Peter Beinart on anti-Semitism in America and illiberalism in Israel
Nov 29, 2018
01:28:35
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Peter Beinart, political commentator and author, discusses the rise of anti-Semitism in America, the shift in Israeli politics and its impact on American politics, perspectives on Zionism and pro-Jewish identity, the rise of anti-Semitism and political alliances, the collapse of the Israeli peace movement, the complexities of Jewish identity and Israel's political direction, and book recommendations that explore Jewishness and Judaism.
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Quick takeaways
The rise of anti-Semitism in America has left Jews in a vulnerable position, grappling with divergent political values within the Jewish community.
The alignment of Israeli politics with right-wing nationalism has strained the liberal values held by some American Jews, creating a divisive narrative of 'good Jew' versus 'bad Jew'.
The Israeli left has faced significant challenges, resulting in a decline in influence within Israeli politics, with factors such as the memory of the Second Intifada and political alliances contributing to this decline.
The current political climate has sparked an internal struggle for liberal Jews in America, who must navigate the rise of anti-Semitism and the alignment of Israeli politics with right-wing nationalism while balancing their Jewish identity and commitment to liberal values.
Deep dives
The Rise of Anti-Semitism in America
There is a growing concern that anti-Semitism is on the rise in America. While there is no consensus on the definition of anti-Semitism, the perception that Jews are in danger is strong. Recent violent attacks and vandalism targeting Jewish communities have heightened this fear. The emboldening of anti-Semitic individuals and groups is often attributed to the political climate and rhetoric surrounding immigration, nationalism, and globalism. Online platforms have also facilitated the spread of anti-Semitic vitriol and conspiracy theories. The Jewish community finds itself in a vulnerable position, navigating the complex dynamics of identifying as a liberal Jew while grappling with divergent political values within the broader Jewish community.
The Complicated Relationship Between Jews and Israel
The relationship between Jews in America and Israel is multifaceted and often emotionally charged. The conversation is further complicated by the political climate and differing opinions on Israeli politics. The rise of right-wing nationalism in Israel, led by figures like Benjamin Netanyahu, has strained the liberal values that some American Jews hold dear. The alignment of Israeli politics with the Republican Party in the United States has deepened political polarization around Israel, which has led to the creation of a divisive narrative of 'good Jew' versus 'bad Jew' based on support or opposition to specific Israeli policies. This narrative has had both a toxic and a polarizing effect on the Jewish community in America.
The Challenges Facing the Israeli Left
The Israeli left has faced significant challenges in recent years, resulting in a sharp decline in influence within Israeli politics. Factors such as the memory of the Second Intifada, the demographic shift within Israeli society, and political alliances formed to create governing majorities have all contributed to the weakening of the left. The focus of Israeli elections has shifted away from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as the cost of maintaining the status quo is currently low for Israel. However, if the Palestinian Authority were to collapse, forcing Israel to directly control the West Bank, this could lead to a new conversation within Israel about the future of its policies and the role of the left.
The Struggle to Reconcile Jewish Identity and Liberal Values
The current political climate has sparked an internal struggle for many liberal Jews in America. The rise of anti-Semitism, both in the United States and globally, has caused discomfort and vulnerability within the Jewish community. Simultaneously, the alignment of Israeli politics with right-wing nationalism has created tension for liberal Jews who cherish both their Jewish identity and their commitment to liberal values. This struggle reflects the larger debate around balancing nationalism with universalism and highlights the challenge of navigating complex identities within a politically divisive landscape.
The potential dangers facing Israel and the Palestinians
The speaker highlights the potential risks and dangers facing Israel and the Palestinians in a world of weapons of mass destruction and increasing radicalization. The impact of population shifts, the lack of options for Palestinians, and the potential for immigration threaten the stability of the Jewish state.
The changing perception of Jewishness
The podcast explores the changing perception of Jewishness in light of Israel's political direction and actions. The speaker discusses the disconnect between Jewish identity, Israel's political strategy, and the moral values represented by Judaism. The idea of liberal Jews aligning with other vulnerable groups and the importance of embracing the positive aspects of Jewish tradition are highlighted.
The complex discussion on anti-Semitism and political strategy
The podcast delves into the complex discussion surrounding anti-Semitism, political strategy, and Jewish organizations' response. The speaker emphasizes the need for Jewish organizations to confront anti-Semitism and ambiguity surrounding political alliances. The importance of maintaining the beauty, moral values, and endurance of Jewish history is also highlighted.
This is a conversation I’ve been putting off, if I’m being honest. I can’t hold it from the safe space of journalistic distance. It’s about the strange, vulnerable space that many Jews, myself included, find themselves in today. The first part of this conversation is about being Jewish at a time of rising anti-Semitism in the Western world. The October massacre at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue was the worst act of anti-Semitic violence ever committed on American soil. In 2017, Charlottesville, Virginia, protesters waved torches while chanting “Jews will not replace us.” It’s often said that anti-Semitism is a light sleeper. It feels like it’s stirring. The second, and separate, part of this conversation is about Israel. The peace movement in the Jewish state has collapsed, and the country has decided a repressive illiberalism is the best guarantor of safety. They’ve found plenty of allies on the American right for that project, but it’s one that shreds the humanistic and pluralistic ideals that many diaspora Jews, myself included, believe in. All of this is coming at a time that has reminded many of us of the core lessons of Judaism: the importance of remembering what it’s like to be a stranger in a strange land, of knowing that bigotry takes whatever forms it requires to justify itself, of maintaining humanity amid struggle. Peter Beinart is an associate professor of journalism and political science at the City University of New York. He’s also a columnist at the Atlantic and the Forward, a CNN contributor, and author of The Crisis of Zionism. He’s a thoughtful and courageous writer on these issues, and I’m grateful he joined me for this conversation. Recommended books: Covenant & Conversation series by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks Spiritual Radical: Abraham Joshua Heschel in America by Edward Kaplan The Captive Mind by Czeslaw Milosz
