Opinion | Expanding the definition of anti-Semitism cannot cleanse Israel's actions in Gaza

By Andrew FUNG Wai Kwong

More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war was launched in October, after Hamas staged a deadly terrorist attack against Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023.

This incident sparked protests at various prestigious universities in the United States, leading to campus occupations. American police forces were deployed to universities to quell the protests. At the same time, on May 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the controversial "Antisemitism Awareness Act" by a vote of 320-91, expanding the definition of anti-Semitism and making criticism of Israel and Jewish people potentially illegal under U.S. law.

Critics argue that what is most alarming about this law is its content, which effectively enshrines Jewish people and Israel with an unquestionable and supreme status under American law.

According to media reports, the law states, "Making false, demonizing, or stereotype accusations against Jews as a collective -- such as, but not limited to, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or Jews controlling media, economy and government."

This provision essentially acknowledges these claims by prohibiting them. There have been rumors in the U.S. suggesting that Jewish people control American media, economy, and even government. In fact, key positions in the current U.S. government are held by individuals of Jewish descent, such as Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. The recent House-passed legislation suggests that Jewish people are more equal than others in America, with greater legal protection. This brings to mind the quote from "Animal Farm" by George Orwell: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." How will the Anglo-Saxon elites in America react to this?

The law also prohibits accusing Jewish people of being more loyal to their race and Israel, of sticking together instead of assimilating into the national and social fabric of their countries, and of being more committed to defending Jewish interests rather than the interests of their host countries. Due to historical reasons, Jewish people are scattered across Europe and America. This law essentially tells the world that Jewish people in Europe and America are Jews first and then Americans, French, or British. In light of this, will the future relationship between America and Israel truly be equal, or will America be serving the interests of Israel, the homeland of the Jewish people?

The law also prohibits accusing Jewish people and Israel of conducting terrorist attacks, genocide, or massacres against other ethnic groups in the Middle East, and of claiming that Israel's establishment in Palestine is a form of racism. Will this law, in a country that touts itself as a beacon of free speech, lead to a chilling effect? Will criticism of Israel's policy toward the Palestinians in the U.S. be misconstrued and fall afoul of the law?

According to the Bible, the role of Jewish people in the death of Jesus was significant. Jesus was betrayed and handed over to the authorities by Judas, a Jew, as depicted in the iconic "Last Supper" scene. However, the Jewish people do not collectively accept responsibility for Judas' actions. The New Testament, specifically Luke 23, describes how officials like Pilate and Herod sought to release Jesus, but the Jewish people at the time demanded his crucifixion, choosing to release a murderer instead.

If this law is passed, will accusations in the future holding Jewish people responsible for Jesus' death be considered a violation of American law? Will depictions of the "Passion of Jesus" be considered anti-Semitic symbols and banned by Jewish people in the U.S.? Ironically, will the depiction of Judas' betrayal in the Bible require editing?

Republican far-right Congressman Marjorie Taylor Greene voted against the bill, as according to her, those who believe in the Gospel accounts of the Bible would be guilty under this law due to the portrayal of Jewish people handing Jesus over to Herod and crucifying him. Conservative commentator Carlson, also an ally of Trump, believes that the law is unconstitutional when it conflicts with the New Testament Bible.

The U.S. House of Representatives is using funding as leverage to suppress any voices opposing Israel and supporting Palestine. Speaker Mike Johnson announced that several House committees would be investigating universities, threatening to withhold federal grants and support if they fail to manage pro-Palestinian movements, address discrimination against Jewish students, and ensure the protection of free speech and campus safety.

It appears likely that this bill will pass in the Senate and be signed into law by President Biden. If enacted, it will only further divide American society. The promotion of "American democracy" and "freedom of speech" by the U.S. government on the global stage will become a subject of ridicule. While American Jewish elites may believe that this law will bolster Israel's military actions in Palestine, the actual impact may ignite further opposition against Israel in American society. To address the deep-rooted animosity between Israel and Palestine, American Jews must engage in dialogue and compromise. While the American government may use laws to stifle dissent, can it also control global public opinion through its long arm of jurisdiction?

The author is a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong & Macao Studies. 

The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.