Michal Cotler-Wunsh discusses the rise of antisemitism globally, addressing bias against Israel at the UN, double standards, anti-Zionism as Jew hatred, Israel's conduct in the Gaza war, antisemitic elements in social justice movements, and reclaiming the meanings of words.
Anti-Zionism intersects with various ideologies and denies Israel's right to exist.
False accusations of Israel being apartheid state erase its diverse history and integration of minorities.
Accusing Israel of genocide while ignoring real atrocities distorts reality and spreads misinformation.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Antisemitism
Antisemitism has mutated over time to adapt to different social constructs. From religious and scientific contexts to modern trends, the mutation has continued. The contemporary strain, anti-Zionism, intersects with various ideologies and denies Israel's right to exist.
Double Standards and Misinformation
Israel is falsely accused of being an apartheid state and perpetrating a genocide, using terms like 'Zionism is racism'. These accusations undermine the truth and history, erasing the reality that Israel is a diverse nation with various minorities integrated into society.
The Orwellian Inversion
Accusing Israel of committing a Holocaust or genocide, while victims of real atrocities like on 10-7 are disregarded. This Orwellian inversion of historical events and terms like apartheid distorts reality and spreads misinformation about Israel.
The Importance of Defining Antisemitism
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and combating antisemitism. Recognizing and addressing different strains of antisemitism, like the contemporary anti-Zionism, is crucial in combating this evolving form of hatred.
Impact of Social Media on Combating Antisemitism
The discussion delves into the crucial role of social media in combating antisemitism by highlighting how the misuse of terms like 'Zionist' to target Jews can perpetuate antisemitic beliefs online. Drawing parallels with historical events like 9-11 and referencing the Hamas charter, the episode emphasizes the need to address and combat antisemitism within social media spaces to prevent the spread of discriminatory ideologies to future generations.
Educational Institutions and Reclaiming Definitions
The podcast episode underscores the importance of educational institutions in condemning atrocities like those witnessed on 10-7 as a proactive measure. By adopting and implementing comprehensive definitions of antisemitism, such as the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition, universities play a vital role in identifying and addressing antisemitic behavior on campus. Additionally, reclaiming and accurately defining terms like 'Zionism' and promoting intersectionality across diverse perspectives are highlighted as essential steps in combatting extremism and protecting democratic values.
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.
