Is Anti-Zionism the new Anti-Semitism?

Zionism, or the belief in the Jewish right to self-determination in the land of Israel, has been the topic of contentious global debate for decades. And while the United States government is making moves to strengthen its special relationship with Israel, such as relocating the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, scrutiny of Israel and its government looms large in American politics. Is it possible to distinguish anti-Zionism from anti-Semitism?

For the Motion:
Bret Stephens - Op-Ed Columnist, New York Times
Einat Wilf - Former Member, Israeli Parliament

Against the Motion:
Peter Beinart - Journalist & Author, “The Crisis of Zionism”
Yousef Munayyer - Executive Director, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights

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[octavioust.talium]

18:00

Did she just base her arguement on "What if.."?

[Rammbock]

Literally every single argument the proponents brought forward was a false equivalence, strawman or outright irrelevant.

[SikanderG]

This turned into a debate about Zionism itself. But it was originally about whether anti-Zionism is antisemitism, not about whether Zionism is correct. Surely no one really believes that anti-Zionism is inherently antisemitic.

[fredgassit]

Those screaming women are so irritating

[octavioust.talium]

36:50
If he is saying that since those in the Gaza strip have been under Egyptian protction for to long that they become Egyption, and the same applies to the west bank, then why didn't the Jews that left Canaan over three thousand years ago to Europe not become Europeans?

[mary-leelutz]

Neither side seems to understand that a peace agreement requires each side to compromise. Israel behaves as if it is giving up everything, not realizing that Palestinians would also be giving up something for peace.

[victoriamarks]

what about the christian Palestinians? neither side ever acknowledged them.

[vlx]

They created it because they don't want to be called terrorist.

[HoldenNY]

Where are these Debates held? Are these Debates on different topics currently being held especially in the New York City Area?

[bubuphilip]

Einat Wilf was the wrong choice for this debate. Instead of arguing facts and ideas, she continuously equated the issue to herself on an emotional level. Lots of talk not necesarily relevant to the vast majority of stakeholders.

[HoldenNY]

Someone should ask Youssef if he would call on Arab Natoins to make amends to their Jewish Citizens for kicking them out of their Countires and dispossessng their Land and Property.

[piruz]

Yousef looks and sounds like Peter Jacobson, a Palestinian activist looking like a Jewish actor- priceless.

[nathanielwestermann]

"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the first and the last, who was dead and came to life: I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are rich. I know the slander on the part of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan."

— Revelation 2:8-9

[ICA_Ghost]

20:08 SHE SAID ”ZIONISM ENABLED CRITICISM ON ISRAEL“.... this is too much for me

[chugalongway]

A "Jewish Democracy" or "Jewish & Democratic" is a contradiction in terms. Jewish being exclusive and democracy being inclusive.
The very idea of a "Jewish State" is an anomaly. It is something that has never happened before so why should we accept this anomaly?
The Zios are asking for Israel to be a racist state, pure and simple

[hawks]

John: “(you) kinda met our goal (of civil discourse)”

[RyanNelsonHolt]

This is a tricky phrasing & obviously extraordinarily emotional issue for everyone. I just appreciate the respectful debate & public discord. It’s ok to disagree & not hate the other person. Love Intelligence Squared.

[bmana]

Who is the moderator? Thought he did a great job.

[lizwarneck]

Great debate on a difficult topic that affects the course of history and has for thousands of years. Because I know biblical history, it rips at my convictions. Yet, to sit quietly is to take a stand of cowardice and failure to stand against that which is wrong is to agree with the wrongdoing. There really is no neutral. Help us, Lord. Give wisdom and direction, that Your Name may be glorified in the earth.

[MentalDeviant]

This girl is saying that we criticize Israel too much. The truth is that most don't, It feels like we're not allowed to! And if the criticism is legit, than why is it a problem. She's either delusional or she's exaggerating.