(Jewish Group) How Jewish Progressives Can Stand Up Against Left Anti-Semitism

[Behind the Aegis]

(THIS IS THE JEWISH GROUP! RESPECT!!)

The anti-Semitism scandal that has engulfed Jeremy Corbyn is now having clear electoral consequences for the Labour Party in Britain, leading to the loss of a key council seat in Barnet and three seats in West Hendon. Americans who care about progressive causes but reflexively downplay and brush aside the real existence of anti-Semitism on the left as well as the right would be wise to take note. It can happen here, too.

While bigots and conspiracy theorists continue to target Jews far in excess of any other religious minorities in America, a combination of neo-Nazi events like Charlottesville and ongoing allegations of anti-Semitism against high-profile progressives has shaken confidence that either the political left or the right are staked in protecting our community. Instead, we see that anti-Semitism is becoming part of mainstream discourse across party lines. Those of us on the left have an obligation to stand up and stop it from derailing and destroying the justice movements we have helped to build, and continue to be a vital part of in the United States.

There are those who say anti-Semitism can be ignored as a “side issue” in Trump’s America, and that there are too many vulnerable people in too much peril for us to be “distracted” or “divided” by focusing on anti-Jewish hate. They are mistaken. Hate emboldens hate. As Eric K. Ward has written here, anti-Semitism fuels white supremacy. In fact, anti-Semitism is the core ideological foundation of white supremacist ideology in Trump’s America. If we ignore the smoke of anti-Semitism rising, the American progressive movement will find itself engulfed in flames.

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Herzfeld’s action is one more proof that our voices matter, and that we must raise them. In order to beat anti-Semitism, we must name this ancient hatred out loud, in defiance of attempts by our enemies or our purported allies to disempower and silence us. We must demand accountability with our voices, our hours, our votes, and our dollars. American Jews vote in extremely high numbers—some estimate as high as 96 percent—and overwhelmingly, we vote Democratic. Jews vote, donate, and volunteer on campaigns at disproportionately high rates. This means policymakers will listen to us, and so will grasstops leaders. As Jews begin to raise our voices in defense of our community and exert political pressure, progressive leaders of grassroots organizations who do not rise to the occasion will lose influence over policymakers.

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FINALLY!!! I am relieved to see articles like this.

[mr_lebowski]

1. Not to step in s**t here, but most so-called 'anti-semitic' folks on the Left ...

When you get down to it, really just want the Palestinians to have a home of their own.

That really doesn't make us 'anti-Semitic', IMHO.

Just sayin' ...

[Behind the Aegis]

2. You did step in shit.

You are claiming "most" people called anti-Semitic on the left are because they want the Palestinians to have a home of their own would make almost every Jew posting here an anti-Semite.

Do you know what anti-Semitism is? Did you even bother to read the article?

You are doing what the article suggests and that is IGNORING anti-Semitism when it comes from the left. Not every criticism of Obama is racist; it doesn't mean that some of it is! Not every criticism of Hillary is sexist; but some of it is!

I will remind you this is the JEWISH GROUP, so if you want to continue, then wipe your shoes.

[Cary]

4. You're saying here that you are anti-Semitic

You understand that, right?

[grossproffit]

8. Antisemism is the new social justice.

[Cary]

11. There is nothing new about it

Old wine in new bottles is the saying that comes to mind but this particle bottle ain't new.

[MosheFeingold]

5. Baloney

On so many levels.

[Cary]

12. Are you aware that there are over 1 million Arab Israeli citizens?

There are also Jews in Israel who are native to the region. How were Jews treated in the Middle East before Israel? Do you know?

Why aren't those Jews also "Palestinian?"

Why doesnt Egypt want Gaza back?

Why doesn't Jordan want Gaza back?

Speaking of Jordan are you aware that it too was part of a region designated by the Roman's as "Palestine?" So is there an ethnicity known as "Palestinan?" Or are they all Arabs?

There are 22 Arab nations. Which one has a decent government? Which Arab nation would treat the Arab Istaeli citizens better then the only democracy in the region?

[Soxfan58]

3. Problem with theocracies

You cant criticize the government, without being accused of criticizing the religion. And why the divisiveness

[MosheFeingold]

6. You think Israel is a theocracy? n/t

[Behind the Aegis]

9. Israel is not a theocracy.

Also, the majority of the article is about anti-Semitism and the left being able to confront it from within. You have a problem with that.

Reminder, this is the Jewish Group, not the main forums.

[EllieBC]

10. Have you ever been? I have several times.

Lots of clubs and malls and movie theatres. Women and LGBT being full members of society.

You want a theocracy? That would be some of neighbours. The ones who make women hide and are only allowed out with male relatives.

[grossproffit]

7. We have a serious growing problem on this very forum. n/t

[Cary]

13. Ignorance and a severe case of nasty