Comparisons between Israel and Nazi Germany occur frequently in the political discourse of anti-Zionism.[1][2] Given the legacy of the Holocaust, the legitimacy of and intent behind these accusations are a matter of debate, particularly with regard to their potential nature as a manifestation of antisemitism. Historically, figures like British historian Arnold J. Toynbee have drawn parallels or alleged a relationship between Zionism and Nazism; British professor David Feldman suggests that these comparisons are often rhetorical tools without specific antisemitic intent. On the other hand, the Anti-Defamation League sees these comparisons as attempts at Holocaust trivialization.[3][4]
According to American political scientist Ian Lustick, comparing the two countries is "a natural if unintended consequence of the immersion of Israeli Jews in Holocaust imagery."[5] A wide variety of political figures and governments, especially those on the left, have often invoked these comparisons, with the most prominent and influential example being that of Soviet anti-Zionism, which took root in response to Israel's integration with the First World in the aftermath of the 1967 Arab–Israeli War.[6] In the 21st century, politicians who have done so at least once include Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,[7] Brazilian president Lula da Silva,[8] Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez,[9] and British parliamentarian David Ward.[10] Critics of the comparison, such as French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy, argue that such comparisons not only lack historical and moral equivalence, but also risk inciting anti-Jewish sentiment. American historian Deborah Lipstadt calls these types of comparisons "soft-core" Holocaust denial.[11]
Druks
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).Recep
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).Klaff
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).:0
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).© MMXXIII Rich X Search. We shall prevail. All rights reserved. Rich X Search