I wanted to sort of talk about a subject that many of us are familiar with: Criticism.

It is important to note that in the issue of the Israel/Arab conflict, emotions run very high and very deep. People take things personally, seriously, and emotionally respond in ways that may or may not be rational.

This is the exact reason why logic and rationality must prevail in times like these. Otherwise, we are part of the problem. This is not to say that no one should have feelings. G-d forbid. If anything, this is to protect feelings and better enable people to communicate and mutually understand one another.

For many, it is hard to take criticism. For others, it is welcome. When it comes to the state of Israel, there are of course many critics and many supporters. All too often, so-called critics of Israel will claim that they are being silenced. They are not allowed to criticize Israel because, if they do, they will be called an Anti-Semite, a Jew-Hater, and even a Racist. I personally have often wondered where that came from.



Think about it. Can you imagine someone criticizing Israel in a valid and thoughtful manner and the response, flat out, is "You're a racist anti-semite!!!" Really. There's something about that I'm not sure if I quite understand. First off, what is the critic saying? Isn't it logical to assume that such a response to alleged criticism would be met with a proportionate retort?

Here in lies the problem. I think what many people think they can get away with when criticizing Israel IS racism. And then they use the "Well, I was just criticizing Israel. Geez! You Jews are so uppity! How over-zealous! No wonder there was a Holocaust. You people never stop!"

Obviously I am exaggerating somewhat. However, the point stands. As with every political regime, there are constructive ways to criticize Israel.

Things that are not constructive include calling for Israel's destruction and using libels or medieval anti-Jewish imagery, just to name a few. I could write an entire article on exactly what those things are and why each of those things are unacceptable and take it apart one by one. But that would be another day.

Suffice it to say, it should be known, in order to make your point properly, you need to realize that, as I've said before in my journal, actual Anti-Semitic remarks do not further your cause and only go to prove there is something wrong with you. It taints the person uttering it and it taints the cause.

Likewise, it is the place of the Israel supporter to understand the difference between Anti-Semitism and real Constructive Criticism as well. The term Anti-Semite need be used only when it is actually appropriate. Because if it is misused, it furthers the cause of the real Anti-Semites who claim that ANY criticism of Israel will be called Anti-Semitism and this is a reason why [fill in flawed result here].

Therefore, I've taken the liberty to collect some examples from DeviantART that demonstrate Constructive Criticism vs Anti-Semitism. It pains me to promote some of these images due to my own personal political leanings. However, the context here is not to necessarily give these people a platform to spread their agenda. If anything it is quite the opposite. And if these artists are going to post these works to their gallery, I think they need to be ready for some constructive criticism. After all, isn't this what the article you're reading is all about??

Also the pieces included here may not completely represent the ideas of the artist. There might be another Deviation in a persons gallery that might completely contradict the piece being dealt with here. I am showing these pieces in an isolated manner to construct examples of acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

Still, some of these images are disrespectful and disturbing, if not depressing (the three D's). Just thought I might warn you.

Constructive Criticism Let's start with this one. As I stated above, there are constructive ways to express your dislike for a political action or an action of a governmental entity. Some examples:


Summery: This piece is a good example of illustrating that you are for a cause and why you are for it. Here, the artist is disagreeing with the civilian casualties. Now, while the use of a child in the imagery is a clear emotional appeal, the artist is getting the point across that is not racist nor is it hateful. He is merely stating that he disagrees with something that is happening. He wants peace for these children. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, that is applaudable.


Summery: Another fantastic use of constructive criticism. Like the work above, this work is also communicating that they disagree with what they understand to be happening. This is in no way racist or Anti-Semitic, at least in its visual representation. The point is valid, though it can be disagreed with. But isn't that the point?

At this juncture, I want to apologize but after searching DA for another hour for more acceptable forms of constructive criticism, sadly, I was unable to find more. This made me even sadder for so many reasons. It is very possible that the unevenness of real criticism with real Anti-Semitism may perhaps be a reason as to why the Anti-Semitism label is applied so often.

But I digress. With that, I bring you. . .

Anti-Semitism This can be summed up in a few ways.


Its message: That the Israel Lobby rules the United States with an iron fist.
What's wrong with it: Calls back to the racist idea that Jews run the world, as publicized by the forgery that is the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion."



Its message: That the Jews run hollywood in order to brainwash everyone.
What's wrong with it: Again, hearkens to libels that the JEWS RUN HOLLYWOOD.


Its message: Where to start?
What's wrong with it: Blood libel - The belief that Jews drink blood or consume the blood of non-Jews. Alleges that Israelis are killing Arabs to drink their blood.


Its message: Israel is of the Devil
What's wrong with it: Tying Israel to Satan worship. Brings up the idea that, since Israel is a Jewish state, and Jews apparently worship the devil, fill in the blank there.


Its message: Jews are troll monsters.
What's wrong with it: The use of Ariel Sharon, former PM of Israel made into an image that would make Shylock run. Hearkens to racist drawings and etching from medieval times involving Jewish features and Jewish non-humanness. Also, the use of the top hat and gloves symbolize the Anti-Semitic idea of greedy, money grubbing Jews.

In closing, I hope everyone has found this article helpful. I would say that this could be used as a guideline or a blueprint to understand the difference between Anti-Semitism and Constructive Criticism. Perhaps even a tutorial to recognize the difference between the two.

It is a sad state of affairs when discourse deteriorates into tasteless bigotry. It can not be fully understood as to why this happens so often with criticism of the State of Israel. I would like to encourage everyone, on both sides, to think long and hard about the messages they are putting out when discussing such sensitive topics.

These images of Anti-Semitic proportion, in at least my opinion, have no place in political discourse. They are hateful. They are stupid. They are not part of the solution. If artwork was displayed of Arabs or Muslims or Palestinians in such a terrible and stereotypical manner, what would the outcry be? We know that riots broke out because of a Mohammad cartoon. This would have perhaps deserved that minimally, if not for our need to stay calm and discuss things rationally.

If you think this is acceptable, then I'm sorry but someone is going to call you an Anti-Semite. And, I'm not sorry when I say this, rightfully so.

FULL DISCLOSURE: does support Israel and is fully aware that, just like everyone else, she has her own biases. She is more than willing to discuss with anyone anything said in this article and more in a calm, calculated, and respectful manner.

Peace