Modern social justice ideologies that frame the world as a conflict between the 'privileged' and 'unprivileged' are described as 'antisemitic adjacent'. This framework recasts Jewish socioeconomic success not as something to be admired but as a pejorative, making it easier to see Jews as part of the problem.
A Super Bowl ad depicting a Jewish student as a helpless victim is criticized for reinforcing a stereotype of weakness. This approach runs counter to the fundamental purpose of Zionism and the State of Israel, which is to end Jewish victimization, not to seek a place at the 'table of victims.'
Antisemitism is psychologically distinct from other bigotries because it is rooted in resentment and envy of Jewish virtues and successes. Antisemites don't misunderstand Jews; in a sense, they understand them 'all too well' and resent their counter-cultural ideas that lead to success.
Brett Stevens argues that educational outreach to committed antisemites is futile because their views are not based on a lack of information. He advocates redirecting philanthropic resources away from such efforts and towards strengthening Jewish identity, culture, institutions, and the State of Israel.
Some Western progressives, particularly in Canada, are motivated by their own 'settler guilt' but are unwilling to relinquish their own status. They project this complex onto Israel, fantasizing about a decolonization they can enforce on Jews as a proxy for the historical atonement they won't perform themselves.
Contrary to the common progressive charge, Zionism is framed as the culmination of a 3,000-year anti-colonial movement. Jewish holidays like Purim and Hanukkah celebrate revolts against colonial rulers, making the Jewish return to their homeland a unique act of decolonization, not colonization.