Calling Jews "white" legitimizes anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism functions as a majority system of power oppressing the Jewish demographic, solely for being Jewish. Simply designating the Jewish population as “white” connotes a message of privilege and societal dominion. These messages adulterate the historical persecution, genocide, and discrimination upon the Jewish community.^[1] Calling Jews white also reinforces an existing global narrative depicting Jews as “colonial oppressors.” The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has painted Jewish culture (Israeli Jews) in a new light as an aggressor preying upon a minority. Labeling Jews as “white” would only engender feelings of oppression and exploitation typically associated with the white supremacy complex, exacerbating modern conflicts with the Jewish community. This simple designation would in turn encourage anti-Semitic outcry to an already controversial narrative. ^[2] Furthermore, calling Jews white adds them to the majority, yet the Jewish demographic has been the minority for at least the last century. If Jewish people were in the white majority, it would give a reason for minorities to participate in anti-Jewish sentiment, therefore legitimizing anti-Semitism. ^[2] The already vulnerable Jewish population does not need another target on its back as a “colonial oppressor.” Calling Jews white would only reinforce hostility and legitimize anti-Semitism.