We’ve reached a point where it’s impossible to separate Jew-hatred from Israel-hatred. If you single out and unfairly malign the world’s only Jewish state, you’re effectively going after Jews. Using Natan Sharansky’s famous three D test—demonization, double standards and delegitimization—it’s clear that most of the attacks on Israel today smack of antisemitism.
Instead of bemoaning this connection, we can turn the tables and use Israel to fight antisemitism. The stronger we can make the case for Israel, the better it will be for the Jews.
This requires changing our mindset. It’s not enough to get angry and express outrage. Instead of just fighting negatives, we need to think positive and project strength and confidence.
It also means being imaginative. We’re good at traditional tactics like calling out and condemning Jew-hatred and defending Israel because “the facts are on our side.” That may make us feel good, but it’s defensive. It conveys weakness. And it doesn’t really move the needle.
Here’s the reality: The world loves victims, and the Palestinians own victimhood. No matter how hard we try, no matter how much we tell everyone that Hamas hides rockets behind civilians to murder Jewish civilians, no matter how often we remind the world of Israeli peace offers that were rejected, we’ll never win the Victim Olympics.
For better or worse, Jews and Israel represent the more powerful side. That perception is hard-wired. No amount of outrage or condemnation will change it. So we might as well use it to our advantage.
For better or worse, Jews and Israel represent the more powerful side. That perception is hard-wired. No amount of outrage or condemnation will change it. So we might as well use it to our advantage.
What most people find credible about Jews and Israel is not victimhood but success. Yes, generally speaking Israel and Jews are very much about the restless, constant striving for success. You may find that notion blunt and stereotypical, but at least it’s credible and positive. It’s certainly more credible and positive than crying victimhood, no matter how justified those cries are.
But how do we use the success idea to fight antisemitism? Not through Start Up Nation and all the amazing things Israel does for the world. As much as we admire all those things, when used for PR purposes they smell like propaganda– as if it comes from Jews with an agenda.
If we want to make a real impact, we need to enlist not Jews but Arab Israelis. They have the credibility to turn the success idea into a progressive Israeli ideal.
There are thousands of Arab citizens throughout Israel who have made it because they live in the Jewish state. These are the best spokespeople we can hope for. They represent a direct rebuttal to Israel bashers who brand Israel as the world’s biggest oppressor of Arabs.
There are thousands of Arab citizens throughout Israel who have made it because they live in the Jewish state. These are the best spokespeople we can hope for.
That assertion is a blatant, dangerous lie. As a Jew born in an Arab country, I can tell you that the people who can best expose that lie are Arabs themselves.
Is Israel’s record with its Arab minority perfect? Hardly, just like America’s record with its own minorities is far from perfect. But despite the flaws, Arab citizens of Israel still enjoy the same rights and freedoms as Jewish citizens. Arab Israelis have served on the Israeli Supreme Court and are represented in Israel’s parliament. They are integrated in universities, hospitals and even the media. They have more rights and opportunities than Arabs living in Arab countries.
“I made it thanks to Israel” is a potent message, from Arab Israelis to the world.
Of course, it’s not a silver bullet. Nothing is. Nothing can eradicate the world’s oldest hatred. But we can aim to make progress with smart, credible ideas.
In the complicated field of shaping public opinion, enlisting Arabs to promote Israel would be progress, and it’s certainly good for the Jews.
How Do You Fight Antisemitism? With Arab Israelis
David Suissa
We’ve reached a point where it’s impossible to separate Jew-hatred from Israel-hatred. If you single out and unfairly malign the world’s only Jewish state, you’re effectively going after Jews. Using Natan Sharansky’s famous three D test—demonization, double standards and delegitimization—it’s clear that most of the attacks on Israel today smack of antisemitism.
Instead of bemoaning this connection, we can turn the tables and use Israel to fight antisemitism. The stronger we can make the case for Israel, the better it will be for the Jews.
This requires changing our mindset. It’s not enough to get angry and express outrage. Instead of just fighting negatives, we need to think positive and project strength and confidence.
It also means being imaginative. We’re good at traditional tactics like calling out and condemning Jew-hatred and defending Israel because “the facts are on our side.” That may make us feel good, but it’s defensive. It conveys weakness. And it doesn’t really move the needle.
Here’s the reality: The world loves victims, and the Palestinians own victimhood. No matter how hard we try, no matter how much we tell everyone that Hamas hides rockets behind civilians to murder Jewish civilians, no matter how often we remind the world of Israeli peace offers that were rejected, we’ll never win the Victim Olympics.
For better or worse, Jews and Israel represent the more powerful side. That perception is hard-wired. No amount of outrage or condemnation will change it. So we might as well use it to our advantage.
What most people find credible about Jews and Israel is not victimhood but success. Yes, generally speaking Israel and Jews are very much about the restless, constant striving for success. You may find that notion blunt and stereotypical, but at least it’s credible and positive. It’s certainly more credible and positive than crying victimhood, no matter how justified those cries are.
But how do we use the success idea to fight antisemitism? Not through Start Up Nation and all the amazing things Israel does for the world. As much as we admire all those things, when used for PR purposes they smell like propaganda– as if it comes from Jews with an agenda.
If we want to make a real impact, we need to enlist not Jews but Arab Israelis. They have the credibility to turn the success idea into a progressive Israeli ideal.
There are thousands of Arab citizens throughout Israel who have made it because they live in the Jewish state. These are the best spokespeople we can hope for. They represent a direct rebuttal to Israel bashers who brand Israel as the world’s biggest oppressor of Arabs.
That assertion is a blatant, dangerous lie. As a Jew born in an Arab country, I can tell you that the people who can best expose that lie are Arabs themselves.
Is Israel’s record with its Arab minority perfect? Hardly, just like America’s record with its own minorities is far from perfect. But despite the flaws, Arab citizens of Israel still enjoy the same rights and freedoms as Jewish citizens. Arab Israelis have served on the Israeli Supreme Court and are represented in Israel’s parliament. They are integrated in universities, hospitals and even the media. They have more rights and opportunities than Arabs living in Arab countries.
“I made it thanks to Israel” is a potent message, from Arab Israelis to the world.
Of course, it’s not a silver bullet. Nothing is. Nothing can eradicate the world’s oldest hatred. But we can aim to make progress with smart, credible ideas.
In the complicated field of shaping public opinion, enlisting Arabs to promote Israel would be progress, and it’s certainly good for the Jews.
Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.
Editor's Picks
Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review
The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC
What Ever Happened to the LA Times?
Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?
You’re Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House
No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center
Latest Articles
UCLA Accepts Recommendation on Adopting Institutional Neutrality
Ronen Shoval’s “Holiness and Society” Examines Collective Holiness and Jewish Political Thought
The Last Jewel of Elul: Craig Taubman’s Final Year of Reflection
The Honeymoon Away From War – a poem for Parsha Ki Teitzei
Anti-Israel Divestment Vote Fails at Chapman
A Bisl Torah – Reflecting Absence and Love
Culture
Settling in Space
Ode to an Apple Cake
Recipes for National Chicken Month
Nissim Black on His New Album and Life After Oct. 7
Trees Rerooted, Dry Bones Revived and the Elephant in the Room
Who Wrote the Torah?
Patriotism and National Responsibility in Israel and America
Israeli culture and national service has given me a renewed understanding of American identity.
Become Your BRAVE-ish Self!
Print Issue: BHL Opens Up | Sep 13, 2024
After the massacre of Oct. 7, acclaimed French author, philosopher and filmmaker Bernard-Henri Lévy felt compelled to defend the Jewish state. He talks to the Jewish Journal about his new book, “Israel Alone.”
Hollywood
Spielberg Says Antisemitism Is “No Longer Lurking, But Standing Proud” Like 1930s Germany
Young Actress Juju Brener on Her “Hocus Pocus 2” Role
Behind the Scenes of “Jeopardy!” with Mayim Bialik
Podcasts
Chef Jeffrey Kollinger: Spice of Life Catering, Gourmet Kosher Cooking and Chilean Sea Bass
Beth Ricanati: “Braided,” Breaking Bread and Challah Recipe
More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.