Antisemitism vs. Legitimate Criticism of Israel: Where Is the Red Line?

There is widespread agreement that legitimate criticism of the State of Israel — like criticism of the policies and actions of any nation — is acceptable and does not cross over into the realm of antisemitism. However, “criticism” that demonizes Zionism (the national liberation movement of the Jewish people) and delegitimizes the very existence of Israel — that is another matter altogether. The problem is, how can the two be distinguished one from the other? The articles and video linked below provide some answers.
 
Quote: “One way is to recognize when those who criticize Israel invoke traditional anti-Jewish references, accusations and conspiracy theories. A clear-cut example is when Israelis are depicted using Nazi-era Der Stürmer-like stereotypes: i.e., hooked noses; bent over, dark, ugly, demonic figures. Or when Israelis are accused of crimes that are reminiscent of age-old anti-Jewish conspiracy theories — i.e. alleged Israeli/Jewish influence over governments and media and public thought; that a Jewish cabal (elders of Zion) is behind Israel’s strength…”
 
Sources: Wikipedia, ADL.org
 
Read a broad overview of this subject on Wikipedia. >>
 
Read “Response To Common Inaccuracy: Israel Critics are Anti-Semites” >>
 
Watch “Between Antisemitism and Legitimate Criticism of Israel” [7:35]. >>
 
Photo: Agencia EFE
 
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