Mon. Jul 8th, 2024

Antisemitic Conspiracy Theories Are Going Mainstream<!-- wp:html --><p>Photo Illustration by Erin O'Flynn/The Daily Beast/Getty</p> <p>What is the difference between <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/does-anti-zionism-equal-anti-semitism">anti-Zionism</a> and <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/antisemitism-is-the-root-of-all-white-supremacist-terrorism">antisemitism</a>?</p> <p>When are fiercely delivered rhetorical attacks on <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/israel-is-in-crisis-mode-after-terrible-handling-of-shireen-abu-aklehs-death">Israel</a> an acceptable part of intense political discourse, and when do they amount to anti-Jewish invective?</p> <p>It is crucial, although challenging to distinguish between the two—given the passions understandably aroused by every aspect of the <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/a-confident-biden-keeps-his-distance-from-israel-palestine-swamp">Israel-Palestine dispute</a>—especially when the speakers seem otherwise credible and accomplished. The controversial recent comments by the director of Middle East Studies at Denver University provide a good opportunity to identify the line between criticism of Israeli policies and allusions to age-old anti-Jewish conspiracy theories.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/antisemitic-conspiracy-theories-are-going-mainstream?source=articles&via=rss">Read more at The Daily Beast.</a></p><!-- /wp:html -->

Photo Illustration by Erin O’Flynn/The Daily Beast/Getty

What is the difference between anti-Zionism and antisemitism?

When are fiercely delivered rhetorical attacks on Israel an acceptable part of intense political discourse, and when do they amount to anti-Jewish invective?

It is crucial, although challenging to distinguish between the two—given the passions understandably aroused by every aspect of the Israel-Palestine dispute—especially when the speakers seem otherwise credible and accomplished. The controversial recent comments by the director of Middle East Studies at Denver University provide a good opportunity to identify the line between criticism of Israeli policies and allusions to age-old anti-Jewish conspiracy theories.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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