The Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed a congressional resolution on Tuesday equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, triggering strong reactions from Palestinian rights advocates who denounce it as a dangerous measure curbing free speech.
The resolution passed with a 311-14 vote, and framed itself as a response to the "drastic rise of anti-Semitism," but its language explicitly stated that the House "clearly and firmly states that anti-Zionism is antisemitism."
Critics argue that the resolution goes beyond addressing anti-Semitism and is an attempt to suppress Palestinian rights advocates by labelling their criticism of Israeli policies as hate speech.
Al Jazeera quoted Husam Marajda, an organizer with the US Palestinian Community Network, as emphasizing the dangerous precedent set by the resolution, stating that it aims to "criminalize our liberation struggle and our call for justice and peace."
Zionism, a nationalist ideology that played a key role in the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, asserts the Jewish people's right to self-determination in historic Palestine. However, many Palestinians view Zionism as a driver of settler colonialism that led to their dispossession during the founding of Israel.
The resolution also condemned the slogan "From the River to the Sea," interpreted by rights advocates as a call for equality in historic Palestine, but framed in the resolution as a "rallying cry for the eradication of the State of Israel and the Jewish people."
Demonstrators in Washington, DC, who gathered to demand a ceasefire were characterized as "rioters" who "spewed hateful and vile language amplifying anti-Semitic themes."
Criticism against the resolution extends to its conflation of Zionism with Judaism, a point emphasized by Palestinian-American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. Tlaib asserted that opposing Israeli government policies and advocating for human rights should not be equated with anti-Semitism.
The resolution's passage follows a series of pro-Israel motions approved by Congress since October 7, reflecting widespread support for Israel amid its offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in the death of more than 16,000 Palestinians.
Yasmine Taeb, the legislative and political director at MPower Change, a Muslim-American advocacy group, called the resolution "extremely dangerous," arguing that it equates any criticism of the Israeli government with anti-Semitism and smears millions of people demonstrating globally for a lasting ceasefire.
Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) also denounced the measure, stating that falsely equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism endangers communities and fuels violence against Palestinians. The resolution's impact on the Democratic Party was evident, with 13 Democrats voting against it, 95 in favour, and 92 abstaining with a "present" vote.
The divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel's military campaign in Gaza were underscored by the vote. While the progressive wing has advocated for a ceasefire, President Joe Biden and the majority of congressional Democrats have refrained from such calls.
This division exposes Democratic lawmakers to political dilemmas, risking alienating segments of their base if they support pro-Israel measures or facing Republican attacks if they oppose them.
The resolution's co-sponsorship by Congressman Max Miller, known for controversial remarks about turning Palestine into a parking lot, further fuelled scepticism about its intentions.