Antisemitism has become an increasingly visible part of America’s political conversation. While criticism of Israel is a legitimate part of the democratic debate, some rhetoric has crossed the line from disagreement with Israeli government policy into language that many Jews view as hostile to their identity and the legitimacy of the Jewish state. That shift deserves serious attention, regardless of political affiliation.

Criticizing the policies of any government, including Israel’s, is protected speech and an essential part of democracy. Antisemitism is different. It appears when criticism relies on stereotypes about Jews, questions the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in ways not applied to other nations, or treats Jews collectively as responsible for the actions of Israel.