University Leaders Condemn Anti-Zionism as Antisemitism in Testimony

UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons, along with City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and Georgetown interim President Robert M. Groves, testified before the House Committee on Education & Workforce, offering a clear stance on the relationship between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. When asked whether denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination constitutes antisemitism, all three leaders responded affirmatively. This response underscores a growing consensus among university leaders that anti-Zionism, in its most fundamental form, is a form of antisemitism.

The right to self-determination is a core tenet of Zionism, which seeks to establish and maintain a Jewish homeland. By equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism, these leaders have clarified a critical distinction often obscured in public discourse. This clarity is essential for addressing the rising incidents of antisemitism on campuses and in broader society.

Progressive voices have long advocated for recognizing and condemning bigotry in its various forms. However, some have been hesitant to address the macroaggressions of antisemitism that accompany anti-Israel protests. Chants such as “From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free!” and “We don’t want no two states! We want all of ’48!” have been increasingly associated with antisemitic rhetoric, yet some have defended them as merely anti-Zionist expressions.

The distinction between intent and impact is crucial in understanding antisemitism. Just as racism can exist without racists, antisemitism can manifest without explicit antisemitic intent. However, the systemic targeting of the Jewish state alone, as opposed to other ethnonational states, reflects a unique form of hostility that aligns with antisemitic patterns.

Anti-Zionism, when it denies the Jewish people their right to self-determination, mirrors the historical and ongoing persecution of Jews. This form of exclusion is not merely political but carries deep moral and ethical implications. Recognizing this connection is vital for fostering a more just and inclusive society.

The university leaders’ testimony represents a significant step toward addressing the complexities of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. By affirming that anti-Zionism is a form of antisemitism, they have provided a framework for understanding and combating the systemic exclusion of the Jewish people. This acknowledgment aligns with the biblical call to seek justice and mercy, as seen in Micah 6:8, which urges people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

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