Conflating Judaism with Anti-Semitism as a Tactic
At the core of this matter lies a systematic manipulation of identity and ideology. Zionism, a political movement advocating Jewish nationalism and statehood, has been deliberately fused with Judaism, a religion and cultural identity. This calculated conflation operates as a shield for the Israeli state, insulating it from accountability while promoting the myth that Israel is the ultimate safeguard of Jewish survival post-Holocaust.
However, criticizing Israel’s leadership and its actions is not an act of antisemitism. To claim otherwise is both deceitful and dangerous. Under the guise of “self-defence,” Israel commits war crimes, crimes against humanity, and what can only be described as acts of genocide. These atrocities are carried out in the name of all Jews, a narrative that devastates the Palestinian people and undermines the moral and cultural legacy of the Jewish community. Far from ensuring safety, this alignment with violence makes Jewish people more vulnerable globally.
Judaism itself is rooted in the pursuit of justice and liberation. The Torah demands righteousness, and the concept of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world—compels Jews to oppose oppression in all forms. Yet, when Israel invokes Jewish identity to justify oppression and brutality, it desecrates these sacred principles, corrupting the moral foundation of Judaism.
In their effort to silence opposition, pro-Israel politicians and lobbying groups weaponize accusations of antisemitism, shredding the principles of free speech and democratic discourse. Kenneth S. Stern, an architect of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, has publicly criticized its misuse. He has highlighted how this definition is exploited, especially on university campuses, to stifle legitimate debate.
Here is a statement from Shulamit Aloni, a prominent Israeli politician and former government minister, acknowledging the use of accusations of antisemitism as a tactic: “Anti-Semitism is a trick; we always use it. We bring up the Holocaust and call people anti-Semitic if they criticize Israel.”
By equating criticism of Israel or Zionism with antisemitism, a dangerous falsehood is perpetuated, suppressing vital political discourse and branding rightful critiques as forbidden speech. The IHRA’s definition further entrenches the fallacy that Zionism and Judaism are indistinguishable, erasing the voices of anti-Zionist Jews. This erasure is not only a profound injustice but also a threat to the freedoms the definition claims to uphold.
Defending the distinction between antisemitism and critique of Israel is far more than a semantic exercise. It is a stand for justice, free speech, and the preservation of Jewish identity as a force for liberation and global human rights. To blur these lines is to undermine the principles that should unite us in the fight against oppression, wherever it may arise.
here is Shulamit Aloni, a leading Israeli politician who served as government minister, admitting it: "Anti-Semitism is a trick, we always use it. We bring up the Holocaust and call people anti-Semitic if they criticize Israel." pic.twitter.com/1hWOfFRyT7
— ☀️👀 (@zei_squirrel) April 28, 2024

In the growing global debate on Israel and Palestine, an often overlooked but vital perspective comes from Jewish voices that reject the conflation of criticism of Israel with antisemitism. These individuals and groups challenge the narrative that equates Jewish identity with uncritical support for the Israeli state, advocating instead for justice, human rights, and the preservation of free speech.
Many of these voices also take a stand against the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, warning of its misuse to silence dissent and suppress legitimate critique of Israeli policies. By affirming that opposition to Zionism or Israeli government actions is not inherently antisemitic, they uphold a vision of Judaism rooted in moral accountability, the pursuit of justice, and the commitment to opposing oppression.
This exploration amplifies their calls for clarity, integrity, and the defense of principles that protect both Jewish identity and universal human rights.
Jewish Voices Challenge IHRA and Defend Palestinian Rights
Jewish Faculty Network (JFN) against IHRA
Jewish Faculty Network is a collective of Jewish academics across Canadian universities and colleges who are deeply concerned about the implications of adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism on campuses. While firmly committed to combating antisemitism and all forms of discrimination, these faculty members caution against using the IHRA definition to suppress legitimate criticism of Israel or solidarity with Palestinians.
The group highlights the risks of conflating Jewish identity with the State of Israel, as the IHRA definition often does, effectively erasing longstanding internal debates within Jewish communities. They note that this framework has been weaponized to silence unions, student groups, and academic bodies advocating for Palestinian rights and freedom of speech. The signatories also emphasize that criticism of Israel, including support for the non-violent Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, is not inherently antisemitic.
The faculty join a growing international movement, including institutions like University College London and the New Israel Fund of Canada, which oppose the IHRA definition. They argue that adopting a flawed and vague framework undermines the pursuit of justice, academic freedom, and tolerance, and call for alternative approaches to address antisemitism without curtailing open debate.
Their stance reflects a commitment to justice, equality, and the freedom to critique any state’s policies, including those of Israel, as essential to fostering an inclusive and equitable academic environment. Read their statement here: https://jewishfaculty.ca/jewish-faculty-against-the-ihra-defn/
Exploring How Zionism Perpetuates Antisemitism with Dr. Ariella Aïsha Azoulay on Palestine Debrief
This week on the Palestine Debrief podcast, host Wissam El Cheikh Hassan sits down with Dr. Ariella Aïsha Azoulay—renowned scholar, filmmaker, and author—to delve into the historical and ideological forces that reshaped Jewish communities in North Africa and the Arab world through colonialism.
Born in Israel, Dr. Azoulay rejects the Israeli identity, identifying instead as a Muslim Jew. The conversation explores how Zionism perpetuates antisemitism by co-opting Jewish identity and erasing the rich histories and traditions of diverse Jewish communities.
Tune in to this enlightening discussion on the podcast, produced by Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East(CJPME), available here: https://www.cjpme.org/2024_12_17_ariella_aisha_azoulay
Jewish Voice for Peace
Jewish Voice for Peace stands at the forefront of the fight against antisemitism and for justice, emphasizing that opposing Zionism or criticizing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism. In a time when white supremacists and anti-Palestinian organizations exploit confusion to promote hatred, conflating these ideas harms the fight for justice and puts communities at risk.
The group highlights how campaigns by the Israeli government, U.S. government, and anti-Palestinian organizations aim to falsely equate criticisms of Israel with antisemitism to shield Israel from accountability for its human rights violations against Palestinians. This misrepresentation not only endangers advocates for Palestinian rights—who face job losses, online harassment, and even physical attacks—but also undermines broader intersectional movements for justice.
The Jewish Voice for Peace is clear: fighting for Palestinian freedom and against antisemitism are inseparable. Their unwavering commitment to both reflects their dedication to creating a world rooted in equality, accountability, and liberation for all. Read more here: https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/2023/11/09/antisemitism-dangerous/
Independent Jewish Voices (IJV), UJPO, and JFN Condemn New IHRA Handbook
Independent Jewish Voices (IJV), the United Jewish People’s Order (UJPO), and the Jewish Faculty Network (JFN) Steering Committee strongly oppose the release of a new handbook providing guidelines for the controversial International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) redefinition of antisemitism. Mandated by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2021, the handbook was issued by Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism, Deborah Lyons.
The groups argue that the IHRA definition conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism, promoting anti-Palestinian racism while undermining efforts to combat genuine antisemitism. They assert that the handbook threatens advocates for Palestinian rights and call for its immediate retraction, urging Canadians to reject its implementation as unsuitable for addressing antisemitism and protecting free political expression. Read the statement here.(https://www.ijvcanada.org/canadas-ihra-handbook-threatens-both-palestinians-and-jews/)
On May 9, 2024, Sheryl Nestel, on behalf of Independent Jewish Voices (IJV), submitted a study to the Justice Committee of the House of Commons challenging statistical reports that equate criticism of Israel with antisemitism, arguing that such conflations exaggerate the actual threat of Jew hatred.
“Jewish opinion in Canada is diverse, and that diversity deserves to be heard by our representatives in government,” the submission states. “Any claim that Canadian Jews hold a single opinion on antisemitism or Israel must be viewed with skepticism. We reject the claim that strong criticism of Israel or even opposition to political Zionism is a form of antisemitism.” Read the full submission here.
We Can't Be Silent
We need to hold our politicians accountable for applying international law, and on the urgent work at hand, as per UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albaneserecommendations. The Special Rapporteur recommends that member states:
- Immediately implement an arms embargo on Israel, as well as other economic and political measures necessary to ensure an immediate and lasting ceasefire and to restore respect for international law, including sanctions;
- Support South Africa, having resorted to the UNSC under Article94(2) of the UN Charter following Israel’s non-compliance with the ICJ measures;
- Act to ensure a thorough, independent and transparent investigation of all violations of international law committed by all actors, including those amounting to war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of genocide;
- Holding accountable Israel, as well as States that have been complicit in the Gaza genocide, and adopting measures for prevention and full reparations;
- Address the situation in Palestine and stand ready to implement diplomatic, economic and political measures provided under the United Nations Charter in case of non-compliance by Israel;
- Deploy temporarily an international protective presence to constrain the violence routinely used against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory;
- Refund UNRWA.