In this podcast, Ian Bremmer explores the rise of antisemitism and its historical roots, featuring Noa Tishby, an Israeli actress and activist. They discuss the troubling increase in antisemitic incidents, the boundary between criticism of Israeli policies and antisemitism, and when extremist politics cross into hate. The podcast also covers the negative portrayal of Israel on college campuses, the impact of George Soros obsession on Israel's democracy, and the prospects for peace in the region through the Abraham Accords.
Anti-Semitism manifests in different forms, such as the far right's anti-Semitic beliefs and the equating of Israel to terrorist organizations on the far left.
College campuses have become breeding grounds for anti-Semitism, with Jewish students feeling the need to hide their identity due to a hostile environment.
Deep dives
The Rise of Anti-Semitism and its Pervasive Nature
Anti-Semitism is a long-standing form of hate and discrimination, yet it receives inadequate attention in today's society. It manifests in different ways, including the far right's blatant anti-Semitic beliefs, the more insidious equating of Israel to terrorist organizations on the far left, and also from radical Islam. The prevalence of anti-Semitism is evidenced by the alarming increase in anti-Semitic attacks and incidents, such as the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. Unconscious biases about Jewish people contribute to this issue, making it crucial to shed light on and raise awareness about anti-Semitism.
The Complexities of Anti-Semitism on College Campuses
College campuses have become breeding grounds for anti-Semitism, with events like 'part-eyed week' featuring rhetoric that resembles anti-Semitic propaganda from the past. Jewish students often feel the need to hide their Jewish identity due to the hostile environment. The focus on the state of Israel becomes a central point, where some deny its right to exist, contributing to hatred and discrimination against Jewish people. It is important to draw the line between criticizing Israeli policies and denying Israel's right to self-determination, as this crosses into anti-Semitism.
Support for Israel and Challenges Ahead
Support for Israel comes from diverse sources, including evangelical Christians who are influenced by religious prophecies. On the other hand, the rise of anti-Semitism on both the far right and the far left poses challenges. The impact of social movements and the current state of Israel's democracy is a topic of debate. While there are concerns and criticisms, it is important to acknowledge the positive steps, such as the historic Abraham Accords and the warm peace it has fostered with Arab nations. The hope for peace in the region extends to engaging with countries like Iran, as the Iranian people's sentiments often differ from their oppressive government.
Delve into a thought-provoking conversation that confronts the unsettling resurgence of antisemitism, tracing its historical roots and contemporary manifestations. A recent report from the Anti-Defamation League documents 3,700 instances of antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and assault— including the heart-wrenching attack at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue in 2018, a grim reminder of the deadliest assault on the Jewish community in the United States — and paints a troubling broader picture of modern antisemitism around the world. Sitting down with Ian Bremmer on the GZERO World Podcast is Noa Tishby, an Israeli actress, writer, and activist who previously held the role of Israel's Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism. She is no stranger to controversy, having taken a principled stand against her nation's controversial judicial reform agenda. She shares her unique perspective about the history and causes of antisemitism and how it connects to Israel's right to exist and its identity. The discussion turns to the contentious boundary between critiquing Israeli policies and crossing into antisemitism, and also addresses a crucial question—when does the spectrum of extremist politics morph into hate?