Yossi Klein Halevi: Delegitimization Is anti-Semitism

Israeli journalist and author Yossi Klein Halevi, discussing “The Delegitimization of Israel” on June 6, denounced the boycott movement against Israel and said that delegitimization is the “next expression of classical anti-Semitism.”

He spoke at the 10th anniversary celebration of StandWithUs, a pro-Israel organization, held at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Approximately 180 people attended the event.

During his 45-minute lecture, Halevi, a contributing editor for the New Republic, highlighted the endurance of anti-Semitism.

“The durability of anti-Semitism to even survive Auschwitz is almost as remarkable as the Jews’ ability to survive Auschwitz,” Halevi said.

Addressing Israeli-Palestinian border disputes, Halevi said it is “fair game” to argue that Israel should return to the 1967 borders. Last month, during a speech on the United States’ Middle East policy, President Barack Obama said the U.S. supports Israel’s return to the 1967 borders with the Palestinians. But, he said, talk of “ ’48 borders” is “delegitimization.”

Reinforcing that Israel’s problems extend beyond the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians, Halevi said that a war between Israel and Iran, and Iran-proxy Hezbollah, might be unavoidable.