The Difference Between Disliking a Person and Being an Antisemite
Let me say something plainly, because too many people pretend not to understand this distinction:
It is perfectly normal to dislike a person. It is bigotry to dislike a category of people.
That’s the whole ballgame.
I don’t like Benjamin Netanyahu. I think he’s a disastrous leader for Israel, and I think he’s taken the country in directions that are bad for Israelis, bad for Jews worldwide, and bad for the region. That’s my judgment of him—his choices, his politics, his ethics.
That is not a judgment of Jewish people.
If I say a politician is corrupt, that doesn’t mean I hate everyone who shares his religion.
If I say a leader is dangerous, that doesn’t mean I’m condemning an entire people.
This is not complicated.
But somehow, in 2026, people act like it is.
Individual vs. Group: The Line Between Judgment and Bigotry
Here’s the rule:
- Disliking a person because of what they did = normal human judgment.
- Disliking a person because of what they are (Jewish, Black, Muslim, etc.) = bigotry.
If you dislike a Jew because he cut you off in traffic, that’s not antisemitism.
If you dislike him because he’s Jewish, that is.
If you dislike a Black coworker because he’s lazy, that’s not racism.
If you assume all Black people are lazy, that is.
This is kindergarten‑level moral reasoning.
But we live in a time when people pretend not to grasp it.
My Own Position, Stated Clearly
I’m a Christian. I have Jewish friends and Black friends I care about deeply. I also know Jews and Black people I don’t care for at all. That’s life. That’s adulthood.
But here’s the difference:
I judge individuals as individuals.
I don’t assign guilt or virtue based on ancestry.
And I try—intentionally—to treat people who get a rougher deal in this world with dignity and respect. Not because they’re fragile, but because the world is unfair, and decency is free.
Why This Matters Right Now
We are living through a moment where antisemitism is rising—fast.
Some of it comes from the far right.
Some of it comes from the far left.
Some of it comes from people who don’t even realize they’re parroting antisemitic ideas.
And a lot of it comes from people who think that criticizing Israel or Netanyahu gives them a free pass to slide into old, ugly prejudices.
Let me be clear:
Criticizing Netanyahu is not antisemitic.
Blaming Jews for Netanyahu is antisemitic.
Criticizing Israeli policy is not antisemitic.
Treating Jews as stand‑ins for Israel is antisemitic.
If you can’t tell the difference, the problem isn’t the Jews.
The problem is your moral compass.
THE SELF‑TEST: “Am I an Antisemite?”
(Simple enough for the slowest reader, sharp enough for the smartest one)
Answer YES or NO to each statement.
1. Do I judge individual Jews based on their actions, not their ancestry?
If NO → that’s antisemitism.
2. Do I believe Jews as a group are responsible for what Israel does?
If YES → that’s antisemitism.
3. Do I think “the Jews” control media, banks, politics, or culture?
If YES → that’s antisemitism.
4. Do I dislike a Jewish person because they are Jewish?
If YES → that’s antisemitism.
5. Do I criticize Netanyahu or Israeli policy without blaming Jewish people in general?
If YES → that’s normal political judgment.
6. Do I treat Jewish people as individuals, the same way I expect to be treated?
If YES → that’s decency.
THE PARALLEL TEST: “Am I a Racist?”
Same structure. Same clarity.
1. Do I judge Black people as individuals?
If YES → not racism.
2. Do I assume negative traits about Black people as a group?
If YES → racism.
3. Do I dislike a Black person because of something they did?
If YES → normal human judgment.
4. Do I dislike them because they’re Black?
If YES → racism.
5. Do I treat Black people with the same dignity I expect for myself?
If YES → decency.
The Point
This isn’t complicated.
It’s not academic.
It’s not theoretical.
It’s moral common sense:
Judge people as individuals.
Condemn bigotry wherever it shows up.
And don’t hide prejudice behind politics.
My Jewish readers will understand exactly what I’m saying.
My non‑Jewish readers will understand exactly what I’m asking of them.
And the MAGA folks—well, even they can follow a yes/no test. (I hope)
I'm an atheist and I totally agree with you on this and regard Christians in the same way. I dislike some of them based on their actions, but don't dislike any of them because of their religion.