In the roiling cauldron of contemporary political discourse, a particularly malignant strain of anti-Semitism finds fertile ground, masquerading under the guise of critique and the sacrosanct principle of free speech. It falls upon us, with a sense of duty as weighty as the issue at hand, to dissect the venomous screeds launched by one Jackson Hinkle against Israeli women’s rights activists.

Hinkle, with an arrogance bordering on the monumental, has descended into the mire of the most base form of engagement: the deployment of misogyny through the crass sexual objectification of an Israeli woman activist. This act, so far removed from any pretense of legitimate criticism, stands as a stark case of character assassination, a brand of misogyny that, while anachronistic, disturbingly secures a toehold in our modern dialogue.

Hinkle’s method is symptomatic of a broader, more deeply disconcerting phenomenon: a dual standard applied with vigor to Jews and Israelis, ushering in a grotesque dehumanization. This dehumanization allows their voices and heritage to be maligned and demonized, positioning them as perpetual outcasts, humanity’s designated scapegoats. This narrative insidiously insinuates that Jews and Israelis, by dint of their ethnicity and faith, are relegated to the margins of the broader discourse, deemed unworthy of the fundamental dignities extended to others.

This posture is not merely morally repugnant but intellectually devoid. To sexually objectify and demean an activist for her Israeli identity is to engage in the lowest form of misogyny, aimed not at challenging ideas but at silencing and demeaning an individual based on their ethnicity and gender. Such tactics are antithetical to any society that purports to cherish equality, freedom, and justice, serving as a grim testament to the enduring virulence of anti-Semitism and sexism, which, in concert, threaten to erode the very bedrock of democratic and inclusive discourse.

Ziohoe really thought she was onto something… pic.twitter.com/OJxkhMlvf4

— Jackson Hinkle (@jacksonhinklle) February 14, 2024

The tacit endorsement of such attitudes towards Jews and Israelis, in stark contrast to the vigorous defense mounted against bigotry aimed at other minorities, lays bare a disturbing duplicity within certain quarters of political and social discourse. It reveals a readiness to overlook, or even excuse, anti-Semitism and misogyny when it aligns with specific biases or narratives. This duplicity undermines the principles of equality and justice, exposing a selective blindness to bigotry that corrodes our collective moral fabric.

Thus, we are compelled to denounce this behavior for the vile amalgamation of anti-Semitism and misogyny that it is. To remain silent is to acquiesce in the perpetuation of these prejudices. Our public discourse demands a standard of respect and humanity that transcends political and ideological divides, endeavoring to dismantle the insidious narratives that seek to marginalize and dehumanize, and fostering a dialogue rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and the intrinsic dignity of all individuals, irrespective of ethnicity, faith, or gender.

While ardently defending the bedrock principle of free speech, we must also confront the inescapable reality that words have consequences—they possess the power to unite or divide. This right does not extend to the unchecked dissemination of hate. The choice by Jackson Hinkle to exploit Elon Musk’s platform, X—formerly known as Twitter—to propagate his prejudiced rhetoric necessitates a clarion call to action. We implore Mr. Musk, as a custodian of this influential digital agora, to repudiate these actions, underscoring the responsibility of digital platform leaders to combat moral decay and affirming the unacceptability of such conduct.

In plain terms: the matter transcends mere lapses in decorum. We confront the resurgence of a deeply entrenched malaise—the normalization of anti-Semitism, a scourge that stealthily permeates our collective consciousness, fortified by a pervasive silence. This ancient hatred has found new life on our modern platforms, proliferating with ease under the guise of free expression.

The audacity with which individuals now levy attacks against Jewish people, unchecked and unchallenged, marks a chilling societal shift. This normalization, facilitated in part by platforms that amplify such ideologies, results from the silence of both platform owners and the broader community—a silence that is not mere oversight but a tacit endorsement, fueling the flames of anti-Semitism.

Therefore, our appeal to Mr. Musk is not a mere request but an injunction for leadership, urging the stewards of our digital realms to stand firm against the tide of hate. By aligning with us against Hinkle’s narrative, Mr. Musk, and indeed any platform leader, can manifest a commitment to a discourse founded on respect, integrity, and an unwavering rejection of anti-Semitism.

Hinkle’s remarks, regrettably, find their strength in the inaction of entities like UN Women. The dismissal by such institutions of the adversities confronting Israeli women has paved the way for this distressing narrative to emerge. This neglect by UN Women not only echoes loudly but also actively contributes to the issue, serving as a stark rebuke to an international community that appears to have misplaced its ethical bearings. This oversight has permitted the shadow of antisemitism to expand, unchallenged and unrestrained, across the global stage.

We write, therefore, not just as commentators but as a call to reason, to action, to the defense of those principles that undergird our claims to civilization. Angle, under the stewardship of the indefatigable Danielle Ofek, stands as a beacon against this tide of hatred. Our mission—to combat anti-Semitism and celebrate the rich tapestry of Jewish pride and diversity—is more than a noble endeavor; it is a necessary bulwark against the forces of bigotry and intolerance.

To Mr. Hinkle and his ilk, we extend an invitation to debate, not to defame. To critique policies, not to cast aspersions on people. It is a simple proposition: Elevate the discourse or be rightfully condemned to the footnotes of history as a peddler of vile hate.

To the international community, the time for silence is long past. Your inaction speaks volumes, and history will remember the choices made at this juncture. Will you stand on the right side of history, with those advocating for justice and equality, or will you remain silent accomplices to the spread of anti-Semitism?

Let us heed the call to action, to raise our voices against the normalization of hatred. Let us stand with Israeli women’s rights activists, with Jewish communities worldwide, and with all who face the scourge of bigotry. It is not merely our duty but our solemn obligation.