Recently, the Senate passed a bill many deemed as very controversial called the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act. The reason for the controversy is that many people say that it will destroy free speech, especially in the campuses. But what really is all about that gets almost everyone worried?
According to the description, the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act supports the definition of anti-Semitism given by the State Department. The definition includes "demonizing" or "deligitimizing" Israel as well as holding the nation of Israel in what they call as a "double standard."
To fully understand this, one needs to have a clear understanding what does it really mean to demonize, deligitimize, and hold Israel to a double standard?
When someone "demonizes" Israel, it means that they are trying to blow Israel's actions out of 'sensible' proportion. To further clarify 'sensible proportion,' this means that someone is trying to compare Israelis to Nazis and Palestinian refugee camps to Auschwitz. This is not considered a legitimate criticism of Israel.
The second definition of anti-Semitism, as given by the State Department, is deligitimizing Israel. It simply means that someone is trying to deny the fundamental right of Israel and its citizens to exist.
Lastly, anti-Semitism is also defined as holding Israel to a 'double standard.' It means selective criticism of Israel where the United Nations single out Israel for human rights abuses while overlooking the grave and major abuses of other nations, such as Cuba, Iran, China, and more.
The anti-Semitism Awareness Act further advises the Department of Education to consider this definition when they investigate anti-Semitism cases in the campus. However, critics of the bill say that it did not add further protection to Jewish students. They also said that the interpretation of the Department of Education regarding what anti-Semitism is already provides enough protection to students.
To be clear about it, critics of the bill also includes Jewish students and organizations saying the bill is not just a political strategy but a legal strategy to strengthen censorship against Israel. In short, it will stop anyone from criticizing Israel even if their cause is valid.
