How to Combat Antizionism 101

Is Antizionism fair critique of Israel?

Is there a difference between Antizionism and Antisemitism? 

Does Antizionism matter and can you do anything about it?

Since October 7, the movement that birthed modern antizionism has been normalized into the largest media platforms, the Democratic Party, the NYC Mayor’s office, public schools and institutions, human rights organizations, and election campaigns in Colorado and Boulder. One election cycle ago, antizionism was the domain of mostly fringe candidates. This year, the Colorado Senate, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Boulder County Treasurer and Boulder City Council races all include ‘polite’ candidates sympathetic to antizionism, and they have many well-known supporters. 

But what is antizionism? Fortunately, a new generation of Jewish scholars, researchers, authors and activists are decoding antizionism and building a new vocabulary to challenge it. Until recently, Jewish challengers were not faring very well debating that antizionism is antisemitic. Now, the voices of Adam Louis-Klein, Shaul Kelner, Shai Davidai, Andrew Pessin and others – are succeeding with the case that antizionism is a racist hate ideology in its own right. Antizionists target the very existence of Israel for being inherently evil and blame Israelis and Jews everywhere for anything they hate about Israel. In Boulder, we know all too well where that hatred leads. We need to prevent the fire from spreading.

On May 28 at 6:30-8:00 p.m., Adam Louis-Klein’s Movement Against Antizionism is hosting an on-line training, How To Combat Antizionism 101:

“This training gives an introduction to antizionism as a contemporary form of Jew hatred, placing what we’re experiencing today within its historical context. We offer practical and different tools to directly confront and combat antizionist hate by directing our attention at its perpetrators, naming the cycle of abuse, and setting boundaries that protect ourselves and our community.”

Each of us needs to grasp this existential moment for Jewish peoplehood and its up to each of us to be equipped to counter antizionism wherever it appears. Locally, false narratives about Israel and Zionism are openly pushed in public and private places, almost daily. But serious education about Israeli history, Zionism and antizionism is unavailable.  

Click here to register for the May 28 training session.  Look here for updates to the schedule.