Richard Cohen, "Anti-Semitism’s ugly and enduring appeal": Yet Netanyahu Should Not Address Congress?

You will recall that exactly one week ago, Richard Cohen condemned Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for accepting US Speaker of the House Boehner's invitation to address Congress in March concerning the Iranian nuclear threat. Well, today Cohen is back with an opinion piece entitled "Anti-Semitism’s ugly and enduring appeal," which focuses on the reawakening of anti-Semitism in Europe. After alluding to the anti-Semitism of Europe's Muslim minority, Cohen concludes by declaring:

"But non-Muslim Europe needs work as well. Especially on the left, discussions and denunciations of Israel feel like a snowball with a rock in the center: Something aside from protest is being aired. Anti-Zionism may be legitimate, but it too often seems like a way of expressing anti-Semitism.

In researching my book ["Israel: Is It Good for the Jews?"], I came away in awe of anti-Semitism. It may be more durable than most of our current religions — it is older than most — and it made me wonder when it would stage one of its periodic revivals. That now seems underway, and, sadly, makes my book title almost irrelevant. The question is not whether Israel is good for the Jews, but whether it is necessary. That answer, increasingly, is yes."

Okay, with anti-Semitism again spiraling out of control in Europe, Cohen understands the need for the State of Israel. Yet one week ago, he took the position that Israel's prime minister should not address the American Congress concerning a very real existential threat to that country, owing to the opposition of a US president who is unwilling to acknowledge the existence of radical Islam.

Go figure.