Independent Jewish Voices and the Normalization of Antisemitism
- Mark Sandler
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
The recent commentary in the National Post by Cory Balsam, national coordinator of Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) represents a disingenuous or, at best, sadly misinformed defence of a position justifiably rejected by mainstream Jewry.
He asserts that expressing outrage or discomfort with Israel's actions is not antisemitic. Of course, it isn't. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)'s working definition of antisemitism explicitly confirms that.
He asserts that it is possible to care about both Jewish safety and Palestinian freedom. Of course it is. Zionism, properly defined as the belief in Jewish self-determination in our ancestral lands is compatible with Palestinian self-determination. So says the Canadian Handbook to IHRA.
These are inconvenient facts omitted from Balsam's recent testimony before the Senate Human Rights Committee. Independent Jewish Voices has not only distorted Zionism as understood by mainstream Jewry but partnered with those who demonize all Zionists without distinction and in doing so, incite hatred against Jews.
It is instructive that Balsam condemns anti-Palestinian racism without condemning its use (based on a definition advanced by its leading proponents) to label as anti-Palestinian racist anyone who disputes Palestinian narratives about Israel's creation or refuses to acknowledge that all of Israel is occupied land.
While many Zionists speak critically about Israel's government, policies or conduct, Balsam and IJV choose instead to give cover to those who create a poisoned environment for Jews in Canada. I needn't label Balsam as antisemitic.
We are too easily baited into debating whether someone is an antisemite or an anti-Zionist. Balsam and IJV are enablers that allow Jew hatred (however described) to be normalized.
Mark Sandler
Chair, Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism
Please note: ALCCA has also published an evidence-based article, Correcting the Record: Addressing Misstatements About IHRA and Antisemitism in Canada, which examines and responds to misstatements made by IJV and aligned witnesses before the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights.