Morales-SPEAKINGANTISEMITISM-2019

Chapter Overview

Chapter Title: SPEAKING OF ANTISEMITISM

Book Title: Medicine Stories

Authors: Aurora Levins Morales

Publisher: Duke University Press

JSTOR Stable URL: j.ctv125jp3s.22

Nature of Content

This chapter discusses Aurora Levins Morales' personal experiences and reflections as an outspoken voice against antisemitism and colonialism, intertwining narratives of identity, historical struggle, and collective trauma. The author weaves her personal history with broader discussions about the complexities of oppression, highlighting the impact of antisemitism and colonial legacies on both Jewish communities and other marginalized groups.

Author's Identity

Background:

• Ancestry and Upbringing: Aurora Levins Morales is the child of two oppressed peoples; her Puerto Rican mother, a Catholic, and her Ukrainian Ashkenazi Jewish father, a Communist.

• Geographical Context: She was raised in Puerto Rico during a time marked by military dictatorships and socio-economic exploitation, which shaped her worldview and commitment to justice.

• Experiences of Displacement: Her narrative includes profound experiences of displacement and economic hardship, reflecting the ongoing struggles faced by communities impacted by colonialism and genocide, which continue to influence her perspectives and activism.

Self-Identification:

• Complex Identity: She identifies as a colonial subject, a Woman of Color, disabled, and a proud Jew. This layered identity informs her understanding of multiple axes of oppression, emphasizing the interconnectedness between different struggles for justice.

Historical Context of Antisemitism

Genealogy:

• Family History: The genealogy of Levins Morales’ family traces back to Ukraine, where Jews faced systemic marginalization and were denied land ownership, which laid a foundation for their future migrations.

• Migration Patterns: Landmarks a significant migration from the Gomel region in Ukraine to southern regions as a strategic response to Ottoman threats, revealing historical strategies of survival against oppressive forces.

Immigration to the U.S.:

• Crisis and Escape: Her great-grandfather emigrated to the United States to escape not only military conscription but also the subsequent tragedy inflicted by the Holocaust, further highlighting the personal ties to themes of escape and survival.

Moral Authority:

• Critique of Narratives: The author critiques the societal expectations surrounding Jewish narratives of suffering, which often serve to silence dissent and critical thought regarding Israeli policies, indicating a need for broader discussions about accountability and morality.

Contemporary Palestinian Context

Comparison of Oppressions:

• Weaponization of Antisemitism: Levins Morales illustrates how antisemitism has been historically weaponized within various political and social contexts, further paralleling experiences of racism and colonial oppression faced by different groups.

• Solidarity in Struggle: She draws comparisons between the Jewish struggle and that of Palestinian communities, arguing for an understanding of oppression as interconnected rather than singular.

The Israeli State:

• Critique of Statehood: The author criticizes the ideologies underpinning the creation of a Jewish state on the suffering of others, particularly Palestinians, and raises questions about moral and ethical governance.

• Vision of Coexistence: Acknowledges a long-standing potential for coexistence founded on respect, dialogue, and avoidance of conquest-based interactions across identities and communities.

Responses Among Jewish Communities

Three Perspectives:

• Orthodox View: A reliance on faith and divine intervention as a means of addressing suffering (God's intervention).

• Zionist Stance: Focuses on the perceived necessity for self-governance and maintaining territorial integrity in the face of perceived vulnerabilities.

• Communist and Anarchist Views: Emphasizes solidarity among all oppressed peoples, advocating for intersectional approaches to social justice efforts.

Shift in Dynamics:

• Post-Holocaust Narrative: Discusses how historical traumas, particularly the Holocaust, have contributed to overwhelming Zionist narratives while simultaneously leading to the silencing of dissenting voices within Jewish communities, complicating dialogues about identity and resistance.

Personal Reflections and Activism

Commitment to Justice:

• Interconnected Struggles: She views the Palestinian struggle as an extension of her ongoing fight against oppression, emphasizing the importance of recognizing shared battles across different communities.

• Antisemitism as a Shield: Argues that antisemitism can be recklessly utilized as a shield to deflect accountability for injustices committed against non-Jewish communities, perpetuating cycles of denial and ignorance regarding systemic power dynamics.

Vision for Future:

• Call for Human Solidarity: Advocates for a vision of human solidarity that transcends specific identity boundaries, urging recognition of the interplay between different forms of oppression.

• A Holistic Approach to Justice: The author emphasizes a forward-looking perspective that integrates diverse struggles and advocates for constructive, non-violent engagements in social justice movements.

Conclusion on Antisemitism

Definition of Antisemitism:

• Historical Context: Defines antisemitism as a term that emerged within the parameters of 19th-century racist pseudo-science, yet it maintains significance in contemporary discussions regarding prejudice and discrimination.

• Cautious Use: Levins Morales employs the term with caution, acknowledging its historical connotations and implications, especially in relation to the ongoing dialogues surrounding identity, suffering, and resistance within a global context.