In her article, Lynne Cohen responds to Corey Balsam's op-ed, where he asserts that criticism of Israel and Zionism does not equate to antisemitism. Cohen argues that Balsam's defense highlights an ongoing denial of Jewish self-determination, a distinction she sees as critical in conversations about nationalism and identity. She believes that the arguments put forth by Balsam and his organization, Independent Jewish Voices (IJV), are less about independent thought and more aligned with extreme leftist ideologies that undermine the legitimacy of Jewish concerns.

Cohen points out that organizations like IJV, despite claiming to represent independent voices, perpetuate narratives that can be harmful to Jewish identity and self-determination. Her critique emphasizes that while individuals are entitled to their opinions, the framing of criticism towards Israel often sidesteps the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Jews in asserting their national identity. This dynamic, according to her, reflects a broader trend of gaslighting that seeks to invalidate Jewish experiences and perspectives, particularly in the context of discussions surrounding Zionism.

The article raises significant questions about the portrayal of Zionism and its critics within Canadian discourse. Cohen's perspective advocates for a more nuanced recognition of Jewish self-determination and counters the notion that any criticism of Israel must be free from antisemitic connotations. This discussion invites further examination of how Jewish voices are represented in debates about nationalism and identity, suggesting that the challenges Jews face in articulating their narrative are complex and multifaceted.