It is not true that I or other leaders in the Jewish community see any criticism of Israel as anti-Jewish or anti-Semitic.
Israel, like any other country, has good policies and bad and is subject to legitimate criticism. I may agree or disagree with such criticisms, but there is nothing anti-Jewish about them.
It is another thing when the criticisms of Israel go beyond the normal. Sometimes it takes the form of using anti-Semitic images such as accusing Israel of drinking the blood of Palestinians (which is the classic blood libel against Jews) or comparing Israeli behavior to the crucifixion of Jesus or saying the Israelis are worse that the Nazis. All of these suggest a form of criticism that is reminiscent of classic anti-Semitism.
In addition, when Israel is not merely criticized for a particular practice or policy but is deemed as a unique violator of human rights while the far greater violators in the Middle East, countries like Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran and others are ignored, something is at work that is not simply legitimate criticism.
And, if comments are made suggesting that Israel has not right to exist, that too suggests an anti-Jewish component.
So to be clear: everyday there are comments in the Israeli press and around the world raising questions about certain Israeli policies. No one says that is anti-Jewish. Anti-Semitism comes into play when we are talking about something very different.
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