I found this piece to be overly reaching and intellectually, as well as, factually dishonest. Rather than address identity as its own curse, it skirts the issue and, in result, portrays clearly the arrogance that has lead to centuries of repeated expulsions following repeated attempts to afford inclusion.

The term “antisemitism” is a false construct which serves only to blame others where a people (who are vastly non-Semitic)refuse to acknowledge the reasons why they become outcast… the arrogance and false sense of superiority carried through generation after generation.

“Antisemitism” is a term of such little value in addressing the perceptions of others toward Jewish people and, in fact, fosters increasingly negative perception as it is used to defend Zionism and counter any effort to expose and dismantle Zionism. Zionism fosters an ineffably flawed, yet powerful, manifestation of supremacy and of racism which magnifies a pre-existing cultural/racism.

In the “movement”, it is difficult for Jews to come forward in support or against something without proclaiming some separate and, intentionally or not, arrogant identifier. A prime example of this is the banners seen at protest marches and elsewhere reading, “Jews Say Black Lives Matter”. It would be more palatable if it were honest in proclaiming that “Some Jews Feel Black Lives Matter” because in the US and elsewhere there is history of racism, still ongoing, presented by Jews (among others). However, it is wholly unnecessary and unwarranted to create such separation. I cannot recall having ever seen banners proclaiming “Hindus Say Black Lives Matter” or “Muslims Say Black Lives Matter” or Methodists, Sioux, Greeks, Italians or….. So seldom have I ever seen a person list themselves as a humanitarian in similar fashion. I have, all too often, seen “Jewish Humanitarian… “. In the Jewish press or elsewhere, how often does one see “Hindu Doctor” or “Muslim Doctor” etc? How many times have you seen “Jewish Doctor” (or professor, scientist, CEO…)? There is an arrogance of separation and perceptual superiority ingrained in Jewish identity.

Until Jews reconcile these issues of identity, they will remain the strongest cause of their own isolation and the disdain they sense from the people around them.

(and, yes, call me self-hating or whatever ridiculous epithet helps you avoid reality)