Michal Cotler-Wunsh discusses the rise of antisemitism globally, biases against Israel at the UN, double standards, and the intersection of anti-Zionism and antisemitism. They cover topics like Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza, false accusations of apartheid and genocide, the failure of the social justice movement to respond appropriately, and the need to combat extremist ideologies.
Anti-Zionism intertwines with antisemitism through demonization and double standards towards Israel.
Mislabeling Israel as an apartheid state undermines historical contexts and the coexistence of diverse communities.
Combatting antisemitism necessitates adopting clear definitions, denouncing false accusations like genocide, and safeguarding against propagandistic distortions.
Deep dives
The Modern Strain of Antisemitism
The discussion focuses on the mutation of antisemitism over time, particularly addressing the current strain of anti-Zionism as a form of antisemitism. This evolved form intersects various extremes and manifests in demonization, delegitimization, and double standards applied to Israel, notably highlighted by the 10-7 atrocities revealing the progression and relevance of combating this strain of antisemitism.
Challenging Misconceptions: Apartheid Accusations
The discourse debunks the myth of Israel being an apartheid state and scrutinizes the misappropriation of historical terms like apartheid, attributing false accusations that undermine the actual experiences of those who suffered under true apartheid regimes. The inclusion of Arab citizens within Israel's diverse society counters the apartheid narrative, emphasizing the need to differentiate between factual challenges and propagandistic falsehoods.
The Orwellian Inversion: Holocaust and Genocide Allegations
Addressing the Orwellian inversion of labeling Israel as responsible for perpetrating a Holocaust or genocide, the conversation dissects the use of incendiary terms to falsely accuse Israel of atrocities reminiscent of the Holocaust. By vividly portraying the multi-generational trauma and brutalities witnessed, the speakers denounce the grotesque misrepresentation and weaponization of historical tragedies, urging recognition of the actual complexities and challenges faced by Israel in a nuanced manner.
The Importance of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Definition
Highlighted is the significance of embracing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism as a comprehensive tool to identify and combat various strains of antisemitism. By advocating for the utilization of this clear definition and its corresponding examples, the discussion stresses the critical need to address and confront the evolving forms of antisemitism present in society, safeguarding against its detrimental impact on global perceptions and behaviors.
Combatting Anti-Semitism on Social Media and Traditional Media
The podcast highlights the importance of identifying and combating anti-Semitism, exemplified by instances where terms like 'Zionist' are used as codes for 'Jew' on social media. Drawing parallels with the aftermath of 9/11, the episode discusses the dangerous impact of allowing anti-Semitic sentiments to proliferate, particularly through social media platforms. It emphasizes the need to address and counter anti-Semitic rhetoric that can influence and mislead entire generations consuming information online.
Role of Universities and Social Media in Addressing Anti-Semitism
The episode emphasizes the role of universities in condemning atrocities such as the 10-7 attacks unequivocally. It calls for the adoption and implementation of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition to identify and combat anti-Semitism effectively. Additionally, it suggests reclaiming words and concepts that have been distorted, and promoting intersectionality to bridge differences and unite against extremism. The podcast underscores the critical importance of universities and social media platforms in fostering a culture that upholds truth, knowledge, and equality.
Sam Harris speaks with Michal Cotler-Wunsh about the global rise of antisemitism. They discuss the bias against Israel at the United Nations, the nature of double standards, the precedent set by Israel in its conduct in the war in Gaza, the shapeshifting quality of antisemitism, anti-Zionism as the newest strain of Jew hatred, the “Zionism is racism” resolution at the U.N., the lie that Israel is an apartheid state, the notion that Israel is perpetrating a “genocide” against the Palestinians, the Marxist oppressed-oppressor narrative, the false moral equivalence between the atrocities committed by Hamas and the deaths of noncombatants in Gaza, the failure of the social justice movement to respond appropriately to events in Israel, what universities should have done after October 7th, reclaiming the meanings of words, extremism vs civilization, and other topics.
Michal Cotler-Wunsh is Israel’s Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism. She is a prominent public speaker, author, researcher, and independent policy and strategy advisor on intersecting issues of antisemitism, law, human rights, and Zionism. Michal was a member of Israel’s 23rd Knesset, where she chaired the Addictions Committee & Subcommittee for Israel-Diaspora Relations, was a member of the Foreign Affairs & Security, Constitution, and Law & Justice committees, and co-founded the Interparliamentary Task Force to Combat Online Antisemitism. Michal is a Trustee in the Rabbi Sacks Legacy.
