by Adam Milstein
We do not give adequate attention to the developing alliance between the radical Left and radical Islam
It seems that anti-Semitic views are increasingly being accepted in mainstream American political discourse.
Anti-Semitism can currently be found among
three different groups, two of which recently joined forces. The first
is the radical Right, which almost everyone recognizes and denounces.
Rooted in traditional Christian anti-Semitism, its legacy stretches from
the Spanish Inquisition through the Nazis to the Klu Klux Klan.
The second is radical Islam, which has
harbored anti-Semitic beliefs as part of its traditional hatred of
infidels, in particular the Jews, for thousands of years. This hatred
took on greater significance with Israel's founding and as a result of
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Finally, modern anti-Semitism can be found
among members of the radical Left, which sees Israel as a symbol of
American and Western imperialism, aggressive military rule and the
violation of human rights.
We do not give adequate attention to the
developing alliance between the radical Left and radical Islam – two
groups that, despite their seemingly incompatible worldviews,
collaborate against Israel and the Jews. This strange alliance can be
explained by the theory of intersectionality adopted by many in the far
Left. According to this theory, groups that consider themselves
neglected and discriminated against must come together to fight against
each of those groups' supposed enemies.
Those who represent radical Islam have
succeeded in tying their hatred of Israel to the theory of
intersectionality and as a result have brought anti-Semitic ideas into
mainstream discourse. They present this hatred as concern for
Palestinian rights as they depict Israel as a scourge of humanity that
must be fought by all those who favor progress. These people are
succeeding in their efforts to depict Israeli Jews as white despots,
despite the fact that the majority of Israeli Jews did not come from
Europe. They see Muslims, and Palestinians in particular, as neglected
and oppressed.
The alliance between the radical Left and
radical Islam is especially destructive in that it presents those on the
Left with a clear choice: Support Israel and be excluded from leftist
circles and human rights organizations, or join the anti-Semitic
anti-Israel campaign. Is it any wonder, then, that a majority of young
American Jews are turning against Israel?
Radical Islamists and radical leftists have
succeeded in creating an alternative reality, in which Jews have no
right to self-determination and Israel is the world's greatest violator
of human rights.
In most cases, behind the hatred of Israel
lies an anti-Semitic ideology in disguise. We must remove anti-Semitism
from mainstream discourse and push it back into the shadows. We must
also show people that radical Islam is the enemy, not just of Israel,
but of the United States, the West and the radical Left that has adopted
it.
Adam Milstein is chairman of the board of the Israeli-American Council.
Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/a-dangerous-deceit/
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