Ask Haviv Anything Episode 61: Is criticizing Israel antisemitic?
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Nov 19, 2025 Dive into the complex discussion around whether critiquing Israel crosses into antisemitism. Explore how genuine criticism differs from attacks on Jewish existence and Israel's legitimacy. Examine the disproportionate global focus on Israel's actions compared to other conflicts, and how social media can amplify selective outrage. Haviv warns of the biases in activism that overlook broader atrocities while reiterating that legitimate concerns about civilian deaths are valid. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the fine line between critique and denial of Jewish self-determination.
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Critique Versus Denial Of Peoplehood
- Criticism of Israeli policies or leaders is not inherently anti-Semitic according to Haviv Rettig Gur.
- Anti-Semitism arises when criticism denies Jewish peoplehood or the legitimacy of Jewish self-determination.
Personal Record Of Legitimate Critique
- Haviv cites his own decades of critique of Israeli leaders as evidence that criticizing Israel need not be anti-Semitic.
- He stresses he has criticized policies fiercely without expressing anti-Jewish bigotry.
Contesting Jewish Nationhood
- Many core pro-Palestinian activists contest the idea of Jews as a people capable of self-determination.
- Denying Jewish nationhood or insisting Jews are only religious adherents negates their claim to a state and becomes bigotry.