Can a Christian Zionist be a Victim of Anti-Semitism?

Why Is the term “Anti-Zionist” problematic?m

Imagine that I were an outspoken Christian Zionist, a supporter of Israel in 2023. In this context, imagine that I spoke positively of the atmosphere of 1967, when Israelis ethnically cleansed parts of Jerusalem.

In a 2023 interview with Israeli media, [I] stirred up controversy with [my] remarks on [my] 1967 visit to the Zionist ethnostate, saying, “I saw Arabs being thrown out of their houses in Jerusalem. But it was just the extraordinary magical energy of a country just beginning to put its roots in the ground. It was an amazing time to be [t]here.

Now, bring this forward two years to 2025, when I was walking in London and a pedestrian heckled [me] for my positive portrayal of Israel in 1967.

In Britain today, could I, a (Christian Zionist) living in London, rightly be described as a victim of Anti-Semitism because of the pedestrian’s heckling related to my public minimization of the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians in 1967 and opposition, today, to boycotts?

Can a Christian Zionist be a Victim of Anti-Semitism?

• And does this qualify as Anti-Semitism?

• Perhaps a more accurate term would be anti-Zionist?

But does calling it “Anti-Zionism” properly label an issue that pro-Israeli supporters want to conflate?

Elsewhere:

This scenario happened to Dame Helen Mirren, when she was called an “Evil, Zionist bitch”

Bad Tactics, less offensively done?

I don’t agree with the heckler that this is a good way to win friends and influence people, but I also don’t agree that everything deserves the label of “Anti-Semitism.”

Judging from the video, this incident was less intimidating than it could have been, as the heckler created quite a bit of distance between the couple before he delivered his insult.

“Mirren isn’t Jewish, but she supports the existence of the Jewish State. She also played former Israeli prime minister Golda Meir in a 2023 biopic, and has spoken out against the boycotts of the Jewish State that so many in her industry have shamefully supported.“

Jerusalem Post: ‘Evil Zionist b****’: Helen Mirren harassed on London streets over Israel support

Daily Mail: Dame Helen Targeted

QUESTION:

1. What is your definition of “Anti-Semitism,” and how does it compare with this usage?

2. If this version is broader than yours, why do you think that is?

3. How much of this attention is due to the prominence of the actor, Helen Mirren?

4. What would happen if this were a Muslim celebrity?