Newark Activists: ‘Criticizing Israel Doesn’t Make You Antisemitic’

NEWARK, NJ — Is criticizing Israel’s government the same as being “antisemitic?” Not according to the Newark-based People’s Organization for Progress (POP), which issued a statement about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war on Thursday.

Tensions over the war continue to rise in New Jersey, with a wave of protests – both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine – taking place across the state.

The debate has been especially heated in Essex County, which is the home turf of the POP, a social justice group that led a massive rally in Newark after George Floyd’s murder in 2020. See Related: 5 Inspiring Glimpses Into Newark's George Floyd Protest

Here’s what the POP had to say about the Israel-Palestine debate this week:

“We hold that criticism of government policy is protected free speech no matter which government is being criticized. Thus, be it the U.S. government, the Israeli government, the Chinese government, the Nigerian government, the French government, the Brazilian government, or the Vatican government. We defend the fundamental right of individuals, and press organizations, to exercise this right whether we agree or disagree with the particular criticism. No government can rightly claim a shield from vocal criticism.”

“Unfortunately, we are witnessing an active campaign to shield the Israeli government from criticism by labeling criticism of the Israel government ‘antisemitic,’” the group said.

“We firmly oppose antisemitism, and other forms of religious, racial, or ethnic bigotry,” the POP continued. “However, being critical of the Israeli government is not hostility to the Jewish people – just as criticism leveled at the Chinese government cannot be equated with anti-Asian hate or hostility.”

The group included the following call to action:

“We call upon government officials, at all levels (municipal, county, state, and federal), community and faith leaders, and citizens, to uphold and protect the fundamental right to scrutinize and criticize government policy. Governments claim great powers to deprive people of freedom, property, and life. Governmental action (or inaction) can cause great harms through warfare that is destructive to human life, our environment, and our shared future. We call for a firm commitment to freedom of speech and conscience.”

According to the POP, its members feel the same way about African-American U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who has been accused of accepting financial benefits from wealthy donors who have interests before the Supreme Court.

“Despite the U.S. history of racism targeting people of African descent, Justice Thomas cannot shield himself from such criticism by alleging his critics are racists,” the POP opined.

According to the POP, “free speech” isn’t an absolute right. Limits include the “denigration of individuals or groups” or inciting violence against them.

“However, this should in no way deter open questioning and scrutiny of government policies,” the POP asserted. “This is particularly important in our educational institutions where educators and students need to freely discuss and consider the ongoing warfare in Gaza and related concerns. Our educators are qualified and equipped to lead this inquiry, while protecting students from antisemitism, Islamophobia or other harmful bigotry.”

The POP’s statement comes a few days after the U.S. Department of Education opened an investigation into allegations of “discrimination involving shared ancestry” at Rutgers-Newark. Meanwhile, pro-Israel supporters have been putting pressure on Rutgers administrators to combat what they say is a troubling rise in antisemitism on campus. Read More: Feds Probe Alleged Discrimination At Rutgers Newark

Some advocates for the Jewish community have agreed that it’s not automatically “antisemitic” to criticize Israel’s policies – but add that it’s a complicated question to answer.

The Anti-Defamation League says that criticism of Israel “is not in and of itself antisemitic.” But contemporary anti-Zionism – which is often characterized by the vilification and ostracization of anyone who supports Israel’s mere existence – is definitely antisemitic, the group asserts.

And when discussing the controversial phrase “From the River to the Sea” – which has been chanted at pro-Palestine rallies in Newark – the American Jewish Committee has this to say:

“There is of course nothing antisemitic about advocating for Palestinians to have their own state. However, calling for the elimination of the Jewish state, praising Hamas or other entities who call for Israel’s destruction, or suggesting that the Jews alone do not have the right to self-determination, is antisemitic.”

“Political protests are an essential part of our democracy, and criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country is perfectly acceptable,” the American Jewish Committee states. “But when Jews are targeted and attacked and Jewish institutions are vandalized for Israeli policies and actions, it is unacceptable. It is antisemitism.”

Casualties and suffering have been heavy for Israelis and Palestinians alike as war rages in the Middle East. Read More: Israel-Hamas: How To Talk To Your Kids, Practice Self-Care

More than 1,200 Israelis were killed after Hamas launched a coordinated attack on Oct. 7, including civilians and children. Dozens of the deceased are U.S. residents, including some from New Jersey. It’s estimated that nearly 250 Israeli soldiers and civilians were also seized by Hamas and taken into Gaza as hostages – where many of them still remain.

• See Related: Bergen County 'Beautiful Boy' Killed In Israel Fighting, Family Says

Meanwhile, the latest death toll from Palestinian authorities stands at more than 18,000 people who have been killed in Gaza due to Israel's retaliatory air strikes and ground invasion –including thousands of children and civilians. Israel has cut off water and electricity in Gaza, raising an outcry from advocates and several humanitarian organizations.

• See Related: Israeli Forces Kill 10 Relatives Of NJ School Board Member

Protests and vigils continue to be held by pro-Israel and pro-Palestine supporters across New Jersey, where opinions about the war remain starkly divided.

Newark has been the site of multiple protests in support of Palestine, with activists recently gathering for a protest at City Hall, and later storming the office of U.S. Sen. Cory Booker to demand an immediate ceasefire.

• See Related: West Orange To Verona: Students Hold Pro-Palestine Walkout
• See Related: Thousands Demonstrate In NJ Town In Response To Hamas Attacks
• See Related: NJ Green Party Candidates Blast Menendez's Comments On Israel-Palestine
• See Related: Israel-Hamas: Vigil In Montclair Demands Release Of Hostages

Others have called for a ceasefire between the two sides and a renewed focus on the human cost of the war, pointing to a tragic civilian death toll that continues to rise.

• See Related: Senate Candidate From NJ Calls For Ceasefire In Israel-Gaza War
• See Related: Show Compassion For Israeli And Palestinian Families, NJ School Official Says

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