The Backstory: Invitation and Immediate Opposition

The University of Hong Kong’s School of Modern Languages and Culture initially extended an invitation to Jonathan Greenblatt to deliver a speech on March 25th, 2025. The intended topic was “Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities.” However, the announcement was met with immediate and vocal opposition from various student groups and faculty members. These groups argued that Greenblatt and the ADL have a history of conflating criticism of Israeli policies with anti-Semitism,thereby stifling legitimate debate about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.The controversy quickly escalated,prompting HKU to reconsider its decision.

Key Points of Contention

The core of the controversy lies in the differing perspectives on the relationship between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. Critics of the ADL argue that the organization often labels any criticism of Israel as anti-Semitic, effectively silencing dissenting voices and hindering open discussion about Israeli policies. This is notably sensitive in the United States, where the First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech, and where robust debate on foreign policy is considered essential. Conversely, supporters of the ADL contend that much of modern anti-Zionism is rooted in anti-Semitic tropes and conspiracy theories, such as accusations of dual loyalty and the demonization of jewish people. They argue that these tropes often mask underlying anti-Semitism and contribute to a opposed environment for jewish individuals and communities.

This debate is further complicated by the lack of a universally accepted definition of anti-Semitism.While the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition is widely used, it has also been criticized for being too broad and for perhaps conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. This ambiguity makes it difficult to distinguish between legitimate political discourse and prejudiced acts, fueling further controversy and division.

HKU’s Response and Aftermath

Faced with mounting pressure, the university of Hong Kong ultimately decided to cancel Greenblatt’s speech. In a statement, the university cited “security concerns” as the primary reason for the cancellation, but critics argue that the decision was a capitulation to political pressure. The cancellation sparked outrage from some quarters, with accusations of censorship and a violation of academic freedom. Others applauded the decision, arguing that it was necessary to protect the university from becoming a platform for what they considered to be biased and harmful views. The incident has raised serious questions about the limits of free speech on college campuses and the responsibility of universities to foster open and inclusive environments for all students.

Greenblatt’s Broader Engagements and recent Developments

Jonathan Greenblatt’s canceled speech at HKU is not an isolated incident. He and the ADL have faced similar controversies in the United States and elsewhere. In recent years, the ADL has been criticized for its handling of various issues, including its response to anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses and its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.These criticisms have led to calls for greater transparency and accountability from the organization. Despite these challenges, Greenblatt remains a prominent voice in the fight against anti-Semitism, and the ADL continues to play a significant role in advocating for Jewish communities around the world.

The ADL’s Mission and Challenges in the U.S. Context

Founded in 1913, the ADL’s mission is to combat anti-Semitism and secure justice and fair treatment for all. In the United States,the ADL works to educate the public about anti-Semitism,advocate for legislation to protect Jewish communities,and provide resources for victims of anti-semitic incidents. Though,the ADL faces significant challenges in the current environment. The rise of social media has made it easier for anti-semitic ideas to spread, and the increasing polarization of American society has made it more difficult to build consensus on how to address anti-Semitism. The ADL has also been criticized for its close ties to Israel, which some argue compromises its ability to be an impartial arbiter on issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This perception of bias can undermine the ADL’s credibility and effectiveness, particularly among those who are critical of Israeli policies.

The Complexities of Combating Anti-Semitism: An Interview with Dr.Evelyn Roth

To gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding anti-Semitism and the challenges of combating it, World-Today-News.com spoke with Dr. Evelyn Roth, a leading expert on anti-Semitism and political discourse.

Defining and Identifying Anti-Semitism

World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: Dr. Roth, what are the key elements in defining and identifying anti-Semitism today?

Dr. Evelyn Roth: “defining anti-Semitism is crucial, but it’s also a minefield. The IHRA definition is a starting point, but it’s not without its flaws. We need to be able to recognize anti-Semitic tropes, such as conspiracy theories about Jewish control of the media or the economy, but we also need to be careful not to stifle legitimate criticism of Israeli policies.”

Dr. Roth emphasized that anti-Semitism can manifest in various forms, including:

Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews in this very way or the power of Jews as a collective — such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, goverment or other societal institutions.

Accusing Jewish people as a whole of being responsible for the actions of a single Jewish person or group.

Denying the Holocaust.

Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel or the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.

Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.

These examples highlight the insidious nature of anti-Semitism and the importance of being able to recognize it in its various forms.

The Intersection of Anti-Zionism and Anti-semitism

World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: The article mentions the controversy surrounding equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism. What are the key arguments in this debate, and why is it so sensitive?

Dr. Evelyn Roth: “This is a core issue. Equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism means that any criticism of the State of Israel is perceived as anti-Semitic, which complicates the conversation. critics argue that this conflation suppresses legitimate debate about Israeli policies and actions. Together occurring,those who advocate for the equation say that modern anti-Zionism frequently enough relies on anti-Semitic tropes,such as accusations of dual loyalty,conspiracy theories,or demonization of Jewish people. These arguments highlight the complexity in differentiating between political stances and prejudiced acts. It’s a very sensitive topic because it involves deeply held beliefs about identity, justice, and historical narratives.”

This conflation is particularly problematic in the United States, where the First Amendment protects the right to criticize government policies, including those of Israel. Critics argue that labeling anti-Zionism as anti-Semitism can chill free speech and stifle debate on vital issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The ADL’s Role and Challenges

World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is at the centre of this controversy. What role does the ADL aim to play, and what challenges does it face in the current environment?

Dr. Evelyn Roth: “The ADL’s mission is generally to combat anti-Semitism and secure fair treatment for all. It’s a leading organization for fighting the defamation of Jewish people and advocating for justice and fair treatment. However, the ADL faces challenges. They have been accused of stifling some criticism of Israel and, alternatively, being criticized for being overly aligned with pro-Israel interests. This creates a perception of possible bias. In a highly polarized environment,it’s challenging to be seen as an impartial arbiter on such issues.”

The ADL’s perceived bias has led to calls for greater transparency and accountability from the organization. Critics argue that the ADL needs to be more careful in distinguishing between legitimate criticism of Israel and anti-Semitism,and that it should be more willing to engage with diverse perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Navigating a Polarized Landscape

World-Today-news.com Senior Editor: Considering the criticisms and the evolving nature of anti-Semitism, what are the best practices for addressing it, particularly on college campuses or in online spaces?

dr.Evelyn Roth: “Education is key. Increase awareness about anti-Semitism, its history, and its various forms. It’s also crucial to cultivate critical thinking skills and encourage respectful dialog.” Dr. Roth offered several recommendations:

• Promote balanced discussions. Ensure both sides of controversial issues can be heard.
• Establish clear guidelines. Define anti-Semitism in a way that’s clear and accepted, including examples.
• Foster collaboration. Work with diverse groups to address anti-Semitism at the grassroots level and to generate trust.
• support victims. Provide resources for reporting and addressing anti-Semitic incidents.

These recommendations emphasize the importance of education, dialogue, and collaboration in combating anti-Semitism. By fostering a more informed and inclusive environment, it is possible to challenge anti-Semitic ideas and promote understanding and respect.

Looking Ahead

World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: What lasting impact might the events surrounding jonathan Greenblatt’s speech have on the efforts to combat anti-Semitism?

Dr. Evelyn Roth: “The events at the University of Hong Kong serve as a valuable reminder that there’s an urgent need to recognize and approach the multifaceted nature of anti-Semitism. the complexity of this issue demands constant vigilance and adaptation. Also,the controversy surrounding the ADL’s presence shows that organizations focused on combating anti-Semitism should be willing to self-reflect and engage in inclusive discussions about how to achieve their goals and retain their legitimacy. It’s a complex issue that requires constant engagement and a commitment to understanding the different perspectives involved.”

The cancellation of greenblatt’s speech underscores the challenges of combating anti-semitism in a polarized world. It highlights the need for greater clarity in defining anti-Semitism, for more nuanced discussions about the Israeli-palestinian conflict, and for greater transparency and accountability from organizations like the ADL.Only by addressing these challenges can we hope to create a more just and equitable society for all.

World-Today-News.com Senior editor: Thank you, Dr. Roth, for your insightful analysis.