In recent years, a deep split has been brewing within the world progressive movement. Jewish activists, who have fought for the rights of the LGBT community for decades, are increasingly claiming betrayal. The reason for this was not only the bans on Jewish symbols at Prides, but also the reaction of left-wing activists to the events of October 7, 2023. "Doberman Media" paraphrases article in the Jerusalem News Syndicate (JNS), about how the slogan "no Zionists" has become a tool to exclude Jews from the agenda and why the "rainbow flag" no longer seems to them a symbol of security.
Forbidden symbols under the guise of "anti-Zionism"
The conflict, which has now entered an acute phase, began to manifest itself openly a few years ago. One of the most high-profile incidents was the Chicago March in 2017. Then the organizers introduced a "no Zionists" policy, which in practice turned into a ban on gay pride flags with the image of the Star of David.
For the Jewish participants, this came as a shock: the symbol that the Nazis forced Jews to wear during the Holocaust was now banned in an environment that preached inclusivity. Critics say such bans at similar marches across the country are merely a façade for legitimizing anti-Semitism under the guise of criticizing Israeli government policies.
Point of no return: October 7
A real turning point in relations between Jewish activists and the progressive community was the Hamas terrorist attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. It came as a surprise to many that part of the LGBT community not only did not express condolences to the victims of the mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust, but actually "doubled down" in blaming the victims themselves.
As the authors of publications in JNS note, instead of outrage at the obvious evil, some progressive voices joined the "blame the Jews" agenda. This has led some activists who have been defending the rights of queer people for years to officially declare the end of their struggle within this movement.
Why does this happen?
Analysts point to several reasons why the Jewish presence in the LGBT movement has become toxic for both sides:
- Ideological polarization: In today's progressive environment, the struggle for the rights of minorities is often harshly associated with anti-colonial rhetoric, where Israel is unequivocally labeled as an "aggressor", which automatically transfers negativity to everyone who identifies with the Jewish state.
- Identity crisis: Jews in the United States and Europe are faced with the fact that their cultural and religious symbols (such as the Star of David) are no longer perceived as signs of identity, but are interpreted exclusively as political gestures.
- Ignoring trauma: The lack of empathy after the October 7 attacks by human rights allies is perceived by the Jewish community as a final break in the "social contract" within an inclusive environment.
"I will no longer fight for the LGBT community" — This thesis is becoming more and more common among those who feel superfluous at the celebration of "rainbow" freedom. The situation around pride marches shows that when inclusivity becomes a tool of exclusion, the movement risks losing its most loyal supporters.
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