against indipendent journalism, accademic studies, peace and equality movements

"Hasbara" refers to Israel's public relations efforts aimed at shaping international perceptions of the country, particularly regarding its policies and actions. Levy explains that while "hasbara" is primarily directed outwardly, towards the international community, a similar form of propaganda exists within Israel itself.

Within Israel, Levy describes a form of systematic indoctrination or "brainwashing" that begins from early childhood. He explains that individuals are raised with a set of values and beliefs that portray Israelis as perpetual victims, inherently right in their actions, and exempt from universal standards of law and morality. This indoctrination instills a sense of victimhood, entitlement, and exceptionalism among Israelis, which justifies actions such as the occupation of Palestinian territories.

Levy contrasts "hasbara," which aims to defend Israel's actions to the outside world, with the deeper and more pervasive form of indoctrination that exists within Israeli society. He describes how this indoctrination shapes individuals' worldviews and perceptions, making it difficult for them to see alternative perspectives or question the prevailing narrative.

Levy also criticizes the role of the Israeli media in perpetuating this indoctrination, suggesting that it serves as a significant collaborator in shaping and reinforcing the dominant narrative.

Overall, Levy argues that the systematic indoctrination within Israeli society goes beyond mere propaganda ("hasbara") and operates at a deeper level, influencing individuals' beliefs and perceptions from a young age. He highlights the challenges in helping people see through this indoctrination and recognize the truth behind the prevailing narratives.

ADL has been known to express strong support for the State of Israel, and it may involve itself in issues related to Israel's reputation. Some critics argue that the organization is quick to label criticism of Israel as anti-Semitic, potentially stifling legitimate debate and criticism of Israeli government policies.

The ADL's positions on issues related to Israel can influence public perception. Critics argue that the organization's stance sometimes aligns closely with the Israeli government, contributing to the perception that it is involved in defending Israel against criticism.

The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement is a nonviolent, grassroots movement that advocates for various forms of boycott and economic pressure on Israel until it complies with international law and respects Palestinian rights. BDS targets Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, its system of apartheid, and the denial of Palestinian refugees' right to return to their homes.

ADL's opposition to the BDS movement does not equate to combating anti-Semitism. BDS is a legitimate form of nonviolent protest against Israel's policies and should be protected as free speech. Accusing BDS of hate or anti-Semitism is a way to delegitimize legitimate criticism of Israel's actions.

Here are several reasons why this accusation is viewed as unfounded:

1. Broad Definition of Anti-Semitism: The ADL's definition of anti-Semitism is often criticized for being overly broad and conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Jewish sentiment. According to the ADL's definition, some forms of criticism of Israel, including support for BDS, are considered anti-Semitic. Critics argue that this definition undermines legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies and actions.

2. Suppressing Free Speech: Accusing BDS of anti-Semitism can be seen as an attempt to suppress free speech and legitimate political activism. BDS is a nonviolent movement that seeks to pressure Israel to comply with international law and respect Palestinian rights through boycotts, divestment, and sanctions. Labelling it as anti-Semitic undermines the right to criticize Israeli government policies and stifles debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

3. Mischaracterisation of Goals: BDS does not target individuals or groups based on their Jewish identity. Instead, it targets institutions and companies that are complicit in Israeli occupation, settlements, and human rights abuses. BDS aims to hold Israel accountable for its actions and bring about change through peaceful means, not to discriminate against Jewish people.

4. Support from Jewish Voices: There are Jewish individuals and groups who support BDS and are actively involved in the movement. Accusing BDS of anti-Semitism overlooks the diversity of opinions within the Jewish community and implies that all Jews support Israeli government policies, which is not the case.

5. Human Rights Focus: BDS is rooted in principles of human rights, justice, and equality for all people, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. It seeks to address systemic injustices faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation and apartheid policies. Accusing BDS of anti-Semitism ignores the movement's focus on universal human rights and distracts from the legitimate grievances of Palestinians.

Overall, the accusation of anti-Semitism against BDS by the ADL and others is controversial and is viewed by many as a tactic to delegitimize and undermine the movement's efforts to address Israeli government policies and actions through nonviolent means.

"We unite and empower pro-Israel campus organizations, providing strategic coordination and expertise to strengthen support for Israel."

The activities of pro-Israel advocacy groups on college campuses, including the Israel On Campus Coalition (ICC), have been a subject of debate and controversy. Here are some key points regarding the controversial aspects you mentioned:

1. Limiting Criticism: One of the common criticisms of such groups is the perceived effort to limit or stifle criticism of Israeli government policies. Some argue that advocating for Israel should not necessarily mean defending every action of the Israeli government, and that open and constructive dialogue about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be encouraged.

2. Censorship Concerns: Critics argue that some pro-Israel advocacy groups, in their efforts to strengthen support for Israel, may contribute to an environment where certain perspectives critical of Israeli policies are marginalized or censored. This raises concerns about freedom of speech and academic freedom on college campuses.

3. Impact on Dialogue: When advocacy groups adopt a strong defensive stance, it can impact the quality of dialogue on campus. Open and respectful discussion about the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential for fostering understanding and finding common ground.

4. Diverse Jewish Perspectives: Not all Jewish individuals or groups hold the same views on Israeli government policies. There is a diverse range of opinions within the Jewish community, and some individuals and organizations prefer a nuanced approach that acknowledges different perspectives on Israel.

5. Human Rights Concerns: Human rights activists and organizations may criticize pro-Israel advocacy groups for not adequately addressing or acknowledging human rights concerns in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some argue that an exclusive focus on positive aspects of Israel's image may neglect the complexities of the situation.

6. Impact on Campus Climate: The approach of pro-Israel advocacy groups can influence the campus climate. When individuals or groups feel that their perspectives are not welcome or are being dismissed, it can contribute to tensions on campus.

White Supremacy,
Christian Zionism,
and Israel.
Understanding their ties and Opportunities for Change

In recent years, attention has been drawn to the rise of white supremacist movements in the US, their alignment with alt-right politics, and their support for former President Donald Trump. Similarly, the overwhelming support Trump received from white evangelical Christians, particularly Christian Zionists, has been a topic of discussion since 2016. However, less explored is the connection between white supremacy and Christian Zionism, including their shared ideologies and political influence.

While the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is often highlighted as a prominent Zionist lobby in the US, Christian Zionists represent a much larger political bloc with steadfast support for Israel and its policies, including the displacement of Palestinians through settlement expansion and apartheid rule. Christians United for Israel (CUFI), a major US Christian Zionist organization, claims over 10 million members, and evangelical Christians, who make up 14% of the US population and strongly supported Trump in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, largely believe in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy through the establishment of Israel and the return of Jewish people to the region.

Political organizing against white supremacy, Israeli apartheid, and antisemitism should recognize and address the close relationship between white supremacy and Christian Zionism within evangelical communities. This policy brief aims to elucidate the nature of this relationship and provide recommendations for countering its influence.

Tenets of Christian Zionism Christian Zionism is characterized by unwavering support for the Zionist colonial project, from the violent establishment of the Israeli regime in 1948 to ongoing Jewish settlement in Palestine, all within the framework of one's Christian faith. This theological perspective traces back to 16th-century Protestant Christian interpretations of Biblical eschatology, emphasizing signs of Jesus' imminent return. Evangelical Christian Zionists believe that among these signs is Jewish settlement in and control of Palestine, viewing modern Jews as the biblical nation of Israel whose support is crucial for facilitating the Messiah's return. Thus, Christian Zionists see backing for Israel as a means to participate in biblical prophecy fulfillment. Adherents of the "Prosperity Gospel," which constitutes 17% of US Christians, also believe in personal financial gain through blessing Israel.

However, Christian Zionists' support for Jewish settlement in Palestine is primarily for their own salvation rather than that of Jewish people; they anticipate an end times scenario where Jews and other non-Christians will perish while they ascend to heaven. This view aligns Christian Zionists with Israeli governments and their colonial policies towards Palestinians and other adversaries. Paradoxically, Christian Zionist perceptions of Jewish people exhibit antisemitic characteristics, portraying Jews as a singular, globally influential population and the modern Israeli regime as the embodiment of the biblical Jewish nation. This narrative intertwines support for Jewish settlement in Palestine with antisemitic tropes of international Jewish power, echoing sentiments found among white supremacists.

Christian Zionism and US Policy Toward Israel Evangelical Christian Zionists played a significant role in shaping US policy during the Trump administration, with prominent figures like Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo implementing policies aligned with Christian Zionist beliefs. However, this influence dates back to the 1980s when Christian Zionism began to exert political power in the US. Figures like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, along with organizations like the Moral Majority, mobilized evangelical support for Israel within the Republican Party, leading to actions such as the repeal of UN Resolution 3379, which labeled Zionism as a form of racism.

The culmination of decades of Christian Zionist political influence was the Trump administration, which embraced Christian Zionist ideals by supporting Israeli settlement expansion, moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, and advancing policies favoring Israel over Palestine. This administration also curtailed criticism of Israel by US federal agencies, undermining Palestinian activism and Palestinian rights.

White Supremacy and Christian Zionism The relationship between Christian Zionism and white supremacy dates back to early European Christian Zionists, exemplified by figures like Arthur Balfour, whose support for Zionism was rooted in white supremacist and antisemitic beliefs. Contemporary white supremacists, while advocating for Jews to leave predominantly white societies for Israel, express admiration for Zionism and the Israeli state. This convergence of ideologies underscores the exceptionalist worldview shared by Christian nationalists, white supremacists, and Christian Zionists, which fosters violence and oppression against marginalized groups.

Evangelical Opportunities While the majority of evangelicals express Christian Zionist beliefs, there is evidence of decreasing support for Israel among younger evangelicals. This shift presents an opportunity for change, particularly among younger evangelicals who are turning away from traditional evangelicalism due to its alignment with Trump-era policies and rhetoric. New churches, emphasizing social justice and community transformation, are attracting these disaffected youth and could serve as platforms for challenging Christian Zionist ideas.

Policy Recommendations To counter Christian Zionist influence, civil society organizations should engage with young evangelicals and evangelicals of color, connecting them with progressive groups advocating for various social justice causes, including Palestinian rights. Emphasizing the links between Christian Zionism, white supremacy, ethnonationalism, and antisemitism is crucial in fostering collaboration between these groups.

Furthermore, efforts should be made to educate progressive and mainstream Christians about the Israeli right-wing's hostility towards Christians, particularly its impact on Christian Palestinians and its alignment with ethnonationalism and apartheid. Alternative pilgrimage and ethical tourism to Palestine for Christians can also play a role in challenging Christian Zionist narratives and fostering solidarity with Palestinians.

Addressing the dangerous exceptionalism of Christian Zionism requires concerted efforts to dismantle its ideological foundations, build alliances across diverse communities, and advocate for policies that prioritize justice, equality, and human rights for all.

The unconditional support of Christians United for Israel (CUFI) for Israel, including its support for illegal settlements and the blockade of Gaza, is deeply rooted in a fundamentalist biblical interpretation that prioritizes certain theological beliefs over international law and humanitarian values.

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