Vision to Reality: The Reut Blog

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Today signals the launch of the Sixth International Israeli Apartheid Week, which is due to take place in over 40 cities across the globe. While the organizers contend that the events do not constitute delegitimization, anti-Zionism or anti-Semitism, many thinkers believe that referring to Israel as an apartheid regime is a central aspect of demonization of the country which in turn undermines its political legitimacy to exist.

The distinction between criticism of Israeli policy and delegitimization of its existence is not always easy to make. On the one hand, there are those who call for boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel without negating the country’s right to exist. On the other hand, some who are seemingly ‘only’ criticizing Israeli policies hold a hidden anti-Zionist agenda.

However, there are certain positions or terms (such as describing Israel as apartheid) that do cross the line between legitimate criticism and delegitimization. As Michael Ignatieff has noted “International law defines ‘Apartheid’ as a crime against humanity. Labeling Israel an ‘Apartheid’ state is thus a deliberate attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the Jewish state itself. Criticism of Israel is legitimate. Attempting to describe its very existence as a crime against humanity is not.”

In a similar vein, Irwin Cotler recently argued that branding Israel as apartheid or Nazi is part of a campaign aimed at causing its dismantlement. As Cotler said “these are the two great evils of 20th century…If Israel is guilty of crimes against humanity, then it does not have a right to exist…and a moral and legal obligation to dismantle follows.

Other Links

Reut Concept: Israel Apartheid Week

ReView: Eroding Israel’s Legitimacy in the International Arena