Last week, Susanne DeWitt, an 89-year-old Holocaust survivor and molecular biologist, spoke before the Berkeley, Calif., City Council to request a Holocaust Remembrance Day proclamation. During her speech, she mentioned a massacre and rapes in Israel on Oct. 7, which led to her being heckled and shouted down by protesters at the meeting. Another woman testified that her 7-year-old Jewish son heard anti-Semitic remarks at school and was also heckled by protesters who made derogatory comments about Zionists. This incident highlighted the surge in anti-Semitism and the lack of tolerance for Jewish voices in certain protest movements.
While protest movements have a place in American history, not all movements are honorable. Neo-Nazis marching in Chicago in 1978 and white supremacists rallying in Charlottesville in 2017 are examples of extremist groups spreading hate and intolerance. Some pro-Palestinian movements, particularly those supporting Hamas, have crossed the line into anti-Semitism with calls for the elimination of the Jewish state and celebration of violence against Israelis. This shift towards extremism raises concerns about the motives and tactics employed by certain groups within the pro-Palestinian movement.
The recent surge in anti-Semitic incidents cannot be solely attributed to the human suffering in Gaza, as some groups openly express support for Hamas and its violent actions against Israelis. The desire for a Palestinian state is overshadowed by calls for the complete removal of Israel. Demonstrators chanting slogans like “We want all of ’48!” show a commitment to eradicating Israel rather than advocating for peace or coexistence. These sentiments fuel the eliminationist ideology behind much of the protest movement.
The tactics employed by some pro-Hamas activists and followers reveal a pattern of bullying and intimidation directed towards anyone who supports Israel or voices dissenting opinions. Actions like defacement of Israeli posters, aggressive demonstrations at hospitals collaborating with Israeli institutions, riots at public schools, and disruptions of events featuring Israeli speakers indicate a disregard for free speech and democratic principles. The efforts to silence opposing views and instill fear in opponents demonstrate the illiberal nature of some members of the pro-Palestinian movement.
Critics of Israel who argue that American Jews must choose between Zionism and liberalism misunderstand the situation. The real threat lies in those who seek the destruction of Israel and are willing to use aggressive tactics to achieve their goals. A morally serious movement would strive to eliminate extremist elements and promote constructive dialogue, but the “Free Palestine” crowd often engages in harassment and violence towards those with differing views. It is essential to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and actions and the hateful rhetoric and actions of those who seek the elimination of the Jewish state.
In conclusion, the rise of anti-Semitism and extremism within certain segments of pro-Palestinian movements is a concerning trend that undermines the principles of democracy and tolerance. The intolerance towards Jewish voices, the use of intimidation tactics, and the promotion of eliminationist ideologies all contribute to a toxic environment that hinders constructive dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts. It is imperative for all sides to condemn hate speech and violence, and work towards understanding, empathy, and mutual respect in addressing complex geopolitical issues.
