The LRB Podcast Weaponising Antisemitism
Mar 12, 2025
Peter Beinart, an influential author known for his critical views on Jewish identity post-conflict, joins Rachel Shabi, who provides nuanced insights on contemporary antisemitism. They discuss the moral rifts in Jewish communities in response to the Gaza crisis and the generational divides it has exposed. The conversation delves into the complexities of antisemitism in modern politics, the intersection of Jewish identity and anti-racism, and the shifting loyalties towards Israel among younger Jews. Their analyses highlight the urgent need for inclusive dialogue in these turbulent times.
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Jewish Focus Justification
- The focus on Jewish experiences after the Gaza destruction is justified.
- Jewish communities' political activities hinder the Palestinian freedom movement.
Broader Impact of Antisemitism
- Discussions about antisemitism affect everyone, not just Jewish people.
- The right wing strategically uses antisemitism to silence progressives.
Racism and Whiteness
- Post-WWII, American Jews were absorbed into whiteness, creating a divide in anti-racist struggles.
- Current racism understanding, focused on a black-white binary, limits engagement with antisemitism's unique nature as a conspiracy about power.
