Making Sense with Sam Harris #348 — The Politics of Antisemitism
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Jan 5, 2024 
Rabbi David Wolpe, a Harvard Divinity School visiting scholar and former rabbi at Sinai Temple, discusses the complex landscape of antisemitism today. He examines the fallout from the October 7th events and how Israeli and diaspora Jews perceive each other. The conversation touches on the roots of antisemitism, the impact of conspiracy theories like Great Replacement Theory, and the varying responses from political factions. Wolpe also critiques the role of academic institutions in addressing these issues and the implications for civil discourse.
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The Protean Nature of Antisemitism
- Antisemitism is a historically durable hatred, evolving from religious roots to racialized forms.
- It manifests differently on the far left and far right, presenting a complex challenge for Jews.
Drivers of Antisemitism
- 'Otherness' and theological differences fueled antisemitism, particularly in Christian and Muslim contexts.
- Jews' minority status and perceived role in Jesus' rejection amplified this hatred.
Conspiracy Theories and Antisemitism
- Antisemitism often manifests as conspiracy theories, with Jews blamed for societal problems.
- This conspiratorial thinking fuels right-wing narratives like the "great replacement theory."