Ilhan Omar (D-MN) has faced heavy criticism in recent weeks, with several of her statements and actions deemed as anti-Semitic. Just this week, appearing at a “Progressive Town Hall” event in Washington D.C., Omar stated that “So for me, I want to talk about the political influence in this country that says it is okay to push for allegiance to a foreign country.” The same accusation of “dual loyalty” against Jews has been made by Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), who joined Omar at the town hall event.
Many in the Democrat Party and the mainstream media repeatedly rush to shield those in their ranks who are accused of being anti-Semitic. Controversial rhetoric from Omar and Tlaib is either defended as legitimate condemnation of Israeli policy, redirected by stating that they are a target of Islamophobic attacks, or deflected by referring to alleged bigotry in the Republican Party.
Omar has a demonstrated history of targeted and inconsistent criticism of Israel, support of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement, association with other anti-Semites, and defense of terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Similarly, Tlaib has faced condemnation from Jewish groups over ties to a radical pro-Hezbollah and anti-Israel activist, her continued use of anti-Semitic tropes, and her support for a one-state solution. While such views are clearly despicable, and criticism of such words and actions are necessary, Omar and Tlaib are indicative of a deeper problem which must be addressed.
Anti-Semitism has existed for thousands of years, following a common pattern of explicit or implicit discrimination against Jews, aided by the majority, or permitted by onlookers who either shrugged their shoulders or turned away. The issue is that, like a virus, anti-Semitism mutates over time, becoming resistant to various forms of treatment.
We can all agree that neo-Nazis chanting “Jews will not replace us,” Jews being massacred in a Pittsburgh synagogue, violent attacks on Jews in Europe, or Jewish graves being desecrated with swastikas in France in recent weeks are clear examples of anti-Semitism. However, they are older and more recognizable symptoms of a disease that has continued to evolve.
Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib epitomize contemporary anti-Semitism, allowing the same virus of anti-Semitism to spread. Modern, contemporary anti-Semitism is devious. The lessons of open and blatant anti-Semitism are still fresh in our minds after the atrocities of the Holocaust. However, subtle and underhanded anti-Semitism drifts through the consciousness of society, hiding behind the thin veil of “anti-Israel” or “anti-Zionist” rhetoric. Using Israel as a loophole to escape accusations of anti-Semitism, despicable characters like Ilhan Omar or Rashida Tlaib can continue to use the image of the rich, powerful, blood-thirsty, conspiratorial Jew. All that is required for many to shrug their shoulders, or even rush to their defense, is to drape such disgusting rhetoric with an Israeli flag.
This dangerous strategy is allowed to continue by two additional factors. Firstly, many don’t understand the historical depth and breadth of anti-Semitism, and so fail to understand why some anti-Israel rhetoric is anti-Semitic. These people, somewhat understandably, then join the groups of shrugging shoulders or ardent defenders.
Secondly, many in the political sphere use accusations of anti-Semitism as a tool to be wielded against their enemies, while dismissing similar accusations against their allies. This does nothing but undermine the fight against anti-Semitism, allowing others to dismiss criticism as a “smear.”
While it is obvious that Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib are anti-Semitic, and Omar’s continued position on the Foreign Affairs Committee is laughably absurd, neither Omar nor Tlaib are the true problem. Omar tweeting that “Israel has hypnotized the world” or giggling about “Hezbollah” is clearly offensive, and Tlaib erasing Israel from a map with a post-it note marked “Palestine” is clearly objectionable. However, by focussing on such clear examples of bigotry, Omar and Tlaib also distract us from combating the deeper elements of anti-Semitism.
Anti-Semitism is kept alive by the many, not the few. Anti-Semitism is kept alive by the hoards of shrugging shoulders turning their backs. Anti-Semitism is kept alive by the continued legitimization of anti-Semitic rhetoric, masquerading as being “anti-Israel,” within political parties such as the Democrats in the United States, or the Labour Party in the United Kingdom. Anti-Semitism is kept alive by the mainstream media’s apologist attitude towards anti-Semites with whom they are generally politically aligned. Anti-Semitism is kept alive by those who use it is as a political weapon.
While we must continue to vocally condemn anti-Semitic rhetoric, it is crucial that we focus on the deeper problems which keep anti-Semitism alive. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib are symptoms of anti-Semitism, but they are not a cause. Unless we treat both the cause and the symptom, the virus of anti-Semitism will continue to spread.