Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism: A Brief Look at The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Ministry to the Jewish people is affected by the conflict in the Middle East, especially when tensions escalate. Conflict in the Middle East offers us even more opportunities to talk about our hope for peace centered in Messiah Jesus. As we focus on the Jewish people, we also want to help Christians understand what is happening and how to talk to their Jewish friends during these conflicted times.
Because of Anna Beth’s experience with both the Palestinian and Jewish communities in Israel and locally, I have asked her to educate our friends, supporters, and prayer partners on the current dispute in Israel. She writes:
Last month you likely heard something in the news about a huge flare-up in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. What you heard about that conflict is largely determined by where you heard it. A new friend asked me last month, “Can I trust the news about Israel?” My answer: “Which news?”
It is important to remember that all media is inherently biased, especially around such inflammatory issues. There are vastly different narratives around this conflict, and we must learn to discern. We have been receiving many questions regarding the conflict in recent weeks. A pastor asked,
“I was wondering if you might have a few minutes for a phone call. I’m receiving a ton of questions about Israeli apartheid accusations, and I could use some help and any resources. I’ve been doing a ton of research, but everything is so slanted. If you can’t, I totally understand, just thought I would check with you.”
Let’s start by looking at what really happened this Spring.
What Happened in Israel Last Month?
The answer is in some ways straightforward and in other ways very nuanced and complex. Most media coverage of the current violence began in mid-May with either 1) Hamas shooting rockets at Israel, or 2) with Israel bombing Gaza. Very few if any outlets covered the socio-political tensions that compounded to lead up to this point.
This conflict has deep roots that trace back for thousands of years. It has historical, spiritual, religious, social, geographical, and political elements that need to be addressed for a well-rounded view.
Here is a quick point-by-point recap of the events from last month that lead to an international blowup of Israel-Palestine coverage in the news, anti-Israel protests, and a wave of antisemitic violence across the world.
Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority (PA) which governs the West Bank, is currently 16 years into his “4-year term.” Under international pressure, he finally agreed to set a date for summer elections in 2021.
Analysts noted a sharp rise in antisemitic rhetoric and incitement in March and April coming from the Palestinian authority, a last-ditch effort by Abbas to increase his popularity. Vying for votes, Hamas (the terrorist organization controlling Gaza) followed suit.
Ramadan began on April 12th, fueling more anti-Israel and anti-Jewish incitement. A social media challenge to “attack a Jew” became popular, with mobs of Arabs in Israel assaulting Jews and uploading it to Tik Tok, a social media platform.
Hamas then launched at least 44 rockets and explosive-laden balloons from Gaza at Israeli communities.
Abbas announced the indefinite postponing of Palestinian elections, and factions sowed more chaos in Jerusalem.
At the same time, a global, Palestinian-led propaganda campaign had taken shape. The whole world was suddenly talking about a dragged-out legal dispute over 4-6 homes in Sheikh Jarrah, a mostly Arab neighborhood in Jerusalem.
In the following days, crowds of more than 100,000 Arabs gathered on the Temple Mount, waving Hamas flags, calling for massacres of Jews and the bombing of Tel Aviv. Rocks and fireworks were stored inside of Al Aqsa Mosque and then used to attack Israeli forces. The police responded with riot dispersion tactics and entered Al Aqsa to stop the violence.
Hamas and supporters then began spreading incendiary claims that “Al Aqsa was under attack.” Hamas used this false claim as a pretext to fire over 4,000 rockets at Israel from Gaza, indiscriminately targeting civilians.
Israel responded with intense, targeted strikes against Hamas’ terror infrastructure.
As a result of the violence, 256 were killed in Gaza and 13 in Israel. After 11 days of fighting, a cease-fire was reached. Hamas illogically announced its “victory” over Israel and held military parades in the streets of Gaza.
Regarding the Recent Rise of Antisemitism
We received this email a few weeks ago:
“I have become a person who no longer watches the news...However, I hear snatches of conversations here and there about an increase in Jewish persecution in this country and in the world. I would like to know more about this and I wonder if you could address this subject in your next newsletter. I will be praying for an end to any persecution of Jews.”
After the recent events, the world has continued - and I believe will continue - to vilify Israel. A narrative has emerged which 1) ignores Israel’s need to defend itself and its continued attempts to avoid civilian casualties, 2) disregards Hamas’ double war crimes: firing weapons towards civilians, as well as firing from and storing weapons in civilian areas, and, 3) discounts thousands of years of Jewish history.
Mainstream media, talk show hosts, influencers and celebrities began spreading regurgitated anti-Israel arguments without context. They took the little they do know about the region, mixed in with popular buzzwords like “racism,” “apartheid,” “genocide,” and “colonization”…and a false, dangerous, and very compelling narrative was born.
Some of these influencers have more Instagram followers than Jews exist in the world! In mid-May, Anti-Israel or “Anti-Zionist”/Pro-Palestinian protests erupted all over the world. Slogans like “Free Palestine,”“Zionism is murder” and even “We need a new Holocaust” or “Hitler was right” were trending on Twitter. In just a few days, violent antisemitic attacks rose by an alarming ~500% worldwide.
What is “Zionism”?
There are many definitions for “Zionism” out there, and for some it has become a “dirty” word with a lot of baggage. Minority groups should be able to define themselves and to define their own discrimination. In that spirit: According to various Zionist organizations, Zionism is defined as the belief in the right of the Jewish people to self-determination in their national homeland. It is not about conquering land or other peoples.
Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism
Mainstream media likes to draw a distinction between antisemitism (hatred of Jews) and anti-Zionism (the ideological position that Israel should not exist in its current state). However, Anti-Zionist rhetoric all-too-often crosses the line from criticizing Israel, to singling it out and criticizing Israel more than any other nation in the world, to denying Israel’s very right to exist.
“Anti-Zionism” is not simply a critique of the Israeli government or their policies. If that were so, most Israelis would be ‘anti-Zionists.’ Israel is NOT perfect. But Israel is a democracy with freedom of speech and press. Israelis are extremely, vocally critical of their own government.
Haters of Israel often say that they “have no problem with Jews, just with Zionists.” The problem is that over 90% of Jews would be considered Zionists. “Anti-Zionism” is the new ‘social justice’ flag under which antisemitism can galvanize.
Why in the name of “freeing Palestine” in 2021 are synagogues being vandalized, protesters waving swastikas, and Jews being beaten up on the streets of western countries? These Jewish people have nothing to do with the actions of Israel, a foreign nation. Why are they being attacked in anti-Israel protests?
These attacks are not just about criticizing the Israeli government (which at times deserves criticism, as does every government in the world). The same people who are inflamed over the actions of Israel towards Palestinians are silent on other infinitely more grievous examples of what they claim are human rights violations. I love and deeply believe in a better future for the Palestinian people. But should this be the way to achieve justice for them?
How Should We Respond?
Jewish people around the world are experiencing very real fear. A significant number of Jews in Europe and North America are currently applying for citizenship in Israel, even though it has been under rocket fire. They are terrified of being targeted.
Now is the time to reach out to our Jewish friends, neighbors and coworkers. Have questions about how to start a conversation? We are here to help! Now is the time to stand with Israel, mourn with those who mourn on both sides, and to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).
We can uphold truth, standing with the Jewish state, while also having compassion for the suffering of the Palestinian people. We must pray for healing and salvation for Israelis and for Palestinians. God loves them both. The only true, lasting peace in the Middle East will come from Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
For a very helpful overview of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a Christian perspective, we recommend the newly released documentary, Hope in The Holy Land. We know the creator, a Jewish believer in Jesus. Watch it at hopeintheholyland.com!
Do you want to learn more? We are available to come to your church, small group or Bible study to share more about the biblical, spiritual and political origins and future of this conflict. Contact our office for more information!