World Review from the New Statesman

What does it mean to be Jewish and on the left today?

Dec 16, 2023

Exploring the meaning of Jewish identity on the left amidst Middle East crisis through personal stories and reflections of writers. Discussions on Gaza war, anti-Semitism, Israeli government, Hamas, black Jewish experience, and colonialism vs. refugee narratives.

58:45

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Episode guests

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

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Quick takeaways

Being Jewish today involves reflecting on the crisis in the Middle East and challenging divisions over the Gaza war and rising anti-Semitism.

Resisting inhumane acts done by Israel in the name of Jews in the diaspora is crucial amidst the crisis.

Understanding the founding of Israel as not a colonial act challenges misconceptions and emphasizes historical context.

Deep dives

The Complexity of Identity and Heritage

Chandra Prescott Weinstein reflects on the complexity of her identity, intertwining her black and Jewish heritage. She recounts her experiences attending a protest where her skin color marked her differently and how it shaped her understanding of Israeli policy towards Palestinians.

Introduction

2min

Navigating Conflict: Perspectives on Israel-Palestine

7min

Navigating Jewish Identity and Perspectives on Israel

15min

Evolution of the Israeli Left and the Path to Peace

9min

Exploring the Intersecting Identities of Being Black and Jewish, and Advocating for Justice Against Putin

3min

Exploring Identity Through Name and Heritage

2min

Navigating Identity and Activism in Jewish Spaces

21min

Exploring the Historical Anti-Semitic Libels Against Jews

2min

Reflections on Labels and Advertisements

2min

Earlier this month we published a magazine with the cover ‘Being Jewish Now’. At this time of crisis in the Middle East, with divisions over the Gaza war and rising anti-Semitism, we asked a group of writers, thinkers, and activists to reflect on the question of what it means to be Jewish and on the left today.

In this episode of the podcast senior editor Alona Ferber speaks to five of the writers who contributed to this essay collection, delving deeper into the themes explored in the magazine.

Fania Oz-Salzberger: This generation will never see Gazans and Israelis become fellow citizens

Sam Adler-Bell: Jews in the diaspora must resist the inhumanity being done by Israel in our name

Omer Bartov: Both Netanyahu’s cabinet and Hamas see this crisis as an opportunity

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein: Lessons of growing up black and Jewish

Howard Jacobson: The founding of Israel wasn’t a colonial act – a refugee isn’t a colonist

Being Jewish Now: https://www.newstatesman.com/ideas/2023/11/what-it-means-to-be-jewish-now

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