The Jews and the Left

by Batya Ungar-Sargon

Why did Jews become devoted Democrats, and why did the Democrats turn on them?

For the past 100 years, Jews have famously been at the forefront of every liberal cause in America. They were overrepresented in the Civil Rights Movement, in the Labor movement, the pro-choice movement, and the LGBT movement. If you ask them why they are Democrats, many will say it’s because they are Jews.

And yet, as Batya Ungar-Sargon explains in The Jews and the Left, with its slogans about the destruction of Israel and elevation of antisemitic leaders, the Left has become a no-go zone for Jews unless they are willing to denounce their own people. Now the left has cheers when Zohran Mamdani says there shouldn’t be a Jewish state on this planet, and Bernie Sanders says Israel’s goal in Gaza is “extermination.”

To explore how we got here. Ungar-Sargon takes readers through the long history of Jews in American political life, from George Washington’s praise for the Jews to the forgotten Jewish Founding Father, from the Triangle Shirtwaist fire to the lynching of Leo Frank, from the Civil Rights movement to the shock many Americans felt on October 7th when Hamas wasn’t universally condemned.

Many Jews will insist that antisemitic violence has been more common on the right than on the left. The reality is far more complicated and far more troubling. This book analyzes a uniquely left-wing form of antisemitic hate. The Jews and the Left is a moving historical account of one of the most important alliances in American politics—and its breakdown.

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction

Audible Audio

First published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Bruriah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would have been better titled “Why American Jews are White and Never Ever Experienced Antisemitism, Ever.” The author ignored systemic antisemitism entirely (no mention whatsoever of Jews dying in Catholic hospitals that refused to treat them, the need for their own ambulance services, Jews not being allowed in country clubs, hotels, etc, Jews changing their last names due to antisemitism, and glossed over Jewish quotas in universities entirely and the fact that said quotas were made specifically to keep Jews out of high education) in favor of every single instance in which Jews were defended against antisemitism by their neighbors. It feels like the author once somewhere heard someone say “Jews are an oppressed minority,” and she was so upset that she wrote an entire book to prove that one person wrong, no matter how much evidence to the contrary that she had to ignore. The truth most likely lies somewhere in the middle: Jews were not oppressed in America to the same level as black people, nor have they been completely accepted as white people by actual white people, and instead, have been relegated as lower class, non-whites up until it was inconvenient to do so. I looked so forward to this book and was unfortunately disappointed.

[Anna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to learn how American Jews have blessed our country, especially in the early days of its founding. At the same time, I'm saddened by how we've betrayed them.

[Armin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batya ungar-sargon is angry--and she has every right to be. This is a powerful, passionate, insightful work that everyone on the political left should read.

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

After discovering she was not able to become either rich or pampered by being on the left after receiving her Ph.d in the 17th century novel from Berkeley, because in fact, Elon Musk not Michael Foucault actually runs the world, our affluent and well connected heroine switched sides and has spent her time writing books like this one, which is about how antisemitism was not a problem in the U S. until the left discovered and promoted it appropriately 5 years ago. She also writes about how Republicans love the working class, especially Donald Trump. In her new role as rightwing Makeup Artist she was now achieved her dreams. All it cost her was her soul.

[Julia Shumway · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, read by the author. I really appreciate Batya Ungar-Sargon's fresh perspective and thoughtful approach to different topics, especially her ability to explore different groups' motivations without demonising those she disagrees with.

The book was a fascinating history of American Jewry and made some points I needed to hear about antisemitism in America. Now, I'd like someone to write a similar book about the history of British Jewry and the history of antisemitism here (I've read David Baddiel's Jews Don't Count - it's very good but does not give the historical perspective I'm after.). I also now need to read some Jonathan Sarna books!

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good novel that answers a question I have had for years: why are all Jews democrats? That question only grew louder in my head in the wake of hamas' invasion and Zohran Mamdani becomming mayor of New York. Barya Ungar-Sargon answers the question, but I won't reveal it here. I will say that the answer is both sad and scary all in the same boat. If you want to discuss the answer read the book then message me.

[Abby Aguilera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley!

Happy release month! I enjoyed this read as much as you can given the topic and the times but left learning a lot of information and with new thoughts. A special shoutout for the inclusion of one of my labor heroes, Clara Lemlich, that made my day.

I was given the opportunity to read this title by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible history of American Jews in the context of a post October 7th world. Batya is one of the sharpest and most articulate political commentators of our time.

My only criticism is that she didn't comment on Grant's embrace of Jews in his later life.

[Laurence Lazarus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely

An excellent book. It brings home some sore truths that ignore at your peril. Batya is thoughtful, and easy to read.
Her research is impeccable.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect July 4 read. Batya: my grandfather fought for this country in WWII. Having attended college in the south, your chapters on southern Jews really resonated with me. I hadn’t thought of this before… but tomorrow when I go to Shabbat services, it’s a pretty patriotic thing to do, no? God Bless America. 🇺🇸