On Sunday, CNN aired an hourlong special on the subject of anti-Semitism, hosted by the anchor Dana Bash, who is herself Jewish. Melissa Langsam Braunstein praises the network for producing the program, but also points to some its shortcomings. Above all
far-left anti-Semitism deserved more attention. Far-right anti-Semitism, of course, remains reprehensible, but it’s readily identifiable. More people struggle to recognize far-left anti-Semitism, which has historically cloaked Jew-hatred in the language of social justice. It’s a problem across college campuses and increasingly in lower-level schools. CNN’s viewers are also more likely to encounter the far left. In that sense, the Brandeis Center for Human Rights president Alyza Lewin, who explained Jewish peoplehood and the connection between Judaism and Zionism, merited more airtime.
Jews face threats from numerous directions. Unfortunately, viewers may be left with the impression that the far right is dangerous, the far left makes unpleasant comments, and any other threats are vague. For the sake of American Jews’ safety, though, a comprehensive threat overview is necessary.
Bash’s comment that “experts across the board caution anti-Semitism is growing on the left, but it is not equivalent to hate from the right” was unhelpful. Anti-Semitism is a problem on the left. Debating whether the far right or the far left is “worse” is a waste of time—both pose dangers to American Jews. . . Further, given how many Jews live in blue [states], most Jews in the United States are more likely to encounter problems from the far left.
Read more on Washington Examiner: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/you-cant-fight-antisemitism-while-ignoring-its-supporters-on-the-left