Chronicle poll results: Political leaders’ criticism of Israel
We asked our readers if U.S. political leaders should consider the safety of Jews at home when choosing words critical of Israel. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “Should U.S. political leaders consider the safety of Jews at home when choosing words critical of Israel?” Of the 231 people who responded, 96% said yes and 4% said no. Comments were submitted by 64 people. A few follow.
As we all remember from 10/27, words matter. Our elected leaders would do well to remember that their words carry even more weight than those of some troll on Reddit or Gab, because as leaders, people actually listen to what they have to say.
Our political leaders should consider the safety of everyone, not just Jews, when choosing to be critical. We need to stop focusing on Jews and Israel but everyone struggling for identity and existence. The issue today is the double standard for Jews and Israel. U.S. political leaders should apply one standard for all — then we Jews will be safer.
It depends on how the criticism is expressed. Vociferous condemnation of Israel often crosses the border to rabid antisemitism. It’s especially dangerous when heard by those already harboring anti-Jewish feelings quietly.
More importantly, should Israeli officials consider the Diaspora Jews’ safety when making bad decisions about what to permit in the West Bank?
They need to differentiate the Israeli government from the Jewish population; they are not one and the same. They also need to work harder to eliminate the wrong usage of the term “genocide.”
It is a sad commentary on the state of American politics that we are debating whether to prioritize people’s safety over scoring cheap political points.
Political leaders should absolutely avoid antisemitic stereotypes. When discussing the Arab-Israeli conflict, they should avoid demonizing and dehumanizing either side. The right of Israel to exist should not be denied, and neither should the right of Palestinian Arabs to have their own state.
It’s the political leaders who are supporting Israel who are encouraging activities dangerous to Jews in the U.S.
The words one chooses to use are always important, and while U.S. political leaders — including Jews, and maybe especially so — have every right and obligation to call out Israel on its missteps and shortcomings, they must always do so in a way that is balanced, fair and reinforces our nation’s fundamental commitment to its only true ally in the Middle East.
Criticism of Israel is our duty for the benefit of Israel and the Jewish Diaspora, but that must be clearly distinguished from backdoor antisemitism. I donate only to AIPAC now because that is the best way I see to support Jews in America, despite my criticism of Israel. Keep it in the family because our enemies do not ever just hate Israel, they hate us all.
Negative words bring repercussions, antisemitism, hate crimes. They give disturbed people permission to commit acts of violence against others. Ignorance of others, their history and present behaviors intensify the acts of hatred. PJC
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