Denver Restaurant Owner Bars "Zionists," Sparking Debate on Antisemitism

A Denver restaurant owner, identified as a Palestinian freedom activist, ignited a controversy by posting on Instagram that "Zionists" are not welcome in his establishment, though "Jews" are permitted. This declaration immediately triggered a heated discussion, with the owner and his supporters asserting a distinction between anti-Zionism and antisemitism.

They argued that their stance is not against all Jews but specifically against "Zionists," whom they characterized as the "worst" among them. The article questions this distinction, proposing three interpretations of the term "Zionist" as used by the activist.

One interpretation suggests that "Zionism" is being defined by them as something inherently negative, a fabrication of lies and blood libels, which the author equates to rebranded antisemitism. A second interpretation posits that "Zionism" is understood in its traditional sense, meaning the recognition of Israel's right to exist. In this case, anti-Zionism is framed as a call for the destruction of Israel and the lives of millions, akin to genocide and described as worse than antisemitism, even aggressive Nazism.

A third possibility raised is that the term's meaning is irrelevant to the activist; being "anti-Zionist" is simply fashionable and progressive, serving as an outlet for envy and malice, echoing historical prejudices.