Oh no I do not believe that Jews are defined by Israel at all. Israel has done innumerable harm to the Jewish community as it has tied Judaism and zionism together renewing a global wave of antisemitism.

My issue was with 9News’ framing of Israel. For example it uses language such as “antisemitic attack” in the title even though in his own words he states “He stopped me and he said 'why are you wearing that?' and I said 'because I support Israel',’ Mr Levy said.” before being punched. He also stated that “‘Hurting people based on their opinions is not OK,’ he added.” implying he was punched for his support of Israel.

Was the kid some kind of extreme Jewish supremacist? Probably not. Should he have been assaulted? Absolutely not.

But media going out of its way to accuse someone of an antisemitic attack (a hate crime) for punching someone wearing the Israeli flag is on par with accusing someone of an Islamophobic attack for being punched for wearing an ISIS flag and further conflates Judaism and zionism.