Shane Burley and Ben Lorber, "Safety through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism" (Melville House, 2024)
Sep 21, 2024
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Shane Burley, an author and activist focused on anti-fascism, joins Ben Lorber, a researcher specializing in antisemitism and far-right movements, to tackle the complexities of rising antisemitism. They discuss the urgency of building solidarity among marginalized groups to confront hate. Exploring historical roots and modern conspiracy theories, they highlight Trump’s impact on far-right ideologies. With a focus on nuanced discourse, they advocate for coalition-building that respects both Jewish safety and Palestinian rights.
Understanding the historical roots of antisemitism is crucial for addressing its contemporary manifestations and ongoing societal impacts.
The myth of Judeo-Bolshevism serves to frame Jewish communities as responsible for societal issues, fostering division among marginalized groups.
Building coalitions across marginalized communities is essential for combating antisemitism and promoting solidarity in the fight against oppression.
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Historical Context of Antisemitism
The historical roots of antisemitism are explored, highlighting its emergence from Christian theology and social conditions over the last two millennia. The discussion points to how early Christian ideologies contributed to negative perceptions of Jews, which evolved into modern conspiracy theories. These ideologies have been perpetuated through various historical events and social dynamics. Understanding this lineage is crucial for addressing contemporary antisemitism and its ongoing manifestations in society.
The Myth of Judeo-Bolshevism
The concept of Judeo-Bolshevism is analyzed as a pervasive myth that links Jews to leftist movements and social changes throughout history. This narrative has been utilized by right-wing groups to frame Jews as responsible for various societal issues and to sow division among marginalized communities. The myth has persisted in different forms, adapting to contemporary political climates while inciting fear and backlash against Jewish populations. Recognizing this narrative's historical context is essential for combating its resurgence in modern discourse.
Antisemitism Within the Christian Right
The growing influence of Christian nationalism in contemporary politics is discussed, revealing its intertwined relationship with white nationalism. This movement reflects a reaction to societal changes, where conservative leaders increasingly express explicit Christian nationalist beliefs. Such agendas often oppose Jewish interests, as many Christian nationalists perceive Jewish political involvement as a threat. The complexities of this dynamic underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of the relationship between Christianity’s evolving role in politics and the implications for Jewish communities.
Coalition Building Against Antisemitism
The importance of building coalitions among various marginalized groups is emphasized as a strategy to combat antisemitism effectively. Activists advocate for mutual support across different communities, highlighting that shared struggles against oppression can foster solidarity. Examples include collaborations between Jewish and non-Jewish groups in addressing hate crimes and promoting inclusive dialogue. The approach promotes a comprehensive understanding that societal change requires collective action against all forms of discrimination.
Antisemitism is on the rise today. From synagogue shootings by white nationalists, to right-wing politicians and media figures pushing George Soros conspiracy theories, it’s clear that exclusionary nationalist movements are growing. By spreading division and fear, they put Jews, along with other marginalized groups and multiracial democracy itself, at risk.
And since the outbreak of war in Gaza, debates around antisemitism have become more polarized and high-stakes than ever. How can we stand in solidarity with Palestinians seeking justice, while also avoiding antisemitism — and resisting those who seek to conflate the two? How do we forge the coalitions across communities that we need, in order to overcome the politics of division and fear?
In Safety through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism (Melville House, 2024), Shane Burley and Ben Lorber help us break the current impasse to understand how antisemitism works, what’s missing in contemporary debates, and how to build true safety through solidarity, for Jews and all people.
Shane Burley is a writer and filmmaker based in Portland, Oregon. Ben Lorber is a Senior Research Analyst at Political Research Associates, a progressive think tank that monitors far-right movements. He tweets at @BenLorber8.
Schneur Zalman Newfield is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Jewish Studies at Hunter College, City University of New York, and the author of Degrees of Separation: Identity Formation While Leaving Ultra-Orthodox Judaism (Temple University Press). Visit him online at ZalmanNewfield.com.