Antisemitism on the left

Antisemitism on Canada’s Political Left

In the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks against Israel, a resurgence of antisemitic sentiment has emerged globally, and Canada is no exception. While antisemitism on the far-right has long been acknowledged, there has been increasing concern over the manifestation of antisemitic attitudes on the political left. This phenomenon, often couched in critiques of Zionism or Israel’s policies surrounding Arab Palestinians, has led to a significant overlap between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, with serious consequences for Jewish communities. This article explores how antisemitism is manifesting on the political left, its rhetorical patterns, and its specific developments in Canada following the October 7 attacks.

Historical Context: Antisemitism on the Left

Historically, the political left has associated itself with movements advocating for social justice, human rights, and equality. However, antisemitism is not confined to any particular ideological spectrum. On the left, antisemitic rhetoric has often been tied to anti-imperialism and anti-colonialism narratives. Since Israel’s founding in 1948, its complex and controversial role in the Middle East has been viewed through various lenses, some of which erroneously frame Israel as a colonial, imperialist state. These critiques of Israel, especially in discussions of Palestinian rights, often cross the line into antisemitic territory, when they target the Jewish people as a whole, invoke harmful tropes, or delegitimize the right of Jews to self-determination.

In Canada, the left-wing discourse on Israel has been highly influenced by international events and the ongoing Israeli-Arab conflict. While it is legitimate to criticize the policies of any government, including Israel’s, the rhetoric becomes problematic when the distinction between Israel and Jews as a global diaspora is erased, or when age-old stereotypes about Jewish power, dual loyalty, and control resurface.

The Impact of the October 7 Hamas Attacks

The Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, marked a significant turning point in international discourse around Israel and Jews. Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organization in Canada, launched a series of unprecedented assaults on Israeli civilians, leading to the deaths of over 1200 people and the abduction of hundreds more. The immediate global reaction ranged from outright condemnation of Hamas to more equivocal responses that focused on the broader Israeli-Arab conflict, attempting to provide a context for the terrorism.

In the days following the attacks, protests erupted across Canada, with many left-leaning groups expressing solidarity with Palestinians. While many of these protests were framed as opposition to Israel’s policies and its military response, protests began even before Israel retaliated, and many disturbing instances of antisemitism also emerged. Slogans and chants that glorified Hamas or called for the destruction of Israel were commonplace. In several cases, rallies in Canadian cities were marked by inflammatory rhetoric that crossed the line between criticism of Israel and outright hostility toward Jews.

The Rhetoric of Antisemitism on the Left

One of the most insidious forms of antisemitism on the left involves the demonization of Zionism itself, which is erroneously equated with racism, colonialism, or apartheid. This framing is particularly harmful as it denies Jewish people the right to self-determination, a right granted to other national and ethnic groups, and frames the Jewish people as oppressors for simply demanding human rights. For most Jews, Zionism is not only a political stance but an expression of cultural and religious identity. When anti-Zionism turns into blanket opposition to the existence of Israel as a Jewish state, it delegitimizes the very idea of Jewish sovereignty, leading to antisemitic outcomes.

This rhetoric has been amplified by social media, where extremist views can spread quickly, and indeed become normalized. In Canada, many left-leaning activists and organizations that champion Palestinian rights have increasingly adopted a narrative that paints Israel as an unredeemable oppressor. This framework is problematic because it disregards the security concerns of Israel and the legitimate fear of antisemitic violence faced by Jewish communities worldwide while saying that Jewish citizens do not deserve self-determination in their indigenous homeland.

While legitimate criticisms of Israeli policy are important, many individuals and groups on the political left in Canada have failed to adequately distinguish between Israel as a nation-state and Jews as a people. Moreover, untruths about Israel lead to antisemitism against the entire Jewish diaspora. Tropes about Jewish wealth, influence, and dual loyalty have surfaced in discussions about Canada’s foreign policy, particularly in the wake of the October 7 attacks. This rhetoric is harmful not only to Jewish Canadians but also to the broader discourse on Israel and the Arab world.

Canadian Responses to Left-Wing Antisemitism

The Canadian government has historically been an ally of Israel, and its leaders have condemned antisemitism in all its forms. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in his statements following the October 7 attacks, condemned Hamas’ actions and emphasized Canada’s commitment to the security of Israel. He also acknowledged the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood but warned against the rise of antisemitism in response to the conflict.

However, among some progressive groups and political figures, there has been a different tone. Several left-wing politicians and organizations, while denouncing violence on all sides, have focused their attention more on Israeli military actions than on the atrocities committed by Hamas. This imbalance has raised concerns among Jewish Canadians, who feel that their safety and the traumatic impact of the attacks on their community have been downplayed or ignored.

Additionally, within some academic and activist circles, there has been a refusal to recognize the antisemitic implications of certain narratives. Anti-Israel demonstrations (often referred to, disingenuously as ‘Pro-Palestinian’ rallies), such as those held in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, have frequently included chants that glorify Hamas or call for the destruction of Israel, actions that go beyond legitimate protest and veer into hate speech. Many Jewish students and faculty on university campuses have reported feeling increasingly unsafe, with a growing sense of isolation and hostility from their peers.

The Role of Social Media and Misinformation

Social media has played a crucial role in the dissemination of antisemitic rhetoric in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks. Platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok have been used to spread misinformation, glorify violence against Jews, and promote conspiracy theories. Left-wing influencers and activists with large followings have consistently conflated Zionism with broader antisemitic stereotypes, and their messages have reached a wide audience. This has exacerbated tensions between Jewish and pro-Palestinian communities in Canada.

The viral nature of social media has also made it more difficult to engage in nuanced discussions about the Israeli-Arab conflict. Complex historical and political contexts are often reduced to oversimplified memes or slogans, which can fuel antisemitic attitudes. For example, the phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which has been chanted at protests, is interpreted by many as a call for the eradication of Israel as a Jewish state, raising legitimate fears of genocidal intent.

Conclusion

The rise of antisemitism on the political left is a growing concern in Canada, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. While criticism of Israeli policies is not inherently antisemitic, the rhetoric and actions of many left-wing groups have crossed the line, resulting in opposition to Israel leading to outright hostility toward Jews. This trend has been particularly evident in protests, political discourse, and social media, where antisemitic tropes and narratives have been amplified.

Addressing this issue requires a careful balance between supporting human rights for all and condemning antisemitism in all its forms. Jewish Canadians, like all minority groups, deserve to live in a society free from hatred and discrimination. For Canada’s political left, the challenge lies in fostering a more nuanced and inclusive conversation about Israel, Zionism, and Jewish identity, while unequivocally rejecting antisemitic rhetoric and actions.