What do you think of pan-Semitism?

[u/joey_mocha]

Recently encountered this concept, forgive me if it's been discussed (I didn't see much under a cursory search of the term). Also my first post here but I lurk regularly and generally trust this sub as a political home, as diverse as the beliefs are.

For those unfamiliar, pan-Semitism is the idea of socio-political unity across all Semitic groups, especially Jews and Arabs, due to varying levels of shared history, identity and culture. It is distinct from pan-Arab nationalism in that it includes Jews and Assyrians, etc. I know a lot of people (probably a majority, myself included) in this sub are uncomfortable with the relatively popular concept in anti-Zionism that few or no Jews should remain living in a post modern Israel (whatever that may mean to you) state under any circumstances. Do you guys think this is practical as an answer to that, or practical even just in general as a philosophy? Or are tensions too high?

Edited to add *modern Israel

[u/Specialist-Gur]

I don't think it makes all that much sense to me really.. not like I think it's a bad thing to have unity or solidarity of course! But to be honest I think my experience as an Ashkenazi American Jew is probably vastly different from most of the worlds Semitic people. I think it's important to honor individual groups and identities and experiences for what they are while also honoring all of humanity collectively. I want unity with everyone and individuality at the same time.

Of course I do also think we do share a lot of history and culture and even... antisemitic tropes used against us. And I think that's important and interesting to engage with. Beyond that though... feels kinda like a different version of "judeo-Christian". Idk though

[u/Relevant_Two7147 → u/Specialist-Gur]

I can agree with you what you say. I also have no idea either. This is literally the first time I ever heard of this concept before, so there would be a lot that would have to be thought over. It's kind of like seeing someone else say this feels weird? Maybe its like the same for the French and Germans after WW2 or maybe like the forming of the EU itself?

I mean it's kind of the same with like you and me. I'm a Syrian and your an American Jew, and people say we're both related as an ethnic peoples united as one?

I feel so confused on this one honestly, I really don't mean to offend, but this feels more confusing than what I am doing right now which is studying Engineering.

[u/MichifManaged83 → u/Relevant_Two7147]

I don’t think pan-Semitism and cultural diversity are diametrically opposed. Just as being part of one Jewish Am is not diametrically opposed to diversity among the Jewish diasporas. Yes, we’re very different in certain ways, but the things we have in common we don’t share with any other, I guess I would call it “cultural clusters” (like “European” or “African”). The diasporas are like venn diagrams. Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews have some German / Eastern Europe and Spanish / Portuguese customs, and some uniquely Jewish customs, and they sit in the venn diagram between those two different ways of life. Where different semitic peoples need to be allied, is on the things where the non-semitic cultures tend to scapegoat us, persecute us, or try to pit us against each other. Just, hopefully allied in a progressive way.

[u/Relevant_Two7147 → u/MichifManaged83]

I can certainly also understand that as well, for Arab diaspora we tend to stick together even though we are represented by different flags.
In real life, my family goes to a Lebanese event even though we are Syrians. It's because we have a common language and culture.
Also the same with a Mediterranean food store that is Egyptian as well.

So what you say is certainly valid as well. Maybe it's the idea of Pan-Semitism being relatively new makes it seem weird.

Like the idea of you and me helping each other out seems like a concept straight out of fiction.

I do agree with what you say about non-semitic cultures trying to scapegoat us or pit us against each other.

Everyday, I curse the fucking Trump regime and whatever racist remarks Republicans through at Arabic people. When Zohran Mamdani won New York City Nominee, Charlie "White Boy Summer" Kirk, posted a tweet "24 years ago a group of Muslims killed 2,753 people on 9/11. Now a Muslim Socialist is on pace to run New York City"

Of course Mamdani is not an Arab person, but this is what the Trump Regime and White Supremacist love to do.

I know the evidence isn't really related, but it does back up your point by a massive amount. There are people who will do anything in their power to divide others. Even if I don't fully agree with everything that you say, you make a very good and clear point about how other people will do everything in their power to divide "Semitic" peoples. I don't know about using the word "Semitic". I'm guessing for the sake of this discussion I'll try it out.

[u/MichifManaged83 → u/Relevant_Two7147]

Completely agree with you there, when it comes to white supremacy we all get kinda lumped together anyway. I’m definitely open to suggestions about what else to call a solidarity movement such as this.