Responding to Anti-Israel and Antisemitic Statements After Oct. 7, 2023

Dr. Michael Berenbaum addresses how to respond to anti-Israel and antisemitic comments on Day 12 following Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The following questions were shared on a handout for the workshop attendees.

1. After October 7th how would you respond to people who urge joining protests to “Free Palestine ”?

2. How would you respond to people who say that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people in Gaza?

3. How would you respond to people who say this current violence is Israel’s fault and being perpetrated by “freedom fighters”?

4. How would you respond to people saying that the current attack is due to Israel creating “an open air prison” in Gaza and economically strangling this strip of land?

5. How would you respond to people saying that Israel should exercise restraint?

6. How would you respond to people saying that Israel deserves what happened because Zionists (Jews) kicked out the Palestinians and stole their land?

7. How would you respond to people who say why don’t the Israelis solve the situation by giving the Palestinians their own land including the Gaza Strip?

8. How would you respond to people who say that anti-Zionist and anti-Israel actions are not anti-Jewish?