American Jews who participated in demonstrations against the Gaza massacres were accused of anti-Semitism (Reuters)

A report published by the "New Republic" website explained that the resurgence of a "new McCarthyism" against anti-Zionist Jews, who do not hide their support for Palestinian rights, is worrying many Americans who still painfully remember what happened in the 1950s.

McCarthyism - defined as behavior that directs accusations of conspiracy and treason without paying attention to the evidence - is attributed to Joseph McCarthy, a member of the US Congress in the 1950s, who accused hundreds of American figures of belonging to the communist movement supportive of the former Soviet Union, stressing that they were agents working in government ministries, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but he He provided no evidence.

His approach was supported in the beginning due to fears of the spread of the communist tide, which achieved major victories in the 1950s in particular, but the Americans quickly became aware of the danger of this matter, and they rejected McCarthy and he was excluded from political life.

Freedom of expression?

The New Republic report stated that although there are real differences between the present moment and the moment of fear of the red communist advance in the middle of the last century, thousands of Americans still see themselves forced to prove their loyalty to the country, especially those who defend civil rights and freedom of expression.

The report cited, for example, the presidents of Harvard and Pennsylvania universities being forced to resign from their positions, after they failed to provide a clear condemnation of the student protests after the events of October 7, 2023.

Harvard University President Claudine Gay stepped down from her position after being subjected to pressure and criticism.

Because of her view that demonstrations against Israel on campus fall within the scope of “freedom of expression.”

University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill also resigned from her position following a wave of widespread criticism that included her, against the backdrop of a congressional hearing on “anti-Semitism.”

According to a New Republic report, “Palestine Legal” - a non-profit organization that provides legal support to those in solidarity with Palestine - confirmed a significant increase in the number of cases it faces, and the cancellation of pro-Palestine cultural activities throughout the country.

A new McCarthyism

Those who support Palestine see this as the emergence of a new McCarthyism targeting their right to expression, stressing that efforts to silence their voices are now active with remarkable enthusiasm and intensity.

Although many individuals and some anti-Zionist bodies are Jews, this did not protect them from being subjected to harsh criticism and accusations of anti-Semitism simply because they called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The report highlighted that the Anti-Defamation League (in Washington) described anti-Zionist groups as anti-Semitic, which is the same accusation it leveled against the marches led by Jews to demand a ceasefire.

Not only that, but it included pro-Palestinian marches in its report on anti-Semitic incidents.

Pressure from pro-Israel bodies resulted in the US House of Representatives issuing a controversial resolution last December stating that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism.

Perfect similarity

The American website quoted a professor at New York University and a specialist in Jewish studies, Hasia Diener, as saying that what happened with the Jews in the United States in the 1950s to expel the communists from their ranks is very similar to what is happening now, highlighting that this attack on those who disagreed with the political stance - both then and now. Whether- can be interpreted as fear.

“For example, they always say to me: We would like you to talk to us, but the problem is that you are known to be anti-Semitic, and in my opinion this is similar to what was happening in the 1950s when some people would ask: Have you ever been a communist?”

She continued that the rhetoric is very similar, and it appears to some that Jewish life is so insecure that no one could praise the Soviet experience without being subjected to attacks and accusations, just as no one can now talk about that “we should not have an independent Jewish state, but rather A state that includes everyone,” without fearing the same arrows of criticism and accusation.

New Republic also quoted Stephanie Fox, Executive Director of the Jewish Voice for Peace, as saying that the Jewish anti-Zionist organization has become a reality and is growing day by day. She stated that many Jews of different ages confirm that they have become better able to see what is happening clearly. They express their desire to be on the side of justice and freedom.

The author of the report wondered why a Jew could not speak, given that he is a Jew and has the right to disagree and express his opinion without fear of being accused of anti-Semitism himself.

Source: American press