What was it like being Jewish in 2024: Franklin Foer, Masha Gessen, Tony Kushner and more
Dec 31, 2024
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Franklin Foer, a journalist from The Atlantic, joins to discuss the profound shifts in Jewish identity in light of global events. He highlights how rising antisemitism has left Diaspora Jews feeling vulnerable and in exile. Their conversation delves into the repercussions of the Gaza conflict on American Jewish safety, the generational divides in perspectives on identity, and the challenges faced by progressive Jews in navigating solidarity amidst political tensions. These insights paint a vivid picture of Jewish life in a tumultuous world.
The rise in antisemitism and feelings of vulnerability among American Jews has prompted a crucial reevaluation of their safety and acceptance.
Protests against the Gaza War are often mischaracterized, as many activists express humanitarian concerns rather than animosity toward Israel.
Deep dives
The Decline of American Jewry's Safety
The assertion that the golden age of American Jewry is coming to an end is underscored by a perceived unraveling of safety that Jewish Americans have experienced. Franklin Foer highlights the events surrounding October 7th as both a catalyst and a clarifying moment that illuminated growing antisemitism within progressive circles. This shift began prior to the attacks, notably linked to the election of Donald Trump, which awakened a palpable fear among many American Jews regarding their safety and acceptance. The recognition of these sentiments reflects a broader reckoning with historical patterns in Jewish history, where perceived safety can rapidly disintegrate.
Voices of Protest Against the Gaza War
Prominent figures such as Tony Kushner and Ayelet Waldman emphasize the complexity of the protests against the Gaza War, arguing that the anger stemmed from the humanitarian crisis and not inherently from a desire to destroy Israel. Kushner points out that many activists are motivated by a deep concern for the lives at stake and do not equate their protests with antisemitism. Waldman notes that while there are expressions of anti-Semitism on some campuses, much of the activism has been misrepresented, failing to account for the peaceful intentions of many involved. This discourse reveals the challenges faced by left-leaning Jewish voices as they navigate their identity amidst heightened tensions and accusations.
The Changing Relationship Between Diaspora and Israel
Rabbi Delphine Orveilleux reflects on how the war and its consequences have transformed the perception of Israel among diaspora Jews, reigniting fears of vulnerability that were thought to be in the past. She shares a poignant moment with her son who, despite the dangers, refuses to hide his Jewish identity, illustrating a generational shift in how Jewish identity interacts with contemporary challenges. This crisis has prompted a reevaluation of what it means to find refuge and the acknowledgment of brokenness that underpins Jewish history. The experience calls for renewed dialogue between Israel and the diaspora, focusing on shared vulnerabilities rather than narratives of strength alone.
The turbulent events of 2024 in Israel had a significant impact around the world.
The ongoing war in Gaza and other fronts had a particularly deep and emotional effect on the lives of Diaspora Jews, who coped with angry protests against Israel on campuses and in city centers, and with soaring rates of antisemitic violence.
The new and disturbing environment ignited “a feeling of vulnerability and exile that came back to us,” said Paris Rabbi Delphine Horvilleur, one of the important voices from the Diaspora who joined the Haaretz Podcast over the course of the year.
Excerpts from the conversation between podcast host Allison Kaplan Sommer and Horvilleur, along with insights from interviews with other leading thinkers from the Jewish world like writers Franklin Foer, Ayelet Waldman, and Masha Gessen and award-winning playwright and screenwriter Tony Kushner are featured on this special year-end edition of the podcast.