The Fire These Times 193/ Intent and the Gaza Genocide w/ Amos Goldberg (Part 1)
May 19, 2025
Amos Goldberg, a prominent Holocaust historian from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, delves into the fraught discussions surrounding intent in the context of genocide, particularly relating to Gaza. He explores how genocides often arise from claims of self-defense and discusses the risks of oversimplifying historical narratives. The conversation highlights the complexities of labeling contemporary atrocities and the consequences of these classifications. Goldberg's insights challenge listeners to engage deeply with sensitive subjects that echo through history.
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Legal vs Historical Genocide Intent
- The legal definition of genocide emphasizes the intent to destroy a group, which creates a higher bar than historical or sociological interpretations.
- This narrow focus on intent risks overlooking complex political and social phenomena that also constitute genocide.
Hitler's 1939 Speech Complexity
- Hitler's 1939 Reichstag speech shows public intent rhetoric but no immediate shift to mass killing.
- Historians debate whether this signals early intent or strategic political rhetoric, reflecting complexity in genocide planning.
Shifting Israeli Views on Intent
- Israeli students showed increased willingness to accept a functionalist view of Holocaust intent in 2024.
- This shift parallels Israeli denial of genocidal intent regarding Gaza, reflecting political and existential unease.
