To the editor:

In the January 30th issue, “Library forum a defense of antisemitism”, Jonathan Carney’s letter to the editor was misleading and insulting. To set the record straight, the program was not a library forum. “The Weaponization of Antisemitism” program was sponsored by East Bay Citizens for Peace (EBCP) at the library and clearly stated that it was not endorsed by or affiliated with Rogers Free Library. The program was open to the public, and anyone was welcome to attend and join in the discussion. Participants were asked to be open to different points of view; to raise their hands when they wish to speak; to avoid interrupting or monopolizing the discussion; and to be respectful of each other. Therefore, discussions at our programs can cover a range of opinions. Mr. Carney took part in the discussion more than most and was treated with respect. However, his attack against EBCP and others who attended was disrespectful. One participant he targeted wrote us saying: “I am disappointed with how my words were represented. It seems like certain parts were taken out of context in a way that changes the meaning of what was actually said. This conversation was meant to be an open, respectful, and informative discussion. The way it is framed in his piece feels like it was written more to stir outrage than to reflect what was actually discussed.”

Mr. Carney’s accusation of antisemitism is insulting and disrespectful of everything EBCP stands for. His letter falsely accusing East Bay Citizens for Peace of antisemitism is an example of weaponizing antisemitism in order to discredit and silence EBCP while a genocide is taking place and real antisemitism is on the rise in the US and around the globe. EBCP opposes all forms of discrimination: bigotry, racism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, homophobia and antisemitism. We are a grassroots peace and justice group committed to peaceful solutions to conflict and to social and economic justice through open and respectful dialogue. We will not be silenced by false accusations of antisemitism. Criticism of Israel’s policies toward Palestinians is not antisemitism. Nor is advocating for Palestinians’ rights to live in peace and dignity a denial of Israeli’s rights to live in peace and dignity. In a definition of antisemitism the US State Department states, “Criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic.”

We encourage all readers to watch the Democracy Now interviews which we watched and discussed: www.democracynow.org/2024/9/5/katherine_franke; www.democracynow.org/2024/10/31/francesca_albanese.

Nancy Hood
East Bay Citizens for Peace
Bristol