Palestinian rights advocates are raising their voices against a resolution passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives that equates anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism. The measure, which received a 311-14 vote, with 92 Democratic members abstaining, has been criticized as a dangerous attempt to curb free speech and divert attention from the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The resolution was framed as a rejection of the rise of anti-Semitism worldwide but contained language stating that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism. It also condemned the slogan “From the River to the Sea,” which Palestinian rights advocates view as a call for equality in historic Palestine. However, the resolution described it as a rallying cry for the eradication of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. Additionally, it labeled demonstrators who called for a ceasefire in Washington, DC as “rioters” who amplified anti-Semitic themes.
Advocates argue that the resolution aims to silence and vilify Palestinian rights advocates by accusing them of bigotry and hate speech for their criticism of Israeli policies. Husam Marajda, an organizer with the US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), expressed concern that the resolution sets a dangerous precedent by criminalizing the Palestinian liberation struggle and their call for justice, peace, and equality.
Zionism, a nationalist ideology that played a role in the establishment of the state of Israel, is at the center of the controversy. While Zionists argue for the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in historic Palestine, many Palestinians reject Zionism, viewing it as the driving force behind their dispossession during Israel’s founding. The establishment of Israel coincided with the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, known as the Nakba or “catastrophe.”
Palestinian rights supporters in the US have long emphasized that opposing the policies of the Israeli government and criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s extremism is not anti-Semitic. They argue for the importance of speaking up for human rights and calling for a ceasefire to save lives. The resolution’s attempt to equate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism disregards the complexity of the issue and pits communities against each other, according to Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and other advocacy groups.
The resolution further exposed divisions among Democrats over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. While the party’s progressive wing has pushed for a ceasefire, President Joe Biden and the majority of congressional Democrats have refrained from taking a similar stance. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that a significant portion of Democratic voters considered Israel’s response to be excessive and supported a ceasefire.
Critics argue that Republicans have seized on these divisions to bring the Democratic schism to the forefront. By accusing Democrats who vote against pro-Israel measures of being anti-Israel or anti-Semitic, Republicans create a political dilemma for their counterparts. Lawmakers who oppose such measures risk upsetting their base, while supporting them may lead to attacks from Republicans.
The resolution’s passing has sparked outrage among Palestinian rights advocates who see it as an attempt to smear and silence activists calling for an end to the violence against Palestinians. They maintain that opposing Zionism does not equate to hating Jewish people and that their criticisms of the Israeli government’s policies should not be condemned.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, the debate surrounding the resolution highlights the ongoing tensions between different factions within the US government and the broader international community. The resolution’s impact on free speech and the perception of Israel’s actions in Gaza will likely be closely watched moving forward.
