MPR News Presents

Intelligence Squared debate: Is anti-Zionism the new anti-Semitism?

Protesters
Protesters show support for Palestine across the street from Adath Jeshurun Congregation in Minnetonka, Minn.
Peter Cox | MPR News 2014

A new debate from the Intelligence Squared series.

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?

The motion

Anti-Zionism is the new anti-Semitism

For the motion

Bret Stephens, op-ed columnist, New York Times.

Elinat Wilf, author and former member of the Israeli Parliament.

Against the motion

Peter Beinart, journalist and author of “The Crisis of Zionism.”

Yousef Munayyer, executive director of the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights.