The argument that any criticism of Israel is antisemitic is a cheap way to shut down the conversation

The argument that any criticism of Israel is antisemitic is a cheap way to shut down the conversation

The shooting at the Belz school in Montreal this week was a shocking and disgusting display of antisemitism. Stating that any criticism of Israel — or Benjamin Netanyahu — is also antisemitic is offensive to victims of actual antisemitic acts like this one. No state or government is beyond reproach.

The argument that any criticism of Israel is antisemitic is a cheap way to shut down the conversation. What’s equally idiotic is the notion that feeling empathy for Palestinians automatically makes you a Hamas supporter. You can condemn Hamas for their terrorist act on Oct. 7 while supporting Palestinians’ liberation from apartheid. You can denounce antisemitism while decrying Netanyahu’s genocide.

Those making these dumbed-down, over-simplistic statements are intentionally trying to stifle the conversation and shut down critical thinking. It doesn’t advance any dialogue towards peace.

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