Jonathan Freedland, columnist, podcast host, and author, discusses various topics including the challenges Israel faces in defending itself, the evolution of color-coded divisions in politics, and the presence of anti-Semitism within the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.
Left anti-Semitism within the Labour Party undermined the trust between the Jewish community and progressive opinion, which traditionally stood against racism.
Distinguishing between legitimate criticism of Israel and anti-Semitic attacks is important to prevent the erosion of trust and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.
Deep dives
The Rise of Left Anti-Semitism
Left anti-Semitism, which had traditionally been a fringe and kooky element within left-leaning communities, intensified with the rise of Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the British Labour Party in 2015. Corbyn and his supporters dismissed accusations of anti-Semitism as weaponizing the issue to undermine his leadership, creating a hostile environment for Jewish Brits within the Labour Party. The refusal to address and confront the issue came as a betrayal to the Jewish community, who expected progressive and liberal opinion to stand against all forms of racism. Labour's historical connection with Jewish immigrants and its initial support for Israel made the anti-Semitism within the party even more shocking and disappointing for the Jewish community. The failure to acknowledge and address this problem further eroded the trust between the Jewish community and the left.
Weaponizing Anti-Semitism? Considering Legitimate Criticism vs. Anti-Semitic Attacks
There is a fine line between legitimate criticism of Israel and anti-Semitic attacks, and it is important to distinguish between the two. While some criticism of Israel may be valid, it is crucial to listen to the mainstream organized Jewish community when they express concerns about anti-Semitism. The weaponization of anti-Semitism accusations, where any criticism of Israel is immediately labeled anti-Semitic, should be deplored. However, it is equally important to recognize when criticisms of Israel cross the line into denying Israel's right to exist or perpetuating harmful stereotypes and conspiracy theories. The October 7 attacks on Israelis exemplified the psychological tactics that aimed to trigger deep-seated fears and trauma among Jews, emphasizing the need for a measured response that addresses both the justified rage and the dangers of overreaction.
Understanding the Psychological Impact of the October 7 Attacks
The October 7 attacks deliberately targeted Israelis in a way that tapped into the deep-seated fears and trauma rooted in Jewish history, particularly the Holocaust. The attackers aimed to provoke an overreaction that would worsen the situation, much like the intentions behind the 9/11 attacks. The response from Israel, fueled by a strong sense of anger and hurt, was understandable but also raised concerns about exacerbating the cycle of violence. Recognizing the psychological impact of such attacks allows for a more nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics and challenges faced by Israel in finding a just response.
Historical Context and the Danger of Left Anti-Semitism
The emergence of left anti-Semitism within the Labour Party cannot be viewed in isolation. Anti-Semitism has a long history that predates Corbyn's leadership and its infiltration into left-leaning circles. The legacy of the 19th-century view that aligned anti-Semitism with socialism as the debunked 'Socialism of Fools' demonstrates how anti-Semitic ideas have resurfaced in left-wing politics. This current manifestation finds traction within critical theory frameworks, which interpret the world through the lens of oppressed versus oppressor, and sees Jewish individuals and Israel as a white colonial oppressor. These narratives, often oversimplified and based on group identities, contribute to the further marginalization of Jewish voices and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Understanding this historical context is crucial to addressing and combating left anti-Semitism effectively.
Jonathan writes a column for The Guardian, hosts their “Politics Weekly America” podcast, and is the co-host of the “Unholy” podcast with Israeli journalist Yonit Levi. He’s also the author of The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World, along with several thrillers under the pseudonym Sam Bourne.
For two clips of our convo — on “white supremacy” shifting to “Jewish supremacy,” and a character study of Keir Starmer — pop over to our YouTube page. Other topics: Jonathan covering US politics since the 1992 election; how Hamas didn't expect the IDF failures on 10/7; the PR battle over Gaza; Israel in a “desperately bad place”; Hamas wanting the deaths of civilians on both sides; disturbing quotes from the settler movement; the impossibility of a two-state solution; the crude worldview of the woke left; how progressives have often been “on the wrong side of history” (e.g. eugenics); Jeremy Corbyn and anti-Semitism; his meeting with Hamas and Hezbollah; the hooked-nose mural in East London Corbyn defended; Corbyn insidiously trashing a piece by Jonathan; the abuse hurled at Margaret Hodge as a child of Holocaust survivors; inherited trauma; Keir Starmer’s stand against the anti-Semitism in his party; his “Eliot Ness” persona as a chief prosecutor; the likelihood of him being the next PM; Tony Blair’s unflattering portrayal in The Crown; Brexit and migrants; the Rwanda Plan; how Biden is fatally weak on immigration; Iowa evangelicals deifying Trump; and Trump as the favorite for winning in the fall.
Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy (the first 102 are free in their entirety — subscribe to get everything else). Coming up: Justin Brierley on his book The Surprising Rebirth of Belief of God, Nate Silver on the 2024 race, Christian Wiman on resisting despair as a Christian, Jeffrey Rosen on the pursuit of happiness, George Will on Trump and conservatism, and Abigail Shrier on why the cult of therapy harms children. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other pod comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.
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