Is this antisemitic?

[cherryblossomwoman]

Would you see it as antisemitic if someone at your work was wearing a "free Palestine" headband?

I think it is hugely inappropriate because of the sentiment and the connection to the war in Gaza and ultimately to Oct 7.

I would like to raise it with the management as it really bothers me. Any advice please?

I don't think it is explicitly antisemitic, but it would make me feel uncomfortable too.

Some of the free Palestine people are genuinely well meaning and have legitimate concerns about the situation in Gaza. Others are antisemitic 'death to the Jews' types. The problem for me is that I can't tell the difference by looking. I tend to avoid them all because I don't want to run into antisemitism.

What is the culture of your workplace like in general? Do people display other political slogans? In my workplace it would be seen as unprofessional.

Agree - definitely unprofessional to display a political opinion.
The problem with the genuine concern for Gazans is that it is most probably leaning on some widespread antisemitic assumptions/propaganda such as "illegal occupation" etc, instead of acknowledging the mismanagement of the situation by other involved parties such as UN.

It would irritate me hugely but it's not explicitly antisemitic so tricky to raise. I'm sorry. Sending strength.

The problem with the genuine concern for Gazans is that it is most probably leaning on some widespread antisemitic assumptions/propaganda

I do not disagree with you there. I just don't think you will get very far taking that approach with your bosses. You risk getting sidetracked into a pointless discussion of this person's motivations or what is/isn't antisemitism.

Assuming nobody else in the workplace is displaying any other slogans, I would take the approach that it is unprofessional and making you feel uncomfortable. We are a diverse workplace, we have different opinions, we need to work together positively and productively.

Realistically, nobody is going to change this colleague's mind. The outcome you probably want is for this person to stop wearing the headband and keep their opinions to themself.

I'd consider it inappropriate for work. If the person wearing it knew I was Jewish then yes, I would probably view it as anti semetic....or extremely hostile behaviour at best.

It's not only at my work. Apparently people are wearing these headbands, or similar badges, at DC's school, including staff :( which is even more inappropriate in my opinion.
But since it's so widespread I'm just really wondering whether it is worth bringing up at all.

If i knew teachers were wearing them, I'd probably report them to Ofsted

@Comedycook I am thinking of raising it to school leadership team, but worried it will backfire like in that school in London that had to close because of threats made to staff.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-68032039

After I responded yesterday about speaking to your boss, it occurred to that if you did that, you might run the risk that your concerns would be dismissed or worse. Then what? Would you start looking for a new job?

Really sorry that you have been put in this position.

I echo @Comedycook. I would be complaining if I saw them in school.

@stomachamelon @Comedycook what would you say? How would you phrase the complaint? I am seriously considering it.

@Riva5784 thank you. To be honest I think the worst that could happen is that they ignore me.

DD works in the theatrical industry. She feels uncomfortable that a member of the team has similar, large stickers on their bag. She doesn't feel she can do anything about it and doesn't know if the individual has the sticker because they are antisemitic or otherwise. It's insensitive though and feeds into the debate about whether or not partisan political views are appropriate in the workplace at all.

@cherryblossomwoman will dm you.

Sorry just saw this... honestly I have no idea how I'd phrase it...I'm useless at stuff like this... I just know it doesn't sit right with me.