The Tikvah Podcast

Jeffrey Herf on the Transformation of Radical Speech into Violence

Jun 6, 2025
Jeffrey Herf, a historian and analyst of anti-Semitism, delves into the alarming rise of domestic terrorism targeting Jewish individuals in the U.S. He connects recent violent acts to ideological movements, exploring both historical influences and contemporary radicalism. Herf discusses the complex dynamics of anti-Israel sentiment, radical speech on campus, and the repercussions of political rhetoric. He urges a critical examination of these issues, emphasizing the responsibility of society to confront rising antisemitic violence and promote informed discourse.
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ANECDOTE

Recent Violence Against American Jews

  • Recent violent attacks targeted Jews, including the arson of the Pennsylvania governor's home and embassy staff murders.
  • These incidents reveal a dangerous spike in domestic terrorism with Jews as central targets.
INSIGHT

Terrorism Intensifies Anti-Israel Sentiment

  • Terror attacks increase hostility to Israel and fuel intellectual division.
  • Some radicals see terror as a blow to global revolution; others view Israelis as causing it.
INSIGHT

Radical Left's Embrace of Hamas

  • Radical left embraced violent groups like Hamas through ideological transformation.
  • Hamas, a reactionary, hateful organization, was seen as revolutionary by leftist circles opposing imperialism.
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