Intersectionality, initially intended to promote inclusivity and enhance our comprehension of various types of discrimination, has taken a troubling turn in recent years. Once considered a potentially powerful tool for promoting social justice initiatives, it is now more frequently exploited to target not just Israel but also Jewish individuals, and frequently used to spread antisemitic ideologies.
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The Women's March, the Palestinian Writes at Penn University and the decision by Rice Pride to cut ties with Houston Hillel are just a few examples of how intersectionality has been used to unfairly target and vilify Israel, while also providing a platform for antisemitism to flourish.
Intersectionality emerged as a framework to address the complexities of oppression faced by individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups. However, when it is selectively applied to delegitimize the State of Israel and its supporters, it becomes a dangerous weapon.
The Women's March, initially founded as a platform for women's rights, is an illustration of intersectionality being co-opted for political ends. Founded with laudable goals, it has since become polarized due to the involvement of leaders with ties to vehement antisemite Louis Farrakhan and others who perpetuate the trope that Jews believe they are "supreme" to others, to name a few.
The Women's March, initially founded as a platform for women's rights, is an illustration of intersectionality being co-opted for political ends. Founded with laudable goals, it has since become polarized due to the involvement of leaders with ties to vehement antisemite Louis Farrakhan and others
Another instance of intersectionality being exploited to promote antisemitism was the Palestinian Writes at Penn University. While it is essential to provide spaces for diverse voices to be heard, the festival's decision to invite individuals whose primary claim to fame appears to be their anti-Israel and antisemitic stance raises legitimate concerns.
These speakers included Roger Waters, who constantly engages in antisemitic tropes; Susan Abulhawa, who previously claimed that terror by groups like Hamas, Islamic Jihad and PFLP, was “self-defense by resistance groups”; and convicted terrorists with ties to Hezbollah or the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Mays Abu Ghosh, and Wisam Rafeedie.
Most recently, Rice Pride separated from Houston Hillel due to disagreements over guidelines set by Hillel International, which limit collaborations with groups who “Delegitimize, demonize, or apply a double standard to Israel,” or “Deny the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish and democratic state with secure and recognized borders.”
Rice Pride's decision to dissociate was made without prior dialogue with Hillel or its own members. This abrupt severance, with Rice Pride even referencing intersectionality in their statements, is seen as an example of the negative consequences of weaponized intersectionality, sending a troubling message that intersectionality can be used to isolate groups like Jewish students.
There can be tragic consequences when intersectionality is manipulated by individuals with a narrow focus to target Israel and advance antisemitic ideals, forcing it to become a perilous concept that subverts its original intent and loses any credibility as a tool for justice
It is crucial to understand that criticizing the policies of the Israeli government or advocating for Palestinian rights is not inherently antisemitic. Constructive dialogue and criticism are fundamental components of any democratic society. Nonetheless, intersectionality should not be manipulated to create a false dichotomy where supporting Palestinian rights is perceived as inherently incompatible with recognizing Israel's right to exist, or vice versa.
Weaponizing intersectionality against Israel often entails framing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a one-sided and simplistic manner, disregarding the intricate historical, political and social dynamics at play. Rather than promoting division and exclusion, we should encourage dialogue, empathy, and nuanced discussions that acknowledge the multifaceted perspectives within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Asher Stern Photo: CourtesyInstitutions and organizations need to actively prevent the misuse of intersectionality to spread hate. They can achieve this by using various methods. For instance, in the United States, eight federal agencies recently took a step to address this issue as part of President Biden's National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism. They explicitly mentioned that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits certain forms of antisemitism, Islamophobia and related biases in programs and activities funded by the federal government.
Intersectionality can be a powerful tool that can foster understanding and solidarity among marginalized groups. Yet there can be tragic consequences when intersectionality is manipulated by individuals with a narrow focus to target Israel and advance antisemitic ideals, forcing it to become a perilous concept that subverts its original intent and loses any credibility as a tool for justice.
- Asher Stern is the Head of Operations at the International Legal Forum, an Israel-based network of over 4,000 lawyers and activists around the world standing up for Israel and combating antisemitism in the international legal arena.