Criticizing a Nation Is Not Anti-Semitism: Understanding the Israel-Palestine Conflict and the Danger of Misinformation

Recently, under the Trump administration, a troubling incident unfolded: Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder and student activist at Columbia University, was deported. His “crime”? Speaking out against the state of Israel. The administration’s official justification was that Khalil’s speech constituted anti-Semitism. This accusation is not only misleading but dangerously conflates criticism of a nation-state with hatred toward a religion and its followers.

The Critical Distinction Between Anti-Semitism and Anti-Zionism

We must make a clear distinction: being critical of Israel’s government does not equate to being anti-Semitic. Anti-Semitism is prejudice against Jewish people. Criticizing the political actions of the Israeli government—especially in the context of war, occupation, and human rights abuses—is not an attack on Judaism or Jewish people.

Unfortunately, this conflation is not new. It’s a tactic often used to silence dissent and to manipulate public opinion by exploiting a lack of understanding around the topic.

A Quick Historical Context

To fully grasp the present, it’s crucial to look at the past. Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world. It is, in fact, the religious foundation upon which Christianity and Islam were built. Jesus Christ, revered in Christianity, was himself a Jewish man born in what is now considered Palestinian territory.

Historically, the land known today as Israel was once home to many different peoples. Over time, especially after the Roman Empire and into the colonial period of the 18th to 20th centuries, the region became increasingly diverse and was no longer a predominantly Jewish homeland.

After the Holocaust—a horrific genocide in which millions of Jews were murdered—there was a global effort to create a safe haven for the Jewish people. In 1947, the United Nations established the modern state of Israel. This was not an organic formation of a timeless nation but rather an international political decision, deeply rooted in religious and moral obligation following one of history’s greatest tragedies.

What’s Happening Now?

Israel is now a modern state with a government, constitution, military, and international alliances. On October 7, 2023, Israel was attacked by Hamas, a terrorist organization. This event was tragic and unacceptable. However, Israel’s response has been devastatingly disproportionate. It has resulted in the deaths of over 100,000 Palestinians—most of whom are women and children, not Hamas militants. These actions have sparked global outrage and mass protests, including on American college campuses.

Free Speech Is Under Attack

Many Americans—citizens and green card holders alike—are exercising their First Amendment rights to speak out against these atrocities. Unfortunately, the Trump administration (and others) have attempted to reframe such criticism as hate speech or anti-Semitism. This is false and dangerous.

Speaking against the actions of a nation is not the same as attacking a religion. Zionism—the belief that Israel should be an exclusive Jewish state—is a political ideology. Judaism is a religion. They are not one and the same.

Why This Matters

When we allow governments to label political criticism as hate speech, we step into authoritarian territory. We cannot allow the pain and trauma of Jewish history to be weaponized to justify current violence. Nor can we remain silent in the face of what many human rights experts are now calling genocide.

If we are to stand for justice, we must be precise with our language and informed about our history. Criticizing a government’s actions—be it the U.S., China, Russia, or Israel—is a cornerstone of democratic society.

Final Thought

Do not fall for the narrative that equates anti-Israel sentiment with anti-Semitism. Do your homework. Look at what’s happening in Gaza. See the images of children torn apart, families destroyed, and communities reduced to rubble. Then ask yourself: is this what justice looks like?

Free speech matters. Truth matters. And above all, humanity matters.