THREAD: 1/ A plea for Jewish common sense. Some people fight antisemitism by building alliances with other minorities and learning how discrimination plays out in multiple ways. These people are right. Others fight antisemitism by defending Zionism. These people are wrong. 
2/ The Campaign Against Antisemitism @antisemitism was set up in August 2014, following Israel’s assault on Gaza which left more than 2,000 Palestinians dead (including more than 500 children) and more than 10,000 injured. 67 Israeli soldiers were killed & 7 Israeli civilians.
3/ Rather than consider the root causes of the deaths, like why so many Palestinians are crammed into a tiny strip in the first place, or examining the impact of 100 yrs of Zionism on Palestinian rights, @antisemitism chose to focus on growing hostility towards Israel in the UK.
4/ . @antisemitism has vilified boycott & divestment campaigns in support of Palestinian rights; promoted the weak and divisive @TheIHRA definition of antisemitism; and spent 3 years accusing @jeremycorbyn of being an antisemite. Now, it’s going further...
5/ A new report by @antisemitism claims that for the first time it has proved that antisemitism is a bigger issue on the left than the right, and the biggest offenders are Corbyn supporters. It’s done this by combining anti-Zionism and traditional understanding of antisemitism.
6/ It’s part of a wider campaign to make criticism of Israel and solidarity with the Palestinian people next to impossible. Meanwhile, right wing antisemitism, which can go hand in hand with support for Israel, is played down. Casual observers are left more confused than ever.
7/ The same thinking and strategy was in use this week with @chiefrabbi Mirvis’ prejudiced intervention into the election campaign. patheos.com/blogs/writingf…
8/ We need a more truthful and open debate about Judaism, Zionism, and Jewish identity in the 21st century and how the creation of Israel has changed the Jewish condition in ways as fundamental as the expulsion from Spain in 1492 and the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
9/ Instead we get a shallow, nationalist driven agenda that refuses to acknowledge that Zionism has created winners and losers, and without doubt, victims. By insisting Zionism is only a righteous endeavour, we perpetuate myths and lies which are bad for everyone.
10/ Next Sunday (8 Dec) Campaign Against Antisemitism is organising another anti-Labour rally in Westminster as a final pre-election smear. I urge my fellow British Jews to stay away. There are better ways to fight antisemitism than defending Zionism.
11/ Instead, spend the time learning about how other groups experience prejudice and discrimination in our communities and abroad. And especially study what Zionism has meant to Palestinians. If we all do this, we will be better equipped to recognise and fight antisemitism.
12/ The Campaign Against Antisemitism has nothing of value to offer in the battle against racism until it can develop a nuanced and honest reading of Zionism. Its new report just adds to the political mess it has already helped to create.
13/ The greatest challenge facing Jews in the 21st century is our relationship to the Palestinian people. Right now, we’re destroying hope for a peaceful future in Israel/Palestine. So, fight against antisemitism by working for equality 4 all. And Boycott the CAA rally.
