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What is an appropriate way to criticize the policies and actions of the State of Israel and the influence of the Pro-Israel lobby without being antisemitic?

Asked by gorillapaws (30518points) July 17th, 2019

I’m aware of the antisemitic tropes about Jews. I’m aware that many Jews are particularly sensitive to this topic due to being the victims of antisemitism. That said, the State of Israel is not the same thing as Judaism. Crtiticising Netanyahu’s policy, speech or actions isn’t the same thing as criticizing people based on their faith or ethnicity.

There is a very real Pro Israel lobby in the US and it plays a large role in US politics:

“One of, if not the most, powerful international issue lobby is that of the pro-Israel crowd. Well-financed and politically powerful, the pro-Israel lobby is a major force on American foreign affairs that looks to continue America’s military and fiscal support of the Jewish nation-state.”

Many on the left have a problem with politicians taking money from all lobbyists and special interests (including the pro-Israel lobby). They also have major problems with both the human rights violations and violations of international law taking place by the State of Israel and it’s extreme right wing leadership.

There has been a very cynical effort to weaponize antisemitism against critics of Israel’s policies and actions. This is being directed at people who are not antisemitic and many happen to support Bernie Sanders—a man who would be the first Jewish president. It is my belief that this is being done with the intent to create a chilling effect on speech critical of Israel.

So how does someone speak critically of the pro-Israel lobby without upsetting people who have been the victims of antisemitism?

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