Rabbi David Wolpe discusses the global response to the atrocities of October 7th, 2023, history and logic of antisemitism, right-wing and left-wing antisemitism, BDS movement, Jewish acceptance at Ivy League universities, the impact of ant-Semitism, and the complexity of Israel as a Jewish state.
Anti-Semitism exists both on the right and left sides of the political spectrum, with different manifestations and threats.
The need for active education and mandatory training to counteract anti-Semitic ideologies on college campuses is emphasized.
There is a pressing need for urgent action to address anti-Semitism in academia and international organizations, promoting understanding and respect for the Jewish community.
Deep dives
The Rise of Anti-Semitism: A Reflection on Recent Controversies and the BDS Movement
The recent controversy around anti-Semitism and free speech is discussed. The episode explores the rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses and the role of the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) ideology. The BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement targeting Israel is examined, with the overlap between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism highlighted. The importance of mandatory training in civil discourse on campuses and educating students about Jewish history and anti-Semitism is emphasized.
The Right-wing and its Relationship with Anti-Semitism
The presence of anti-Semitism on the right-wing of American politics is examined. The use of coded language, flirtation with anti-Semitic ideas, and the unnoticed anti-Semitism within populist movements are discussed. The constant need for Jews to navigate this atmosphere is highlighted, along with the need for active education to counteract these movements.
The Challenges of Anti-Semitism and the Need for a Reset
The episode reflects on the history of anti-Semitism, tracing it back to Christian theology, the racialization in the 19th century, and the influence of conspiracy theories. The challenges of defining anti-Semitism versus anti-Zionism are explored. The need for a reset in the approach to combating anti-Semitism on college campuses, including prioritizing civil discourse and fostering an understanding of Jewish history, is emphasized.
Anti-Semitism on the Right and Left
Anti-Semitism exists both on the right and left sides of the political spectrum, though it may manifest in different ways. While figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk may not be explicitly anti-Semitic, their rhetoric and actions can provide openings for anti-Semitic ideologies to thrive. This is due to the fact that anti-Semitism looks for any opportunity or encouragement to flourish. On the right, the danger lies in violent and ideological manifestations of anti-Semitism, while on the left, it often stems from a distorted view of social justice and the oppression narrative. The Jews are seen as the oppressor, and their success is viewed as a threat to other minority groups. The recent surge of anti-Semitic incidents, such as celebrations of violence against Jews, has brought attention to the presence of anti-Semitism on the left as well.
The Challenges of Addressing Anti-Semitism
The issue of anti-Semitism is particularly prevalent in academia, with universities facing accusations of bias and a lack of action when it comes to combating anti-Semitism. Double standards and institutional anti-Semitism can be observed at the United Nations, where Israel is disproportionately targeted for condemnation. At Ivy League universities, there has been a significant decline in Jewish enrollment, leading to concerns about bias in admissions processes. Additionally, the presence of Middle Eastern funding in academic institutions has been deemed problematic, as it can influence scholarship on topics like jihadism and conservative Islam. Despite these challenges, there is a need for urgent action to address anti-Semitism on campuses and in international organizations, and to promote understanding and respect for the Jewish community.
Sam Harris speaks with Rabbi David Wolpe about the global response to the atrocities of October 7th, 2023. They discuss the difference between Israeli and diaspora Jews, the history and logic of antisemitism, the role of conspiracy theories, Great Replacement Theory, reasons for Jewish success, right-wing antisemitism, left-wing antisemitism, the response of Harvard to October 7th, the college presidents’ testimony before Congress, the future of DEI and civil discourse, the BDS movement, antisemitism vs anti-Zionism, Jewish acceptance at Ivy League universities, the antisemitism endemic to Islam, foreign funding of US universities, and other topics.
David Wolpe is a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Divinity School, a Rabbinic Fellow at The Anti-Defamation League, a Senior Advisor to the Maimonides Fund, and the Emeritus Rabbi at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles. Rabbi Wolpe previously taught at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York, the American Jewish University in Los Angeles, Hunter College, and UCLA. He is the author of eight books, including the national bestseller Making Loss Matter: Creating Meaning in Difficult Times and David, the Divided Heart.
