The Three Ds of Anti-Semitism

Now, in the year 2020, the Children of Abraham are afraid in a way we have never been before in America. As Jews, we are under threat of violence as we walk down a city street, attend classes on college campuses, and even enter our synagogues to pray. American Jews are being physically attacked simply because they are Jewish, which is a blatant form of anti-Semitism.

However, it is often difficult to determine if verbal and written statements directed at Jews are also anti-Semitic. In other words, what is the difference between legitimate criticism of the Jewish State of Israel, and a flagrant attack on Jews in general?

Former Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs and noted author Natan Sharansky, was also a prisoner who spent nine years in Soviet jails as a result of anti-Semitism. During his tenure as Minister, Sharansky developed an easy test to determine the differences between honest criticism on Israel, and obvious anti-Semitism. He named it “The Three D’s of Anti-Semitism,” and it has been a useful tool for politicians, media, educators, and more.

Demonization

“Jews have too much power in business and finance.” This concept has been haunting the Jews for thousands of years. The question could be asked, why does the fact that someone is Jewish have anything to do with having power in business and finance? There are plenty of non-Jews that are very powerful in business and finance. Why aren’t they discriminated against for their religion? Another horrific statement, “Jews are the children of apes and pigs,” is actually mentioned in the Quran itself, it is quoted by every Muslim leader in Middle Eastern countries, and it has become integral in the teachings of Militant Islam. These concepts work to demonize the Jews. This is anti-Semitism.

Delegitimization

The BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanctions against Israel) Movement by the Palestinians has tried to delegitimize the Jewish claim to nationhood in the State of Israel. Although Jews have been living on the land for over 3,000 years, the BDS Movement seeks to destroy Israel “from the river to the sea,” calling Israel (among other things) an “apartheid state” that is violating international law. Especially prevalent on college campuses, the BDS Movement uses Jewish hatred as a way to fundamentally deny Israel’s right to exist. This is anti-Semitism.

Double Standards

The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization responsible for maintaining international peace and developing friendly relations among nations. Yet, year after year, the UN Human Rights Council passes countless resolutions condemning the State of Israel. Since the creation of the Council in 2006, it has passed more resolutions condemning Israel—than on the rest of the world combined. Israel has been condemned for the way it has defended itself. Statistics show that the Israeli army has by far the lowest civilian casualty ratio of any country in the world. Even lower than the United States. So why is the UN applying a different standard to Israel and its right to defend itself? This double standard is also anti-Semitism.

Minister Sharansky’s Three D’s of Anti-Semitism has become a useful tool in the fight against Jew hatred by helping to make clear the differences between constructive criticism and absolute hate toward Jews and the people of Israel.

“Two basic desires of people are to belong, and to be free: and they have to go together, they have to strengthen one another,” Minister Sharansky said. By using the Three D’s, one can more easily find solutions in fighting Jewish hatred, instead of fanning its flames.