Who will protect Muslims? Adams's stance on Israel sparks debate on Islamophobia and anti-Semitism

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has repeatedly stated his inability to support "any state that privileges one religion over the other." This stance, particularly in response to questions about supporting "Israel as a Jewish state," has drawn significant attention and criticism. During a Democratic Party primary debate, Adams was notably the only candidate who declined to name Israel as his "first foreign visit" if elected.

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any state that privileges one religion over the other

Adams's commitment to the principle of equality has earned him adversaries who have accused him of using "blatant anti-Semitic language." Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, leveled such an accusation against Adams for his criticism of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The article notes that such interventions by Israeli officials are common, with ministers and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu frequently invoking a "right to defend" themselves by attacking public figures globally and blaming them for prejudicing the safety of Jewish people.

The author questions why these concerns are addressed while the concerns of Muslims, who face increasingly hostile environments, are dismissed. The piece highlights instances of Islamophobia, such as a U.S. Congress member comparing Muslims to dogs and a prominent figure promoting a film depicting the murder of a Muslim family. The article argues that these real concerns are largely ignored, while the legitimacy of "Islamophobia" itself is questioned by those who hold Muslims in contempt.

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blatant anti-Semitic language

The article concludes by stating that Muslims are presented as a threat, which in turn endangers their existence both in the West and the East. It suggests that the rise in anti-Semitism is not caused by the presence of Muslims in the West but by destructive actions in the East, a point often overlooked by those who blame Muslims for anti-Semitism.

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right to defend