Because Israel cynically uses charges of antisemitism against its critics even when it doesn’t apply. If an org with a lot of sway like the ADL calls you an antisemite, until recently that would be a deathblow to your public persona - unless you’re like Mel Gibson or something. I say “until recently” because while big orgs might still operate that way I think the ongoing genocide in Gaza has swayed public opinion such that that doesn’t really apply as much any more.
Add to that the fact that actual antisemites will cynically use criticism of Israel in order to sneak their talking points into pro-Palestinian advocacy. Those who criticize Israel and who consider themselves leftist really should be careful what they say and who they agree with because there’s a small but very important difference between saying “AIPAC influences congresspeople to be pro Israeli apartheid/genocide” and “AIPAC controls the United States Government”.
Because Israel cynically uses charges of antisemitism against its critics even when it doesn’t apply. If an org with a lot of sway like the ADL calls you an antisemite, until recently that would be a deathblow to your public persona - unless you’re like Mel Gibson or something. I say “until recently” because while big orgs might still operate that way I think the ongoing genocide in Gaza has swayed public opinion such that that doesn’t really apply as much any more.
Add to that the fact that actual antisemites will cynically use criticism of Israel in order to sneak their talking points into pro-Palestinian advocacy. Those who criticize Israel and who consider themselves leftist really should be careful what they say and who they agree with because there’s a small but very important difference between saying “AIPAC influences congresspeople to be pro Israeli apartheid/genocide” and “AIPAC controls the United States Government”.