I think it’s inherently risky to lob accusations of anti-semitism at people who wholeheartedly support Israel’s right to exist but criticize their policies. If people fear that support for Israel as a “Jewish state” will dry up if it is seen as an “apartheid state,” then they should take the advice of their critics and get out of the West Bank and work on creating a two-state solution. Yelling at everyone who criticizes them threatens to lose them critical support, especially on the left. I can handle being called an anti-semite since I am secure in my own beliefs and know that my support of Israel is sincere. But being smeared with nasty slurs doesn’t exactly create good will. It’s kind of natural for people to turn against folks who are seeking to tarnish their reputation.
Smearing Your Allies
