Although the establishment of Israel has given American Jews an “ego boost,” it has also resulted in a new type of intellectual anti-Semitism based on charges of divided loyalties of American Zionists, Benjamin Epstein, executive director of the Anti-Defamation League, revealed here.
Epstein said last night that an alarming lack of understanding of Israel and Zionism has been demonstrated by expressions of Protestant Ministers and other intellectuals. He cited articles in the “Christian Century,” to support his remarks.
The chief source of criticism levelled at Jews is alleged divided loyalty and support by American Jewry of a foreign state which has now attained full sovereignty, Epstein said. “Professional anti-Semites seem elated at the success of Israel.” Their new cry is that now the Jews have a place to go, “send them all back there,” he added.
Epstein’s statements were made at a forum on the significance of Israel to world democracy held at the Jewish Community Center here. Other participants were Arthur C.A. Liverhant, of the Israeli Embassy staff, and Prof. Richard J. Purcell, of Catholic University.
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