• March 29, 2025
• Anti-Semitism
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The IHRA definition of anti-Semitism is unjustified and would also present a danger to Jews, for many reasons:

1) Anti-Zionism is, in fact, not the same as anti-Semitism, because Judaism is not the same as Zionism. Judaism is a religion, defined by belief in the Torah as it was received on Mount Sinai 3,500 years ago. This has nothing to do with any nationality; it is a purely religious definition. Zionism, on the other hand, is a nationalist movement, born not more than 150 years ago, having nothing to do with any religion.

2) Additionally, Zionism is forbidden by the Jewish religion. The Creator of the world sent us into exile and forbade us to leave that exile with our own human power. Leaving exile on our own would be a rebellion against G-d, and therefore Jews who believe in G-d cannot support Zionism.

3) This is even more true in light of the fact that the Zionist project was undertaken at the expense of many innocent people. It involved taking away their land and property, killing many of them, and expelling the others for no fault of their own. The Palestinians never harmed those Jews who lived side by side with them as neighbors for hundreds of years. (And even today, the Palestinians are not opposed to Jews; they are opposed to their occupiers.) Among the Ten Commandments are “do not kill” and “do not steal.” Jews faithful to the Torah cannot support such actions.

4) Therefore, masses of Jews around the world are opposed to the entire concept of Zionism and the state of Israel. Religious Jews do not identify with the state of Israel; on the contrary, they are vocally opposed to it. A simple proof to this is that in all traditionally religious Jewish neighborhoods around the world, one will generally not find the Israeli flag flying.

5) Therefore, it is a fallacy to brand as “anti-Semitic” anyone who opposes a certain recently founded movement that has, incorrectly, attached itself to Judaism.

6) It’s not only wrong; it’s a crime to conflate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, because this creates the false impression that Jews and Zionism are one and the same. This is first of all a desecration of G-d’s name, since it implies that Jews have rebelled against G-d, and secondly this notion itself causes people to misdirect their political opposition to the state of Israel’s crimes toward all Jews worldwide. The IHRA definition, far from reducing anti-Semitism, would actually fan the flames of anti-Semitism.

7) Furthermore, it is wrong to attempt to silence the Palestinian claim with the false accusation of anti-Semitism. If the Zionists feel that they have a solid argument to support what they do, let them express it and engage in honest debate. But to simply paint their opponents with broad strokes in an effort to shut down all debate should be recognized as wrong by every upright person.

8) Silencing millions of people with pressure so that they should not even have the chance to express their opinions will only backfire. It’s self-understood that this would ignite the fire of real anti-Semitism in their hearts.

9) It’s also wrong to cheapen the term “anti-Semitism” – the hatred of people based on their religion – which is indeed a serious accusation when applied correctly, by misusing it to further one’s political agenda. This bandying around of the term takes away from its true meaning. If, G-d forbid, anti-Semitism ever raises its head, many innocent people might suffer because no one will take the term anti-Semitism seriously anymore.

10) Therefore, it is wrong and criminal against Jews, against Palestinians and against the world to apply the term “anti-Semitism” to opposition to Zionism and the State of Israel.