It is unfortunate that it is so. Definitions are intended to be precise and this particular definition is, as you illustrate, quite imprecise on various levels. First, as you point out , it is imprecise because a number of ethnic groups, including (but not limited to) Arab Palestinians and Palestinian Christians are also Semitic in origin. Defined accurately the term “antisemitic” would be applied to the modern State of Israel – an absurdity.
It is also imprecise because it lumps various things together. It equates Jews with Zionism which is notoriously incorrect. It is quite possible for any person, even a Jew, to have a respect for Jewish people and a disdain for Zionism at the same time. This does not render these people “antisemites”. It is akin to labeling those who oppose neo-conservatism as “anti-American. We would all be better off if we used terminology more precisely.

I did indeed. My questions were directed at the comments made just previous to my question. I found them confusing and I was trying to understand the thinking of that person. My comments were not directed at the article, per se.

It is unfortunate that the term “antisemitism” is used as quickly, as freely, and as imprecisely as it is. It adds a difficulty to legitimate discussion. Opposition to Zionism is no more antisemitic than revulsion to BLM destruction and rioting is “racist”. These are terms slung around in lieu of legitimate discussion. There is sizable Jewish opposition to Zionism around the world. How absurd it is to refer to Jews as “antisemitic”.

Let a discussion occur regarding the history and activities of Golda Meir occur in open and public forum. If emotionally-loaded epithets like “anti-semite” are a first response instead of honest and open discussion, that suggests that honest and open discussion is not favorable to the memory of Mrs. Meir. Let her be defended on the basis of historical fact. Whether we “like” or “dislike” the students petition let us freely discuss the truth or falsehood of their assertions free of emotional labelling.

Is there a credible basis to their claims? Let that be discussed, made public and widely disseminated.

Although there are groups around the world who are Semites other than Jews, the term anti-Semitic is reserved for the hatred of the Jewish people only.

Did you read the story? And do you know about the antisemitic demonstrations going on around the country? Why should Jews in America be harassed by anyone?

Forgive me. I am trying to figure all of this out. To be a good American is it necessary that one be loyal to Israel? Put differently, is it possible to be a good American yet have no loyalty to Israel? Or phrased yet another way, if a person feels no loyalty to Israel is that person a bad American? This is all very confusing to me.