Members of the Juives et juifs révolutionnaires collective criticize in a Le Monde op-ed a bill aimed at combating renewed forms of antisemitism, accusing it of conflating antisemitism with anti-Zionism. They argue that this measure weakens the fight against antisemitism by pitting solidarity with Palestinians against the condemnation of racist acts. They advocate for a strong social response rather than a repressive policy.
A recent surge in antisemitic acts in France demands a robust social response, akin to that against any racism. Yet, the bill introduced by MP Caroline Yadan, affiliated with the Renaissance group, set for first reading at the National Assembly on Monday, January 26, faces opposition for its approach.
In an op-ed in Le Monde, members of the Juives et juifs révolutionnaires collective argue that this legislation, titled 'aimed at combating renewed forms of antisemitism,' exacerbates existing confusions. They note that certain antisemitic discourses masquerade as anti-Zionist critiques, attributing excessive power to 'Zionists' or the CRIF, or recycling racist myths like ritual crimes under the guise of condemning Israel.
The authors state: 'Far from helping to build a social consensus around the fight against antisemitism, [this proposal] contributes to weakening it by reinforcing the logics of confusion already at work.' They reject an artificial opposition between combating antisemitism and solidarity with Palestinians, fueled by actors from both left and right. Instead of criminalizing anti-Zionism, which could be vague and infringe on public freedoms, they urge unions, collectives, and left-wing parties to unequivocally condemn antisemitic themes to safeguard an authentic anti-colonial cause.
This critique highlights tensions in defining antisemitism amid the Middle East conflict, where spreading racist tropes only hinders peace and justice.
