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Criticizing haredim is not antisemitism, and calling it that is dangerous - opinion

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Named sources Context piece
  • The article argues that criticizing the ultra-Orthodox (haredim) in Israel is not antisemitism, despite occasional use of harmful tropes.
  • It distinguishes between legitimate grievances like socioeconomic contributions and IDF service, and genuine antisemitism, which often relies on conspiracy or inferiority narratives.
  • The author contends that conflating anti-haredi rhetoric with antisemitism grants the haredim an undeserved victimhood narrative and is dangerous.

Criticism directed at Israel's ultra-Orthodox, or haredim, should not be automatically equated with antisemitism, according to this opinion piece. While acknowledging that some depictions of haredim can employ antisemitic tropes, the author argues that the core of anti-haredi sentiment in Israel stems from socioeconomic and civic duty grievances, rather than inherent Jewish hatred.

There is antisemitism for its own sake and a huge lie in the story of the ultra-Orthodox

— Dudi AmsalemA Likud minister's declaration at a conference, cited to introduce the discussion on anti-haredi rhetoric.

The article points to common criticisms, such as the significant financial gap between haredi and non-haredi families' contributions to the state and the widespread refusal of haredi men to serve in the IDF. These issues, the author asserts, lack an inherently Jewish element. The piece suggests that if a different demographic group exhibited the same socioeconomic position and rejection of civic duty, they would likely face similar criticisms, such as being labeled "parasites."

parasites

— Haaretz contributorsAn example of critical language used by some media outlets towards specific haredi sects.

While recognizing that haredim, as a visibly Jewish community, do face genuine antisemitism and hate crimes, the author differentiates this from criticism of their lifestyle and societal role. Antisemitism, the piece explains, typically operates through conspiracy theories of Jewish power or assertions of Jewish inferiority. The author posits that most Israelis do not subscribe to the former, and the latter, while present, is distinct from critiques of the haredi community's specific behaviors and societal impact.

bloodsuckers

— Galit GutmanA TV personality's controversial label for haredim, highlighted as an example of harsh rhetoric.

By framing criticism of haredim as antisemitism, the article argues, opponents grant the community an unwarranted narrative of victimhood. This conflation is seen as dangerous, potentially obscuring the real issues at play and hindering productive discourse about the haredi community's integration and responsibilities within Israeli society. The piece calls for a clearer distinction between legitimate criticism and genuine bigotry.

hating Jews more than is necessary

— Isaiah BerlinQuoted to describe the nature of bigotry, applied to the context of anti-haredi sentiment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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