https://observer.co.uk/news/columnists/article/reframing-criticism-of-israel-as-antisemitism-fails-jews-as-much-as-palestinians
Malik is right to note that "the bald declaration that 'anti-Zionism is antisemitism' " has been used to deflect legitimate criticism of Israel.
Yet although he also notes that " anti-Zionism can be a cover for antisemitism", he appears not to recognize how widespread the use of this cover is.
So many of the antisemitic canards of old -- the malign fantasies of Jewish control of the media, the vindictive cruelty of the Jews, or the Jews as parasites -- have reappeared under the guise of "antizionism".
A parallel with opposition to affirmative action in the USA highlights the problem.
Although a significant number of African Americans oppose affirmative action,* can any serious observer of US politics and society doubt that much of the opposition was driven by racist resentment directed towards African Americans in particular?
Clear thinking about zionism and antizionism is further obstructed by the eagerness of both the Israeli right and doctrinaire antizionists to equate "zionism" with the policies of the current Israeli government. I wrote about this misconception here: https://c.im/@jemmesedi/114825390064375529
*See, for example, Gallup -- January 16, 2024 -- "Age Plays Key Role in Black Views of Affirmative Action Case"
#IsraelPalestine #Antizionism #Antisemitism #KenanMalik