Weaponizing Anti-Semitism

In this composite teaching module, we have curated segments of teach-ins around the theme of Media Discourses. One of the most visible fronts of the struggle against Zionism has been discourses and debates in every form of media from social media to mainstream cable news outlets. Within these forums we see the fight for discursive power manifesting through competing narratives. In contemporary media narratives October 7th has become a new a milestone event and its own discourse that proponents of Zionism have utilized to justify Israel’s genocide in Gaza. In these segments, our experts explain Zionist narratives dominate media discourses around Palestine and obfuscate Israel's crimes and Palestinian suffering. This composite teaching module will offer students the discursive resources and knowledge to push back against dominant and hegemonic narratives that justify the ongoing occupation and genocide of the Palestinian people.

All segments in this Composite Module are drawn from the below teach-ins. Click on the title to watch the full teach-in.

​Conflating Anti-Zionism and Anti-Semitism

​Shira 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

History of Anti-Semitism and the Emergence of Zionism

In this clip, Sherene Saikaly outlines the very real history of Judeo-phobia and anti-semitism. She explores its roots in the medieval period in Europe, where it was institutionalized by the Catholic Church, and covers the emergence of Jews as a racialized category at the height of European colonialism.

Does Anti-Zionism =
​Anti-Semitism?

In these segments, our speakers address one of the biggest issues confronting those fighting for Palestinian rights and freedom. That issues is the conflation of anti-Zionism and anti-semitism. Our speaker address the histories of anti-semitism and anti-Zionism and how they emerged. We also ask what it would mean to abandon the category of anti-semitism altogether, and what concepts could replace it to account for racism towards Jews.

On Abandoning the Category of
​Anti-Semitism

​What 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.​

How is Anti-Semitism Being Weaponized?

The conflation of anti-semitism with anti-Zionism is increasingly a problem in public discourses. However, we should also ask how exactly is it being weaponized both in discourse and in terms of policies and laws? What are the real material consequences and dangers of calling pro-Palestine activism antisemitic in the United States?

New Policies Equating Anti-Zionism and Anti-Semitism

Our speakers extend 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

Organizations Weaponizing
​Anti-Semitism

Adam Horowitz outlines how various organizations including the Anti-Defamation League and the Brandeis Center are coordinating to weaponize claims of anti-Semitism to push for the repression pro-Palestine activism. ​​

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.