Collins Dictionary’s definition of anti-Semitic as “hostile to or prejudiced against Jewish people” is being used very loosely lately.

Labeling these folks who are saying that some of the Israeli actions in Gaza are unacceptable and should end as being antisemitic is incomprehensible to me. As an American, I see us being American first, and then Catholic, Protestant, or even Muslim. Most of us live our lives without our faith being in the forefront.

The public outcry against our military would be deafening if it were running operations that mirror the Gaza fiasco.

Yet, due to the Israeli involvement, any outcry is being seen as somehow anti-Jewish instead of the political problem it is.

The issues in the Middle East are plentiful, and the answers are complex without a doubt. Somehow, the consistent needless violence needs to end.

However, waging a “total war” against innocent civilians is not the answer and should be called out by everyone. Most of these are normal everyday people who pose no threat to anyone except, as some believe, by their very existence.

To be clear, most objectors to the military operations in Gaza are no more terrorist supporters than I am; nor are they anti-Jewish.

As an American I wonder if the role of religious faith in their politics will ever allow peace to happen.

Joe Mailey, Auburn