Anti-Semitism Disguised As Defending Palestinians - Opinion

Lawdan Bazargan
A member of the white nationalist group NatSoc Florida protests against U.S. support for Israel, in response to the war between Israel and Hamas, in Lady Lake, Florida, US, October 21, 2023.
A member of the white nationalist group NatSoc Florida protests against U.S. support for Israel, in response to the war between Israel and Hamas, in Lady Lake, Florida, US, October 21, 2023.

Defending the rights of the Palestinians should not turn into an anti-Semitic hate crusade, as we have witnessed since the Hamas terror attack on October 7.

In January 1991, as the Gulf War loomed, I was a college student in Italy, witnessing a tumultuous period in the Middle East. The eight-year-long Iran-Iraq War had just concluded in 1988, and it was evident that Iraq's military might stand no chance against the American-led coalition of 42 nations. However, to my astonishment, my Arab classmates, predominantly Lebanese and Syrians, were fervently cheering for Saddam Hussein, firmly convinced of his imminent triumph over the US and its allies.

When I expressed skepticism about Iraq's prospects against such overwhelming odds, they were resolute, insisting that "Saddam has a plan." Even as we watched the news, seeing Saddam's tanks and army being decimated, my classmates continued to chant "Allahu Akbar," confident that Saddam would soon launch an attack against the US and its allies. This anecdote illustrates the lengths to which people can go to protect one of their own, often disregarding basic principles of truth, facts, decency, and fairness.

This episode from my college days reveals a disturbing truth about how pride, honor, tribal loyalty, and culture can sometimes overshadow moral principles. Suddenly, Saddam Hussein's past transgressions seemed to fade into insignificance. The atrocities committed during the eight-year war against Iran, the invasion of Kuwait, the brutal treatment of the Kurdish people, and even the suffering inflicted upon his fellow Iraqis ceased to matter. What became paramount was Saddam's defiant stance against the United States and his refusal to withdraw troops from Kuwait.

People wearing anti-semitic clothes wave Nazi flags, as they protest outside the Tampa Convention Center where Turning Point USA’s (TPUSA) Student Action Summit (SAS) is being held, in Tampa, Florida, US, July 23, 2022.
People wearing anti-semitic clothes wave Nazi flags, as they protest outside the Tampa Convention Center where Turning Point USA’s (TPUSA) Student Action Summit (SAS) is being held, in Tampa, Florida, US, July 23, 2022.

Fast forward to today, and we find a troubling pattern of antisemitic protests sweeping across the world, all under the guise of defending the people of Gaza. These protests, while ostensibly about solidarity with Palestinians, have taken on a disturbingly anti-Semitic and anti-US tone. It is essential to separate legitimate criticism of Israeli policies from the blatant hatred directed at Jews, as these protests frequently conflate the two.

Furthermore, it is concerning to note that some pro-Gaza protesters openly express support for terrorist groups like Hamas, the Houthi rebels, and Hezbollah, glorifying the brutal attacks of October 7, 2023, and chanting slogans like “from the river to the sea, Palestinians will be free,” and "Jihad." These slogans are not innocent chants.

Michael Calvin McGee, a scholar known for his work on the role of ideology and ideographs in political discourse, underscores ideology's subtle and pervasive nature within language and discourse, reminding us that even seemingly innocuous interactions can carry underlying political implications. Understanding this aspect of language is essential for recognizing how ideology shapes our perceptions and behaviors in society. 

Hamas, the Houthi rebels, and Hezbollah have been designated as terrorist groups by various countries and international bodies due to their involvement in acts of violence, terrorism, and the promotion of extremist ideologies. Associating with such groups and glorifying them undermines the credibility of the protests and raises serious security concerns.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, near the Israeli embassy in London, Britain, October 9, 2023.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, near the Israeli embassy in London, Britain, October 9, 2023.

Hamas and other Gaza militants captured some 250 people during their deadly October 7 attack on southern Israel. They killed some 1,200 other people, most of them civilians, and have been responsible for launching rocket attacks on Israeli civilian population, leading to the loss of innocent lives on both sides. The Houthi rebels in Yemen have caused a humanitarian catastrophe with their violent actions, while Hezbollah has been involved in numerous acts of terrorism across the Middle East. Chanting "Jihad" in support of these groups sends a chilling message and undermines any legitimate grievances related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

These developments should serve as a wake-up call to those participating in or sympathizing with such protests. While it is essential to advocate for the rights and well-being of Palestinians, aligning with extremist groups only deepens the divisions and exacerbates the suffering of all parties involved. Peaceful dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable paths toward a lasting resolution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and they should be prioritized over expressions of hatred and support for terrorism.

The situation in Gaza is undoubtedly complex, marked by a long history of conflict and suffering on both sides. Palestinians have endured hardships, and their plight deserves attention and empathy. However, using their suffering as a pretext for anti-Semitic expressions and actions is inexcusable.

The protests around the world have seen an alarming rise in incidents of anti-Semitism. Synagogues have been vandalized, Jewish businesses targeted, and innocent Jewish individuals harassed. This wave of hatred against Jews is unjustifiable and condemnable. It is vital to emphasize that being critical of Israeli government policies should never be a license for bigotry or hatred toward Jews as a whole.

Just as my Arab classmates rallied behind Saddam Hussein in the face of his transgressions, we are witnessing a similar phenomenon on a global scale. Protesters, driven by their convictions or misled, are prioritizing their cause above all else, even at the expense of perpetuating hatred against an entire community. This parallels the selective amnesia displayed by my classmates, who chose to ignore Saddam's actions in favor of his defiance against the United States.

It is essential to call out and condemn these actions unequivocally. Combating anti-Semitism should be a collective effort, irrespective of one's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We must recognize that anti-Semitism, like any form of hatred, erodes the moral fabric of society, leading to violence, discrimination, and division.

Education and dialogue are crucial to addressing this issue effectively. People should be encouraged to engage in respectful conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, acknowledging its complexities and seeking peaceful solutions. It is essential to recognize that specific Quranic verses, such as those related to the Battle of Khaybar, contain elements of "hate speech." Muslims must embrace the imperative of letting go of grievances that have persisted for centuries, particularly those stemming from historical conflicts involving Prophet Mohammad and Jewish tribes.

Indeed, it is disconcerting that certain individuals find it acceptable to chant "from the river to the sea." Millions of dollars in Qatari aid flew into Gaza to enhance its inhabitants' lives. Regrettably, these funds were misappropriated by Hamas, who diverted resources toward tunnel construction, acts of aggression against Israel, and the abduction of innocent civilians. This support for terrorist entities must be brought to an end, fostering an environment conducive to peace and stability.

It is disheartening to see the legacy of hatred and tribal loyalty repeating itself in today's world, with anti-Semitic protests cloaked as support for Gaza. It is incumbent upon all of us to denounce anti-Semitism and ensure that the pursuit of justice for any group does not come at the expense of fostering hatred towards another.

The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily the views of Iran International