung, and he has appeared on Counter Points, Al Jazeera English, Democracy Now! and ABC News.
Shira Robinson is Associate Professor of History and International Affairs at George Washington University. works on the social and cultural history of the Modern Middle East, with an emphasis on colonialism, citizenship, nationalism, and cultures of militarism after World War I. She joined GW in 2007 after two years of teaching at the University of Iowa and one year as Visiting Fellow at the Davis Center for Historical Studies at Princeton University. She received her B.A. in Middle Eastern and North African Studies from the University of Michigan and her M.A. and Ph.D. in History from Stanford University. Dr. Robinson's research has been funded through the Fulbright Institute, the Social Science Research Council, the Mellon Foundation, and the Palestinian American Research Center. She also spent a year at the Center for the Advanced Study of Arabic at the American University in Cairo. In 2006 her dissertation won the Halpern Biennial Dissertation Award from the Association for Israel Studies. Professor Robinson works on the social and cultural history of the Modern Middle East, with an emphasis on colonialism, citizenship, nationalism, and cultures of militarism after World War I.
Aslı Ü. Bâli is a Professor of Law at Yale Law School. Bâli’s teaching and research interests include public international law — particularly human rights law and the law of the international security order — and comparative constitutional law, with a focus on the Middle East. She has written on the nuclear non-proliferation regime, humanitarian intervention, the roles of race and empire in the interpretation and enforcement of international law, the role of judicial independence in constitutional transitions, federalism and decentralization in the Middle East, and constitutional design in religiously divided societies. Bâli’s scholarship has appeared in the International Journal of Constitutional Law, University of Chicago Law Review, UCLA Law Review, Yale Journal of International Law, Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law, Chicago Journal of International Law, Cornell Journal of International Law, Virginia Journal of International Law, American Journal of International Law Unbound, Geopolitics, Studies in Law, Politics and Society, and in edited volumes published by Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press. She has also written essays and op-eds for such venues as The New York Times, The Boston Review, The London Review of Books, Jacobin, and Dissent.
Bassam Haddad is Director of the Middle East and Islamic Studies Program and Associate Professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. He is the author of Business Networks in Syria: The Political Economy of Authoritarian Resilience (Stanford University Press, 2011) and co-editor of A Critical Political Economy of the Middle East (Stanford University Press, 2021). Bassam is Co-Founder/Editor of Jadaliyya Ezine and Executive Director of the Arab Studies Institute. He serves as Founding Editor of the Arab Studies Journal and the Knowledge Production Project. He is co-producer/director of the award-winning documentary film, About Baghdad, and director of the acclaimed series Arabs and Terrorism. Bassam is Executive Producer of Status Podcast Channel and Director of the Middle East Studies Pedagogy Initiative (MESPI). He received MESA's Jere L. Bacharach Service Award in 2017 for his service to the profession. Currently, Bassam is working on his second Syria book titled Understanding The Syrian Tragedy: Regime, Opposition, Outsiders (forthcoming, Stanford University Press).
Raz Segal is Associate Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and Endowed Professor in the Study of Modern Genocide at Stockton University. Dr. Segal has held a Harry Frank Guggenheim Fellowship, a Fulbright Fellowship, and was recently a Senior Fellow at the Vienna Wiesenthal Institute for Holocaust Studies (2023). His publications include Genocide in the Carpathians: War, Social Breakdown, and Mass Violence, 1914-1945 (2016); Days of Ruin: The Jews of Munkács during the Holocaust (2013); and he was guest editor of the Hebrew-language special issue on Genocide: Mass Violence and Cultural Erasure of Zmanim: A Historical Quarterly (2018). Dr. Segal is at work on two new books: one provides a critical account of the history and memory of Holocaust bystanders, the other offers a new analysis of Israeli mass violence from the 1948 Nakba to the current genocidal assault on Gaza. In addition to scholarly publications, Dr. Segal has published op-eds, book reviews, and larger articles on genocide, state violence, and memory politics in Hebrew, English, and German in The Guardian, LA Times, The Nation, Jewish Currents, Haaretz, +972 Magazine, and Berliner Zeitung, and he has appeared on Counter Points, Al Jazeera English, Democracy Now! and ABC News.
Shira Robinson is Associate Professor of History and International Affairs at George Washington University. works on the social and cultural history of the Modern Middle East, with an emphasis on colonialism, citizenship, nationalism, and cultures of militarism after World War I. She joined GW in 2007 after two years of teaching at the University of Iowa and one year as Visiting Fellow at the Davis Center for Historical Studies at Princeton University. She received her B.A. in Middle Eastern and North African Studies from the University of Michigan and her M.A. and Ph.D. in History from Stanford University. Dr. Robinson's research has been funded through the Fulbright Institute, the Social Science Research Council, the Mellon Foundation, and the Palestinian American Research Center. She also spent a year at the Center for the Advanced Study of Arabic at the American University in Cairo. In 2006 her dissertation won the Halpern Biennial Dissertation Award from the Association for Israel Studies. Professor Robinson works on the social and cultural history of the Modern Middle East, with an emphasis on colonialism, citizenship, nationalism, and cultures of militarism after World War I.
Aslı Ü. Bâli is a Professor of Law at Yale Law School. Bâli’s teaching and research interests include public international law — particularly human rights law and the law of the international security order — and comparative constitutional law, with a focus on the Middle East. She has written on the nuclear non-proliferation regime, humanitarian intervention, the roles of race and empire in the interpretation and enforcement of international law, the role of judicial independence in constitutional transitions, federalism and decentralization in the Middle East, and constitutional design in religiously divided societies. Bâli’s scholarship has appeared in the International Journal of Constitutional Law, University of Chicago Law Review, UCLA Law Review, Yale Journal of International Law, Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law, Chicago Journal of International Law, Cornell Journal of International Law, Virginia Journal of International Law, American Journal of International Law Unbound, Geopolitics, Studies in Law, Politics and Society, and in edited volumes published by Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press. She has also written essays and op-eds for such venues as The New York Times, The Boston Review, The London Review of Books, Jacobin, and Dissent.
Bassam Haddad is Director of the Middle East and Islamic Studies Program and Associate Professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. He is the author of Business Networks in Syria: The Political Economy of Authoritarian Resilience (Stanford University Press, 2011) and co-editor of A Critical Political Economy of the Middle East (Stanford University Press, 2021). Bassam is Co-Founder/Editor of Jadaliyya Ezine and Executive Director of the Arab Studies Institute. He serves as Founding Editor of the Arab Studies Journal and the Knowledge Production Project. He is co-producer/director of the award-winning documentary film, About Baghdad, and director of the acclaimed series Arabs and Terrorism. Bassam is Executive Producer of Status Podcast Channel and Director of the Middle East Studies Pedagogy Initiative (MESPI). He received MESA's Jere L. Bacharach Service Award in 2017 for his service to the profession. Currently, Bassam is working on his second Syria book titled Understanding The Syrian Tragedy: Regime, Opposition, Outsiders (forthcoming, Stanford University Press).
FULL TEACH-IN
|
|
CONTENTS
|
TEACHING GUIDE
(1) The conflation of anti-Zionism with antisemitism as a tool to suppress political dissent: The conflation of anti-Zionism with antisemitism serves as a powerful tool to suppress political dissent, particularly criticism of Israeli policies. By equating opposition to Zionism with hatred of Jews, this tactic delegitimizes legitimate critiques of the Israeli state and stifles discussions about Palestinian rights. It also creates a chilling effect, discouraging activists, scholars, and public figures from speaking out against injustices for fear of being labeled antisemitic, thereby limiting the scope of political discourse.
(2) The harms of this conflation, including the distraction from real antisemitism and the erasure of political diversity within the Jewish community: The danger of conflating Judaism with Zionism, and the erasure of Jewish voices critical of Zionism is critically dissected. Given the historical analysis conducted by our speakers, the historical support for Zionism from white supremacists and Evangelical Christians, as well as the influence of British Evangelical visions of the Rapture on early Zionist support, has demonstrated Zionism to be fundamentally colonial and paradoxical to the intrinsic values of Judaism.
(3) Implications on free speech, particularly on college campuses, and the risks to scholars working on Middle Eastern studies: Academic institutions have not held back from enforcing legal and disciplinary action against their staff and students who openly criticize Israel. This, among the deliberate suppression of the Palestinian identity, has posed great dangers to free spech and academic freedom in the U.S. and Europe for Middle Eastern scholars.
(4) Erosion of genuine anti-discrimination efforts by broadening the definition of antisemitism: Broadening the definition of antisemitism to include any critique of Israel substantially dilutes the focus of genuine anti-discrimination efforts among the Jewish community. It fallaciously conflates legitimate and relevant political discourse with hate speech, making it tremendously more difficult to address genuine instances of antisemitism. This shift can undermine the credibility of anti-discrimination initiatives, as they may be perceived as tools for political suppression, rather than protection against prejudice.
(5) Ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights amidst increasing global attention to the genocide in Gaza: The global spotlight on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified the call for justice and rights for Palestinians, and as images and reports continue to expose the abhorrent reality of the systematic violence against Palestinians. This attention has garnered international protests, advocacy campaigns, and a growing demand for political leaders of the world to address the ongoing genocide. This international outraged has posed increasing pressure on complicit governments and institutions to rethink their policies and support for Israel, leading to more nuanced conversations about the ethical implications of the occupation as a whole.
(2) The harms of this conflation, including the distraction from real antisemitism and the erasure of political diversity within the Jewish community: The danger of conflating Judaism with Zionism, and the erasure of Jewish voices critical of Zionism is critically dissected. Given the historical analysis conducted by our speakers, the historical support for Zionism from white supremacists and Evangelical Christians, as well as the influence of British Evangelical visions of the Rapture on early Zionist support, has demonstrated Zionism to be fundamentally colonial and paradoxical to the intrinsic values of Judaism.
(3) Implications on free speech, particularly on college campuses, and the risks to scholars working on Middle Eastern studies: Academic institutions have not held back from enforcing legal and disciplinary action against their staff and students who openly criticize Israel. This, among the deliberate suppression of the Palestinian identity, has posed great dangers to free spech and academic freedom in the U.S. and Europe for Middle Eastern scholars.
(4) Erosion of genuine anti-discrimination efforts by broadening the definition of antisemitism: Broadening the definition of antisemitism to include any critique of Israel substantially dilutes the focus of genuine anti-discrimination efforts among the Jewish community. It fallaciously conflates legitimate and relevant political discourse with hate speech, making it tremendously more difficult to address genuine instances of antisemitism. This shift can undermine the credibility of anti-discrimination initiatives, as they may be perceived as tools for political suppression, rather than protection against prejudice.
(5) Ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights amidst increasing global attention to the genocide in Gaza: The global spotlight on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified the call for justice and rights for Palestinians, and as images and reports continue to expose the abhorrent reality of the systematic violence against Palestinians. This attention has garnered international protests, advocacy campaigns, and a growing demand for political leaders of the world to address the ongoing genocide. This international outraged has posed increasing pressure on complicit governments and institutions to rethink their policies and support for Israel, leading to more nuanced conversations about the ethical implications of the occupation as a whole.
1. How did the ideological and political opposition to Zionism among Jewish communities evolve before and after the Holocaust? What were the primary reasons for this opposition, and how did the Holocaust impact Jewish support for Zionism?
2. In what ways has the conflation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism been used as a tool to suppress criticism of Israel? What are the implications of this conflation for free speech and academic discourse on university campuses?
3. How does the argument that equates anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism potentially erase Palestinian identity and rights? What are the broader social and political consequences of this erasure, both in the Middle East and globally?
4. How has the weaponization of anti-Semitism impacted the recognition of political diversity within Jewish communities, particularly those with historical or religious opposition to Zionism? What are the risks of homogenizing Jewish perspectives on Israel and Zionism?
5. How have white supremacist groups historically supported Zionism, and what are their motivations for doing so? Discuss the paradox of this support, given their often anti-Semitic views, and the impact this has on contemporary discussions of Zionism and anti-Semitism.
2. In what ways has the conflation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism been used as a tool to suppress criticism of Israel? What are the implications of this conflation for free speech and academic discourse on university campuses?
3. How does the argument that equates anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism potentially erase Palestinian identity and rights? What are the broader social and political consequences of this erasure, both in the Middle East and globally?
4. How has the weaponization of anti-Semitism impacted the recognition of political diversity within Jewish communities, particularly those with historical or religious opposition to Zionism? What are the risks of homogenizing Jewish perspectives on Israel and Zionism?
5. How have white supremacist groups historically supported Zionism, and what are their motivations for doing so? Discuss the paradox of this support, given their often anti-Semitic views, and the impact this has on contemporary discussions of Zionism and anti-Semitism.
1.Documentary/Short Film: Create a short documentary that explores the historical and contemporary opposition to Zionism within Jewish communities, as well as the impact of conflating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism. Integrate reliable primary and secondary sources in your research, and utilize your storyboarding as a creative outlet.
2. Interactive Digital Exhibit: Design an interactive digital exhibit that educates viewers on the distinctions between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, its historical and contemporary impact on Palestinian identities, and influence on the political diversity within Jewish communities. This can be done in a myriad of ways through, such as virtual reality (VR) simulations or powerpoint slides.
3. Collaborative Workshop and Debate Series: Help redefine colonial narratives by organizing a series of debates and workshops with your peers that aim to address the various narratives surrounding Zionism, anti-Semitism, and Palestinian identity. The goal should be to foster healthy, productive, and nuanced dialogue and encourage critical thinking on these complex sociological issues.
2. Interactive Digital Exhibit: Design an interactive digital exhibit that educates viewers on the distinctions between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, its historical and contemporary impact on Palestinian identities, and influence on the political diversity within Jewish communities. This can be done in a myriad of ways through, such as virtual reality (VR) simulations or powerpoint slides.
3. Collaborative Workshop and Debate Series: Help redefine colonial narratives by organizing a series of debates and workshops with your peers that aim to address the various narratives surrounding Zionism, anti-Semitism, and Palestinian identity. The goal should be to foster healthy, productive, and nuanced dialogue and encourage critical thinking on these complex sociological issues.
SEGMENTS
Conflating Anti-Zionism and Anti-SemitismShira Robinson offers an insightful discussion on the historic discrimination legalized and enacted within Israel against Palestinians and the consequences of conflating Anti-Zionism with antisemitism while highlighting the growing disconnect between Jewish communities and Zionist groups
|
Weaponizing
|
New Policies Equating Anti-Zionism and Anti-SemitismAdam Horowitz extends the conversation on Israel's weaponization of antisemitism to its manifestation within the U.S. emphasizing the enacting of policies that equate anti-Zionism with antisemitism within education settings
|
On abandoning the category of antisemitismWhat are the scholarly arguments for abandoning the term 'antisemitism' given Israel's weaponisation of the term to evade accountability while criminalising pro-Palestinian speech? Learn more from our speakers.
|
On the H.R.6090 (Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 Bill)What impact will the passing of H.R.6090 (Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 Bill) in U.S. congress have on educational institutions across the states? Listen to the critical responses our speakers offer.
|
Vertical Divider
|
SOUNDBITES
On how the recent Antisemitism Awareness Act bill will constrain freedom of speech in U.S. universities |
Raz Segal on doing away with antisemitism as a term |
The growing generational divide within the Jewish community over Jewish-Israeli affiliation |
