Comments
ANTISEMITISM -
Antisemitism is a very real problem, and it’s getting worse.
This is the battle of our lives. Jews are afraid to speak up for fear of being identified. You can't wear a kippah at America's largest and most prestigious universities. Jewish students in Berlin and Munich had no chance to change their situation, but here in America, we have the mandate to change this.
The blatant injustice toward Israel, the way this small country is the subject of so many condemnations worldwide, the deep unfairness in media coverage of Israel, and the lack of empathy toward Israel.
When pro-Israel voices carelessly accuse their opponents of antisemitism, they reduce a serious and specific charge to just another political slur. The longer this goes on, the harder it is to identify and respond to real and gravely serious antisemitism.
Antisemitism is real. It is a growing problem, and it has to be combated. But this task is being severely undermined by the fact that pro-Israel voices — whether liberal, centrist, or conservative — have taken to irresponsibly flinging the accusation of antisemitism at anyone they disagree with on US-Israel policy, reducing a serious and specific charge that should spark public attention and action to just another political slur. The longer this goes on, the less likely it is that the public as a whole will treat future accusations seriously or muster the necessary outrage.
And that’s especially the case when, with increasing frequency, the people being spuriously called antisemites for disagreeing with them are Jewish themselves.
Israel’s International Conference on Combating Antisemitism faces backlash as Jewish leaders withdraw over the inclusion of far-Right politicians. Can Israel bridge the divide?
At the center of this divide is a growing divergence in priorities. Israel needs as much global support as possible, especially as antisemitism surges worldwide.
What happens when Israel’s political priorities clash with those of Jewish communities abroad? The backlash over the International Conference on Combating Antisemitism is a case study of this growing divide. While Israel is focused on securing international allies – sometimes from unexpected corners – many Jewish leaders, particularly in Europe, remain deeply uncomfortable with the inclusion of far-Right politicians.
Boycotts and cancellations do not advance dialogue
This situation reflects a broader trend in global politics – the rise of ideological purity tests that leave no room for dialogue. The idea that some voices must be completely excluded from conversation – rather than engaged critically – has led to polarization and political stagnation.
Israel is in a difficult position. It cannot afford to ignore any potential allies, yet it must also respect the concerns of Jewish communities abroad. In Jewish tradition, debate and argument are core values – as seen in the beit midrash (study hall), where conflicting views are explored and challenged. It is unfortunate that, rather than fostering dialogue, many have resorted to boycotts and cancellations.
If you identify as a Zionist, 14 fraternities will prevent you from speaking and suspend you. This is literally Berlin University 1933 at the beginning of anti-Jewish contempt. This is a critical problem, and that's why we must respond and be present as American Jewry. Fight, not lower our heads thinking this is a passing storm – this is classic antisemitism.
If the country is to navigate this complex global landscape, it must find a way to engage with political leaders, including those from difficult pasts, without compromising its moral clarity.
I cannot stand idly by in the face of such events, everything happening in Israel, 101 hostages and their families, and the hatred here at home. It's frustrating, but it's what unites us.
We need to fight with our hearts, our prayers, our minds – stand strong and not take a step back. Don't consider any alternatives. I encourage all of you to stand tall. Learn more about your Judaism. Learn about our history. Stand tall and proud. No guilt. We've done the guilt thing long enough. No more shame. We've done enough. No stammering.
(Mihran Kalaydjian has over twenty years of public affairs, government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, community relations and strategic communications experience. He is a leading member of the community and a devoted civic engagement activist for education spearheading numerous academic initiatives in local political forums.)
