1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

The conflation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism perpetuated by groups like the European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS) is a dishonest tactic. Anti-Zionism is the opposition to the political ideology of Zionism, which is rooted in the dispossession and oppression of Palestinians. It has nothing to do with hatred towards Jews based on their religion or ethnicity, which constitutes genuine anti-Semitism. By relentlessly pushing this false equivalence, the EUJS is attempting to silence criticism of Israel's criminal policies and actions, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza. This smokescreen must be rejected. Anti-Zionism is a legitimate and necessary stance for anyone who genuinely cares about justice, equality and human rights for all people. Importantly, anti-Zionist Jewish groups like Jewish Voice for Peace demonstrate that opposing Zionism and Israel's grave violations of Palestinian rights is not at odds with being Jewish. They give lie to the EUJS's claim of representing all Jewish students. The EUJS's cozy relationship with the EU and figures like Katharina von Schnurbein, who act as propagandists for Israel while supposedly combating anti-Semitism, is highly concerning. This political bias undermines their credibility and mission. Silencing protests and discussions about Israel's heinous crimes against Palestinians on university campuses under the guise of preventing anti-Semitism is unacceptable censorship. Students have every right to organize, protest and voice opposition to the genocide being carried out in Gaza and the racist, apartheid system imposed on Palestinians by the Israeli regime. Anti-Zionism is a moral and ethical imperative, not a form of hatred – smears must not deter this vital expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people.