Harry Potter actress turned social justice warrior Emma Watson has been embroiled in controversy after sharing a Palestinian solidarity message to her 64.1 million followers on Instagram.
The post has been slammed and condemned online by high-profile Jewish figures, including former Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon who tweeted "10 points from Gryffindor for being an antisemite".
But there is nothing in the image that violates a single example of the IHRA definition of antisemitism. There is nothing inherently antisemitic about phrases like "Free Palestine" or "Justice For Palestine", and there is nothing racist about images of the Palestinian flag.
It is frustrating that so many continue to feel uncomfortable with legitimate symbols of Palestinian identity and the Palestinian struggle. Serious supporters of peace must learn to come to terms with the images and realities of Palestinian self-determination.
The decision by some to label Watson's post antisemitic cheapens and undermines other, genuine, accusations of antisemitism. Antisemitism is not simply a difference of political opinion; it is a cynical hatred of the Jewish people and everything they represent.
Watson's post has, frankly, nothing to do with Jews and everything to do with Palestinians. As someone who receives daily abuse and even death threats as a result of my Jewish identity, it is important to stress that people should direct their anger at the right subject. Chastising Watson - who regularly posts about social justice issues around the globe - is not productive activism.
I understand people's concerns. Throughout 2021 the likes of David Miller and Tony Greenstein used criticism of Israel as a Trojan horse to disguise what many of us considered be their antisemitism. But criticism of Israel is not inherently antisemitic. As a community we must work to de-stigmatize the Palestinian cause and normalise condemnation of Israel when someone wishes to criticise Israel like any other country.
Antisemitism is very real and very dangerous. That is why we must ensure that our energy is focused on targeting malicious perpetrators of antisemitism, not well-meaning celebrities.
