Antisemitism vs. Reasonable Opposition to Israeli Policy

Posts like this one from Lincoln Mitchell tend to be ineffective at best, in my opinion, when they suggest there's a problem with progressive anti-Semitism and don't provide specifics. 

His post suggests that there is a "constant drumbeat" of bigoted remarks "in the comment section of ... 'progressive' websites."  The implication is that lefty blogs are overrun with commenters who are saying there's " a Jewish cabal driving American foreign policy" (to use his words.)

He adds:  "The notion that one can be critical of Israeli policy without being anti-Semitic is, of course, true. Many, if not most, American Jews are critical of various aspects of Israeli policy while being far from anti-Semitic."

Fair enough.  The problem is that he doesn't provide any examples of fair or bigoted speech.  Which comments are reasonable criticisms of Israeli policy, and which does he feel cross the line?  He doesn't say.  The end result is another post whose overall point is unclear.  Does he think progressive anti-Semitism is a real concern, or is he just offended by a few ugly comments?

It's hard for the reader to know.  I've certainly read an occasional anti-Semitic-sounding comment that set my teeth on edge.  I've found them to be pretty rare - more like a stray rim shot here and there than a "constant drumbeat."  But I don't read everything and of course I could be wrong.

There are those who hope to suppress open debate with charges of anti-Semitism.  If Lincoln Mitchell does not want to be counted among them  - and I don't think that's his intent - then he needs to 1) link to posts that he feels contain such comments, and 2) identify those that he feels are anti-Semitic.  That permits the reader to judge for her- or himself, and avoids the risk of tainting an entire online community (progressive, in this case) with unfair suggestions of bigotry.  It might even help some commenters learn that their speech can be hurtful.

Specifics, please.  Let's not tar everyone with the behavior of a few.

Comments

[donna wagner]

Here's a specific......Isreal, if you want to bully the mideast do it on your dime. You little "dismantleing" of those 2 outposts only to let them rebuild, do you think the world is going to fall for that?? Never again.