The Unconscious Antisemite: Ignorance Is No Excuse
In contemporary Australia, a subtle yet pervasive form of antisemitism has emerged, often masquerading as legitimate criticism of Israel
I agree with Douglas Murray’s observation: there exists a motley cabal of antisemites who span a range from the sinister to the silly. The sinister are those who chant genocidal slogans about freeing Palestine “from the river to the sea” with full awareness of their implications. The silly, on the other hand, often have no clue about the geography they reference, let alone the complex history of the conflict. Caught up in ideology, social trends, or plain ignorance, these individuals may not even grasp the toxicity of their positions.
If you find your opinions on Israel shaped predominantly by selective programming from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation or the fevered takes of social media, you may have been misled. A strange coalition of Islamists, anarchists, Marxists, and hard-left zealots has coalesced around the banner of anti-Zionism, forming what historians may one day regard as one of the oddest alliances in history. But it is not enough to dismiss this movement as “silly” or ideologically confused—it is a significant driver of the rising antisemitism we see today.
The “Unconscious Antisemite”
In contemporary Australia, a subtle yet pervasive form of antisemitism has emerged, often masquerading as legitimate criticism of Israel. This phenomenon, which I term the “unconscious antisemite,” involves individuals who, perhaps unwittingly, perpetuate age-old prejudices under the guise of political discourse. These are people who might not identify as antisemitic and may even abhor racism in other forms, yet their actions and words serve to marginalise Jewish communities and delegitimise Jewish self-determination.
Anti-Zionism—the denial of the Jewish people’s right to self-determination—is not a neutral political stance; it is inherently antisemitic. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) defines antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.” This includes actions that target Jewish individuals, communities, or institutions, as well as those that demonise Israel or apply double standards to the Jewish state.
Sharansky’s 3D Test
Natan Sharansky’s “3D Test” offers further clarity, identifying three key components of antisemitism disguised as criticism of Israel:
- Delegitimization: Denying Israel’s fundamental right to exist.
- Demonisation: Portraying Israel and its people as inherently evil.
- Double Standards: Holding Israel to scrutiny and moral expectations not applied to any other nation.
These criteria illuminate how contemporary antisemitism often cloaks itself in political rhetoric, making it vital to identify and confront it wherever it appears.
Insights from the Munk Debate
The recent Munk Debate underscored these points. Natasha Hausdorff, an international law expert, observed: “Anti-Zionism singles out Jewish self-determination for scorn, making it an unmistakable form of antisemitism.” Journalist and author Douglas Murray added: “Those who say that the Jewish state alone is illegitimate are not simply anti-Zionist but antisemitic and bear responsibility for rising hate crimes against Jews worldwide.” These insights highlight the intrinsic bias and danger of anti-Zionism as a political stance.
The Curious Coalition Against Zionism
Adding to this complexity is the paradoxical coalition of support and opposition around Zionism. Various ethnic and religious groups—such as Iranians, Lebanese Maronite and Orthodox Christians, Coptic Christians, Druze, and Kurds—often express strong support for Zionism. These communities, familiar with historical oppression and the fight for self-determination, resonate with the Jewish narrative and see Israel as a model of resilience and democracy.
In stark contrast, some Anglo-Australians, influenced by a cocktail of ideological trends and moral relativism, exhibit passive or active antisemitism. At best they are “unconscious,” at worst they are just bigots in denial. This inconsistency raises serious questions about the values and awareness within certain segments of our society. How can those who champion progressive causes turn a blind eye—or worse, lend their voices—to rhetoric that marginalises and endangers an entire community?
Judeo-Christian Values and the Erosion of Solidarity
Judeo-Christian values have long underpinned Western civilisation, emphasising justice, equality, and the sanctity of human life. These principles should naturally foster solidarity with Jewish communities and Israel. Yet, the rise of cultural relativism and distorted moral frameworks has eroded these values, replacing them with a corrosive ideology that excuses or even endorses prejudice.
This distortion must be called out for what it is. Standing against antisemitism is not simply about protecting one community—it is about upholding the values that bind our society together.
A Call to Action
Australia is not immune to the global resurgence of antisemitism. It is incumbent upon all Australians—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—to reflect on their perceptions and challenge any biases they may unconsciously harbour. Recognising that anti-Zionism is a contemporary manifestation of antisemitism is a critical first step toward fostering a more inclusive and just society.
In conclusion, the “unconscious antisemite” may not recognise their prejudice, but ignorance does not absolve responsibility. Whether you are a bystander or an active participant in harmful rhetoric, silence and passivity are interpreted as consent. As Edmund Burke so aptly put it: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
This is not just a fight for the Jewish community—it is a fight for the values that define us as Australians. Together, through education, advocacy, and collective resolve, we can confront and eradicate the insidious forms of antisemitism that threaten our society.
Who is a Zionist?
In simple terms, a Zionist is someone who believes in the political and cultural self-determination of the indigenous people in their homeland. Am I a Zionist? You bet I am. But the better question to be asked is: why isn’t everyone?
Colonel Michael Scott, CSC, has served for thirty years as a professional soldier with the Australian Defence Force. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the 2023 Foundation, a global charity dedicated to harm minimisation, combating antisemitism, and fostering peaceful coexistence. The views in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect those of the Australian Defence Force or the Commonwealth Government.
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