Why so many young Jews are turning on Israel | Simone Zimmerman | The Big Picture S4E7

“I was definitely raised to be a Jewish leader of some kind.”

With college campuses all over the US gripped by intense battles around free speech, antisemitism and Palestinian rights - the voices of young Jewish Americans have led the way.

One of the boldest and most prominent voices is that of Simone Zimmerman.

Zimmerman was raised in a conservative Zionist household, taught to idolise and support Israel as the highest aspiration of all young Jewish Americans like her.

But as she got older, she began to question whether there was another side to Israel she was being sheltered from - and when she sought answers, she was shocked at what she discovered.

Prompted by conversations with Palestinians under occupation and Jewish activists, she went home and began to organise in an attempt to stop her government’s military support for Israel, and as she puts it, “live out the values of justice I was raised on”.

On the frontlines of protests in campuses and halls of power, she suddenly found herself a target of accusations by pro-Israeli groups, who now called her “antisemitic” and threatening her online.

After October 7, she became more determined than ever to challenge the beliefs in her community about Israel, and the reluctance by many to see the horrific reality of what’s happening in Gaza.

This week on The Big Picture, we sit down with Simone Zimmerman to talk about her story, which has been documented in a provocative new documentary called ‘Israelism’, and whether we’re witnessing a turning point in how young Jewish-Americans see Israel, and how young Americans see their government’s support for the occupation.

Timeline:
0:00 - Intro
2:25 - Becoming a Jewish leader
3:50 - Continuing a lineage of a Jewish fight for justice
6:55 - How Jewish Americans are raised to believe in Israel
10:00 - Challenging the asumptions within Jewish communities
11:30 - Dealing with personal attacks for her activism
14:40 - Why it's important for Jewish activists to be part of the Pro-Palestine movement
17:40 - How Jewish people reacted to October 7
23:03 - Is it easy to have conversations about Israel with Jewish people?
25:00 - An undeniable generational shift in how young people see Israel
29:10 - The mainstream focus on Netanyahu instead of the occupation
32:20 - Challenging the pro-Israel lobby in the US
34:43 - How do you talk about antisemitism?
41:10 - The positive reactions to the 'Israelism' film
43:20 - The reason Jews believe in Zionism and how to challenge it
48:10 - Every society has a story it tells about itself
50:00 - There are similar fights others are having in their communities
51:38 - Outro

[jaygoldman]

Bravo Simone!!! I'm a 66 year old Jewish American male who was indoctrinated since I was 5 with the same mythical stories you and some others of your generation speak of and now see through. 1) We are the "Chosen People". We're special. 2) Conflating antisemitism with anti Zionism. 3) We Jews must be perpetually afraid. VERY, very afraid because we are always the persecuted victim. Hence, the need for Israel as safe haven. 4) Conflating the Jewish diaspora experience with the Israeli experience. Thusly, we need to espouse unconditional support for the racist, ethno, apartheid state who has oppressed millions of Palestinians since the Nakba in 1948. I cannot summon the words to express my anger, revulsion, and utter disgust with the Israeli regime and their partners the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and others in the genocide / ethnic cleansing operation featuring too many crimes against humanity to list here. To that I say.... NOT IN MY NAME!!! Lastly, I am actually afraid that we are experiencing in real time the utter breakdown of the world wide social order that has especially benefited the wealthy industrialized countries since the end of World War 2.

[mirzetdedic]

Big respect to all Jews who fight for human rights and against genocide in Gaza, 🙏❤❤

[falsanomo]

Proud of all the young people who are fighting against the occupation. But there are older people who stand with you.

[jefferyyounce]

It's not about Jews, Muslims etc. It's about humanity and decency!

[dan]

Norman Finkelstein had the best response to the "you're a self hating jew". He said, "even if I were a self hating jew, what does that have to do with the facts. If I were a self loving jew, would it mean everything I say must be true?"

[conmitchell]

This young woman Simone Zimmerman is truly practical, intelligent and a bundle of, common sense. Truly, I would propose her for US president.
I’m a 74 year old Roman Catholic man I’m proud to believe everything she has said in this video squares totally with what I believe myself.
I’m am so proud of this young person and aline my thoughts with her. 15:26 UK

[benmita]

“Is it ‘never again for us’ or ‘never again for anyone ‘“? Amazing quote. Basta!

[terilynnnelson]

People like Simone Zimmerman, her organization, the student protestors, Jewish Voices for Peace and others represent the best of humanity, and the moral leadership of the world at this terribly fraught moment. I have to say that if you are at all intellectually curious, you know what is going on, so I do not buy into this idea that "older" people just don't know any better. I am "older" and I know. If you want to know the truth about something you will work to find it.

[Bobby]

Thank god for people like this lady. We should watch her movie and support her work

[liamgilmour]

Of all the commentaries and podcasts I have read or heard on the subject, this is the most eloquent, informed, educated, objective, humane and inspiring that I have so far encountered. My deepest appreciation and thanks go out to you Simone, and to your excellent host.

[DocZom]

Simone reminds me of the Jewish students I met in the new-left movement of the 60s. I never knew any Jews until my freshman year in college. Those Jewish students were brought up with strong humanist values, like me though I was raised RC. We immediately became close friends and fellow "campus radicals."

The one message I would share with Simone is to keep fighting for what is right; you will ultimately prevail. And thank you for inspiring an old hippie radical.

[paxetgratia]

Excellent interview! I loved watching Simone’s compassion for her fellow human beings, her knowledge of the issues she stands for/against, her gift of communication, and her leadership abilities. The interviewer did a great job, too - he asked good questions, gave her the opportunity to express her thoughts, and did not interrupt her.

[pacificbob]

Simon, I am a 77-year-old Canadian born and raised in a very fundamentalist evangelical Christian environment. I was indoctrinated by 'end times' theology, which stated that Jesus was going to return to earth very soon (since 1970). We were continually told to keep our eyes on Israel because the Battle of Armeggeden would take place soon. I am appalled by the lack of concern of evangelical people for Palestinians. Evangelicals in the USA do not care at all about Palestinians. Your humanity and the determination you show fighting against the genocide taking place in Gaza give me hope for the future. You may be young, but I believe you are wise beyond your years.

[leilahmanson]

When I hear a Jewish person speak out against Israel I always listen and as always it's powerful stiff, thank goodness for these people who are determined to do the RIGHT thing!

[soulmanmonk]

“They'll say we're disturbing the peace, but there is no peace. What really bothers them is that we are disturbing the war.”

Howard Zinn

[aeubanks]

God bless you Simone!!! You've given me some hope for the future!! Im 63, and its truly up to you and YOUR generation to make a better world for yourselves!! 🙏✨

[NaieemAli-gdhq]

From Gaza to Simone, we love you, we appreciate you, you are indeed one of our heroes. May Allah guide and protect you.

[robinpettit]

I met an IDF soldier over 44 years ago and was aware of what was going on. I have carried this knowledge knowing that I would be attacked as antisemitic if I voiced it too loud. Thank you for making the space for me, a non-Jew to let you know that should be proud of your actions.

[j.f.]

I am so relived to see Jewish people, especially the younger generation, to oppose the brutal Zionism and putting forth the values of true Judaism, which are similar to the ones in Islam and Christianity. There may he hope after all that one day everyone would be able to live side by side in the land of Palestine and Israel.

[achillemassoma]

Simone Zimmerman, Noami Klein and million of other Jews who have the moral courage to resist injustice whichever form it takes.