The ⁤Shifting Sands of the ‍Antisemitism Crusade: From Left-Liberal Cause to Right-Wing Weapon

By Adam Shatz

The fight against⁢ antisemitism, once ⁣a cornerstone of left-liberal activism, has undergone a dramatic and disquieting conversion. Today, the leading voices in this crusade are often ⁣found on the political right, a ⁣shift that has ⁣seen Israel gain an unexpected appeal among far-right movements in countries like France and Hungary. ⁣This evolution is not merely a matter of political realignment; it represents a strategic co-option of⁣ a vital cause, weaponized to serve agendas that often run counter to the very principles of equality and justice that historically defined the anti-antisemitism movement.

The current landscape is particularly jarring. We witness individuals who themselves have made deeply antisemitic statements, or who ‍associate with⁣ notorious antisemites like nick Fuentes and Kanye West, shamelessly leading ‍the⁤ charge against antisemitism.This phenomenon, as Adam Shatz, U.S. editor of the london Review of⁢ Books, observes, is “quite extraordinary.”

The roots of this shift can be traced back to the 1970s. Pro-Israel organizations and writers began a concerted campaign to promote the concept of a “new antisemitism,” which⁢ effectively conflated any ‍criticism of Israel’s policies-its occupation of Palestinian territories, its expansionist⁣ wars-with hatred of⁣ the Jewish ⁣people. This strategy aimed to smear anti-Zionism and legitimate critiques of Israel as⁣ inherently antisemitic, a tactic that has, in Shatz’s words, been “on steroids in the last decade or so.”

This weaponization of antisemitism has proven to be an incredibly potent tool for the far right. By leveraging the charge of antisemitism, these⁤ movements have found an effective means to undermine institutions thay already despise, including universities, democratic norms, and‍ policies supporting immigration. Antisemitism has become a powerful lever to dismantle what ⁣remains of⁣ democratic society. Far-right organizations across Europe⁢ have drawn ⁣inspiration from these tactics, reflecting a broader, interconnected “right-wing⁢ international.”

Beyond the strategic deployment of the⁤ antisemitism charge,⁤ there exists a deeper, more ideological attraction between far-right leaders and Israel. This attraction stems from⁢ Israel’s identity as an ethnonational state, built‍ upon principles of racial exclusion and policies ⁢of⁣ oppression, dispossession, and what many describe as apartheid. For leaders who champion deportations and the construction of walls, Israel is ‍perceived as ⁢a model. Its ethnonationalist framework,its emphasis on a singular national ⁣identity,and its policies of ⁢managing⁤ and excluding minority populations resonate strongly with the core tenets⁢ of many ⁢contemporary far-right movements.

The trajectory from ‍a left-liberal⁣ cause to‍ a right-wing instrument ⁣is a complex and troubling ⁣one, highlighting the need‍ for a nuanced understanding of antisemitism and its contemporary manifestations. As the discourse ⁣evolves, it is indeed‍ crucial to distinguish between legitimate criticism of ⁣state policies and the age-old prejudice that‍ has historically targeted Jewish people. The co-option of the fight against antisemitism by those who espouse exclusionary ideologies poses a significant threat, not onyl to the integrity of the anti-antisemitism movement but also to the broader struggle ‍for a just and equitable society.

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Adam Shatz ⁤is the U.S. editor‍ of the London review of Books. His latest piece is “The World Since October 7th.” He is also the author of⁤ “The Rebel’s Clinic: The Revolutionary Lives‍ of Frantz Fanon.”*