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, conspiracy theories, right-wing and left-wing antisemitism, the response of Harvard to October 7th, the future of DEI and civil discourse, the BDS movement, Jewish acceptance at Ivy League universities, and the antisemitism endemic to Islam.
There is a significant overlap between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, highlighting the animosity towards the existence of Israel as a Jewish state.
Institutions, particularly universities, struggle to effectively address and combat anti-Semitism, emphasizing the need for civil discourse training and education on anti-Semitism and Jewish history.
Anti-Semitism can find openings and thrive in both right-wing and left-wing political spheres, and it is crucial to be vigilant in condemning anti-Semitic provocations.
Deep dives
The Rise of Anti-Semitism on College Campuses
The podcast episode discusses the recent surge of anti-Semitism on college campuses, highlighting the explosive nature of this hatred and the response to it. The conversation touches on the different forms of anti-Semitism, including those from the far right and far left, as well as the anti-Semitism that is endemic to Islam. It also explores the relationship between Israeli Jews and diaspora Jews, emphasizing the sense of solidarity and interconnection brought about by recent events. The impact of the BDS movement on college campuses is also addressed, pointing out the overlap between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism.
Failures of Institutional Responses to Anti-Semitism
The podcast episode critically examines the reactions and responses of institutions, particularly universities, to anti-Semitism. It highlights the inability of these institutions to effectively address and combat anti-Semitism, contrasting it with their prompt and decisive actions when faced with other forms of bigotry. The discussion points out the lack of civil discourse training and the need for an education on anti-Semitism and Jewish history to better equip individuals and institutions to tackle this issue.
The Complexity of Anti-Zionism and Anti-Semitism
The podcast episode delves into the complex relationship between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. While acknowledging that there can be genuine critiques of Zionism without being inherently anti-Semitic, the conversation emphasizes the significant overlap between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. The focus is on understanding the unique animosity directed at the existence of the Jewish state and the difference between holding Israel accountable for its actions and calling for the elimination of Israel as the only Jewish state in the world.
Anti-Semitism on the Right and Left
The podcast episode explores the presence of anti-Semitism on both the right and left sides of the political spectrum. It highlights that while some public figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk may not necessarily be anti-Semitic themselves, their rhetoric and actions can inadvertently encourage or be perceived as encouragement for anti-Semitic ideologies. The larger issue at hand is the ability of anti-Semitism to find openings and thrive in both political spheres. The podcast also discusses the importance of vigilant awareness and condemnation of anti-Semitic provocations to prevent the spread of this hatred.
The Double Standards at the UN and Challenges Faced by Jewish Students
The episode delves into the double standards and disproportionate condemnation of Israel at the United Nations. It emphasizes that the UN has become a platform for anti-Semitism, colluding in this hatred even if its members themselves may not be anti-Semitic. The episode further explores the challenges faced by Jewish students, particularly at Ivy League universities. It highlights the decline in Jewish acceptance and attendance at these institutions, which can be attributed to various factors like bias, the push for diversity, and the prevalence of anti-Semitism in Middle Eastern societies. The need to address these issues and rebuild institutions like universities and the UN is emphasized to combat anti-Semitism effectively.
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.
