"TWO-SIDEISM": THE SUBTLE BUT DANGEROUS FORM OF ANTISEMITISM
The barbarism displayed by Hamas has shocked the world, prompting an initial wave of support for Israel's right to defend itself and its citizens.
However, history has shown us a recurring pattern. In the face of international pressure, the initial solidarity often begins to erode. Within a matter of days, critics emerge, advocating for a more measured response from Israel.
They call for proportionality, urging Israel to show restraint and empathy even in the face of an enemy as relentless as Hamas. This sentiment is often echoed by politicians and pundits who, in an attempt to appear balanced, speak of the conflict in terms of 'two sides,' invoking the ongoing cycle of violence.
Yet, this seemingly well-intentioned approach is far from benign. It serves as a subtle, yet insidious form of antisemitism, one that undermines Israel's right to self-defense and blurs the lines between an established, democratic nation and a militant group engaged in terrorism. This dangerous rhetoric gains traction quickly, finding a voice even among influential figures, as evidenced by the recent remarks from certain political quarters often referred to as "the Squad."
The concept of "two-sideism" is, at its core, a deeply biased perspective that equates Israel, a nation bound by democratic values and the rule of law, with Hamas, an organization that employs violence and terror as its primary means of operation. This false equivalence not only undermines the legitimacy of Israel's actions but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Jewish people and their right to a homeland.
Israel's right to defend itself is not merely a privilege granted to her by other friendly nations; it is a fundamental duty to protect her citizens from harm. In the face of threats posed by Iranian proxies, Hamas and Islamic Jihad, Israel not only has the right but also the obligation to finish what it started. This means not just defending its borders but also dismantling Hamas and Islamic Jihad for good.
To challenge this rising tide of antisemitism, it is imperative for us all to condemn the double standard that equates the victim with the aggressor. "Two-sideism," is dangerous. It perpetuates the conflict, keeps the terror group Hamas in power and undermines those advancing the agreements that can bring true peace to the region.