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Antisemitismus. Wo er herkommt, was er ist – und was nicht
Wenn sich Antisemitismus heutzutage in einer Gesellschaft mitten in Europa ausbreitet, ist es schlimm genug. Wenn selbst die linke politische Elite eines Landes hier voranmarschiert und Ressentiments schürt, wird es brandgefährlich. Julia Neuberger, britisch-deutsche Rabbinerin, berichtet mit vielen Beispielen aus jüngster Zeit genau davon aus ihrer Heimat. Und weil Antisemitismus so viele hässliche Gesichter tragen kann, liefert sie historischen Hintergrund und erläutert, was Antisemitismus ist – und was nicht. Denn nur, wenn darüber Klarheit besteht, lässt er sich bekämpfen.
»Wenn ich auch nur einen Menschen dazu bewege, seine Meinung zu ändern, sei es in Deutschland oder in Großbritannien, bin ich schon zufrieden. Sind es mehrere, bin ich begeistert. Und wenn wir dieses Buch in zehn Jahren wegwerfen können, weil es nicht mehr gebraucht wird, werde ich völlig aus dem Häuschen sein.«
Julia Neuberger im Vorwort zur deutschen Ausgabe
»Wenn ich auch nur einen Menschen dazu bewege, seine Meinung zu ändern, sei es in Deutschland oder in Großbritannien, bin ich schon zufrieden. Sind es mehrere, bin ich begeistert. Und wenn wir dieses Buch in zehn Jahren wegwerfen können, weil es nicht mehr gebraucht wird, werde ich völlig aus dem Häuschen sein.«
Julia Neuberger im Vorwort zur deutschen Ausgabe
240 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 28, 2020
I probably have needed to read this book for a long time. When the Labour Party controversy was raging I was frankly reserving judgement because I didn’t feel I understood the issue enough. I feel quite ashamed that I was sceptical about the levels of antisemitism in Labour, because of how badly Corbyn had previously been smeared by the press, but reading this I can tell I was being overly conspiratorial and clearly antisemitism is a serious issue in Labour. I think the section on Israel gives a really good account of when discussion on Israel can become antisemitic and importantly WHY those things are antisemitic. It’s something I’ll feel a lot more able to look out for now, especially in the left-leaning media I consume, which is really important to me. I think the other thing that I took from this (that I partly knew already) is that by far the most dangerous antisemitism is to be found on the far right, not the left. I recently heard someone describe violent and revolutionary rhetoric of the left and right like a psychologists distinction between suicidal ideation and suicidal intent. The far left are more looking at revolutionary ideation - imagining overthrowing capitalism and installing a communist utopia or whatever.. whereas the far right have intent. They stockpile weapons, actively vandalise and generally are much more likely to carry out an actual attack causing physical injury and this seems to be true for antisemitic violence too. Yes look out for it and certainly don’t accept it on the left, but don’t let that distract you from the rising antisemitism on the far right which in the last 5 years has had growing support from a younger and more galvanised online audience than ever before.
September 3, 2020
It would be wrong to say this was an enjoyable read, a better way of describing it would be deeply enriching. This book is a constant mix of extremes; urgent whilst also calm and collected, descriptive but concise, easy to digest but difficult to apprehend.
Neuberger has struck the perfect balance of making this book easy to read and understand the comprehensive argument she lays out in this book, without coming across as too politically charged.
Definitely a must-read for anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge through non-fiction.
Neuberger has struck the perfect balance of making this book easy to read and understand the comprehensive argument she lays out in this book, without coming across as too politically charged.
Definitely a must-read for anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge through non-fiction.
November 9, 2019
Interesting look at antisemitism through the ages, and its modern manifestations. Section on Israel won't please everyone, but a helpful addition to the efforts to create a sharp dividing line between antisemitism and legitimate criticism.
January 28, 2024
gutes einführendes buch über antisemitismus. nur der kurze teil über die britische labour party war nicht allzu spannend für mich. ist aber dem geschuldet, dass die autorin auch eine britische politikerin ist. und es wurden auch gute punkte dabei angebracht
October 2, 2020
[TL;DR? The chapter about Labour and Jeremy Corbyn (the only reason most people will have bought this book) is now obsolete. Because just as we predicted, now that he's gone, no one cares about #LabourAntiSemitism. But as the author explains in terrifying detail, the plague of Anti-Semitism is far larger, more widespread, more toxic and more deeply rooted across the world than many of us dare to imagine. So while that single chapter is now obsolete, the rest of the book most definitely is not, and I highly recommend it to everyone.]
As a 'Leftist, Commie, Marxist Corbynista' or 'Person Who Cares About Homelessness, Poverty & Social Justice' as we used to be known before Billionaires decided that we were a threat, it was a genuine relief and joy to read something that didn't pretend as if Anti-Semitism had been eradicated until 2015, when the Evil Commie Nazi Corbyn was 'Erroneously' elected leader of the Labour Party. A book that genuinely explores the spread of Anti-Semitism worldwide and distinguishes it from criticism of Israel, with the author even going out of her way to discuss Anti-Semitism in the British 'CONSERVATIVE' party.
But then came the inevitable chapter about Anti-Semitism in the British Labour Party. And while it was by far the most fair and balanced account of the issue that I've ever read, especially written by someone who actually attended the 'For The Many, Not The Jew' protest in 2018...
a) That's like saying that George W. Bush was a better President than Trump. But secondly and far more importantly,
b) None of that matters now, because reading the book in 2020, the joke is that our key prediction has come to pass. Now that Jeremy Corbyn no longer poses a threat to 'The Establishment,' (either of the Labour Party or the country as a whole, or to the billionaires and corporations that own them,) essentially no one gives a flying fig about the supposed 'Cancer Of Anti-Semitism' in the Labour party anymore. While nothing that Corbyn did was ever good enough, (especially while he was being actively undermined and sabotaged by his own party to make the problem look worse,) literally all that Kier Starmer had to do to convince everyone that he is 'Sincerely Tackling The Problem' was to fire his uppity, Socialist Shadow Education Secretary who had the audacity to stand with the Teachers Unions during the current pandemic on the trumped up charge of sharing an interview which supposedly contained an 'Anti-Semitic Conspiracy Theory.' Apparently no one gives a damn about the hundreds of Anti-Semitism cases that one assumes have still yet to be resolved within the party, even though people couldn't stop screaming about them when Corbyn was leader. Nor do they care about the supposed 'Gross Failings' of Labour's internal disciplinary system which could be letting Anti-Semites get away with it as I write this. Because either people literally believe that Jeremy Corbyn was the problem, so now that he's gone, it no longer exists, or they never gave a damn about the very real problem of Anti-Semitism in society at all, merely weaponising it to serve their own agenda.
Either way then, while I do recommend skipping the chapter on the Labour Party altogether because it has been rendered irrelevant and obsolete, I 'DO' highly recommend the rest of the book to everyone. Because as the author lays out in terrifying detail, Anti-Semitism is a real and growing threat across the world and is present throughout society, particularly in what we know as the 'Far Right.' And to pretend that 'ANY' single person, political party, group or religion is the problem is naive at best and actively complicit at worst.
As a 'Leftist, Commie, Marxist Corbynista' or 'Person Who Cares About Homelessness, Poverty & Social Justice' as we used to be known before Billionaires decided that we were a threat, it was a genuine relief and joy to read something that didn't pretend as if Anti-Semitism had been eradicated until 2015, when the Evil Commie Nazi Corbyn was 'Erroneously' elected leader of the Labour Party. A book that genuinely explores the spread of Anti-Semitism worldwide and distinguishes it from criticism of Israel, with the author even going out of her way to discuss Anti-Semitism in the British 'CONSERVATIVE' party.
But then came the inevitable chapter about Anti-Semitism in the British Labour Party. And while it was by far the most fair and balanced account of the issue that I've ever read, especially written by someone who actually attended the 'For The Many, Not The Jew' protest in 2018...
a) That's like saying that George W. Bush was a better President than Trump. But secondly and far more importantly,
b) None of that matters now, because reading the book in 2020, the joke is that our key prediction has come to pass. Now that Jeremy Corbyn no longer poses a threat to 'The Establishment,' (either of the Labour Party or the country as a whole, or to the billionaires and corporations that own them,) essentially no one gives a flying fig about the supposed 'Cancer Of Anti-Semitism' in the Labour party anymore. While nothing that Corbyn did was ever good enough, (especially while he was being actively undermined and sabotaged by his own party to make the problem look worse,) literally all that Kier Starmer had to do to convince everyone that he is 'Sincerely Tackling The Problem' was to fire his uppity, Socialist Shadow Education Secretary who had the audacity to stand with the Teachers Unions during the current pandemic on the trumped up charge of sharing an interview which supposedly contained an 'Anti-Semitic Conspiracy Theory.' Apparently no one gives a damn about the hundreds of Anti-Semitism cases that one assumes have still yet to be resolved within the party, even though people couldn't stop screaming about them when Corbyn was leader. Nor do they care about the supposed 'Gross Failings' of Labour's internal disciplinary system which could be letting Anti-Semites get away with it as I write this. Because either people literally believe that Jeremy Corbyn was the problem, so now that he's gone, it no longer exists, or they never gave a damn about the very real problem of Anti-Semitism in society at all, merely weaponising it to serve their own agenda.
Either way then, while I do recommend skipping the chapter on the Labour Party altogether because it has been rendered irrelevant and obsolete, I 'DO' highly recommend the rest of the book to everyone. Because as the author lays out in terrifying detail, Anti-Semitism is a real and growing threat across the world and is present throughout society, particularly in what we know as the 'Far Right.' And to pretend that 'ANY' single person, political party, group or religion is the problem is naive at best and actively complicit at worst.
May 13, 2024
‘Antisemitism is a very serious cultural danger and it’s only a fool who thinks it is a threat only to Jews.’
Really insightful book that clarified lots of different points to me and has been really eye-opening, especially around Corbyn
Really insightful book that clarified lots of different points to me and has been really eye-opening, especially around Corbyn
January 17, 2021
A brilliant book that clearly outlines anti-semitism, including the micro-aggressions and history, as well as addressing complex situations like the Israel-Palestine conflict and Jeremy Corbyn
I feel I have a much better understanding, I was shamefully ignorant of the extent before.
I feel I have a much better understanding, I was shamefully ignorant of the extent before.
November 8, 2020
The first half of the book is a simple and clear overview of what antisemitism is, its historical background, its origins and how it echoes in our society today. The author also covers how the state of Israel comes into the picture and where the separation line lies between a criticism of Israel and antisemitism.
Second half speaks of events in France, Germany and the synagogue shootings in Pittsburgh but mostly describes in great detail the attitudes of the UK Labour Party. I felt that this last part, was much too detailed for me.
I learned about the existence of conspiracy documents that were created in the times of czarist Russia, in 1903, that are still being used by some today as a reliable justification of antisemitism (!) the so-called ‘Protocols of the Elders of Zion’.
Throughout the book the author repeats the message that racism is never just one minority’s problem and how antisemitism, islamophobia, prejudice against blacks all have an underlying connection and have devastating outcomes for everyone. The book finishes with powerful quote from Martin Niemoeller, a Protestant pastor, and a committed anti-Nazi who narrowly escaped execution who wrote in 1946:
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me –
and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Another important quote for me was from Christopher Hitchens, the English polemicist, and socioeconomic critic, that explains how antisemitism is different from other forms of racism:
“...And with the Jews it’s not their cooking or their sex lives or any of this, and it’s not just vulgar prejudice about skin colour or smell. It’s a theory. It’s a paranoid theory that tries to explain quite a lot. It’s fascinated with gold, with secret documents, with missing codices in ancient treaties, with the idea of an invisible and secret government … And it affects both left and right …”
I definitely learned from this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about antisemitism (not just the Jewish people).
Second half speaks of events in France, Germany and the synagogue shootings in Pittsburgh but mostly describes in great detail the attitudes of the UK Labour Party. I felt that this last part, was much too detailed for me.
I learned about the existence of conspiracy documents that were created in the times of czarist Russia, in 1903, that are still being used by some today as a reliable justification of antisemitism (!) the so-called ‘Protocols of the Elders of Zion’.
Throughout the book the author repeats the message that racism is never just one minority’s problem and how antisemitism, islamophobia, prejudice against blacks all have an underlying connection and have devastating outcomes for everyone. The book finishes with powerful quote from Martin Niemoeller, a Protestant pastor, and a committed anti-Nazi who narrowly escaped execution who wrote in 1946:
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me –
and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Another important quote for me was from Christopher Hitchens, the English polemicist, and socioeconomic critic, that explains how antisemitism is different from other forms of racism:
“...And with the Jews it’s not their cooking or their sex lives or any of this, and it’s not just vulgar prejudice about skin colour or smell. It’s a theory. It’s a paranoid theory that tries to explain quite a lot. It’s fascinated with gold, with secret documents, with missing codices in ancient treaties, with the idea of an invisible and secret government … And it affects both left and right …”
I definitely learned from this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about antisemitism (not just the Jewish people).
August 31, 2023
This was a really good, informative book. Julia retraces antisemitism and racial profiling as far back as the medieval period, shining a light on how it’s pervaded time. She brings up a number of really important things and I felt like I learned a whole lot.
However, there were some things I didn’t agree on her wording with, especially when talking about the israel/ Palestine conflict. It made me feel a little uncomfortable, but I still rated this a five star because whilst I had issues with a few things, I like that I could critique and engage with it
However, there were some things I didn’t agree on her wording with, especially when talking about the israel/ Palestine conflict. It made me feel a little uncomfortable, but I still rated this a five star because whilst I had issues with a few things, I like that I could critique and engage with it
January 9, 2020
I’ve been confused about antisemitism lately. The definition seems to have shifted to include any criticism of Netanyahu’s right wing government, which feels wrong to me, but, at the same time, there are more reports of desecration of Jewish cemeteries (in my eyes, a sin against the Almighty in addition to its obvious hatred towards Jews and spreading of unease among all decent human beings.), of attacks on Jewish places of worship, of verbal abuse, etc.
I was more convinced by Julia Neuberger’s account of antisemitism within the Labour Party than I was hitherto. The Daily Mail’s headline rages against the Labour Party were always going to make me believe the opposite was more likely to be true. It seemed like an opportunistic attack designed to help the Tories to election success than genuine concern for British Jews, given that tabloid’s long history of antisemitism.
However she doesn’t just criticise Labour. Her perspective is broader, including events in France ,Hungary and the USA.
She is right, an increase in hate speech and hate crime effects all of us. Brexit has had its effect in legitimising intolerance and scapegoating “out groups”.
I was more convinced by Julia Neuberger’s account of antisemitism within the Labour Party than I was hitherto. The Daily Mail’s headline rages against the Labour Party were always going to make me believe the opposite was more likely to be true. It seemed like an opportunistic attack designed to help the Tories to election success than genuine concern for British Jews, given that tabloid’s long history of antisemitism.
However she doesn’t just criticise Labour. Her perspective is broader, including events in France ,Hungary and the USA.
She is right, an increase in hate speech and hate crime effects all of us. Brexit has had its effect in legitimising intolerance and scapegoating “out groups”.
July 5, 2024
Written in response to the 2018/2019 debate of antisemitism within the British Labour Party, Baroness Julia Neuberger gave a talk a synagogue about this book that I attended because I suddenly had colleagues and friends ask me about my views. I am one of these young people “only moderately participative in Jewish life” that has come to wonder: what is anti-semitism today? I understand it better now.
The book would suit anyone somewhat interested in political debates in the UK. For most people my age, it may seem a bit square but the author has good feelings for what goes on in student unions across universities here. There is a lot more anti-semitism in multicultural working class youth circles that the author probably never experiences, so I’d like to read another book about this from perhaps a younger author.
The book would suit anyone somewhat interested in political debates in the UK. For most people my age, it may seem a bit square but the author has good feelings for what goes on in student unions across universities here. There is a lot more anti-semitism in multicultural working class youth circles that the author probably never experiences, so I’d like to read another book about this from perhaps a younger author.
September 18, 2019
Powerful and concise. This is a thought provoking book which shines a light onto antisemitism and it's growing rise once more in the world. Understanding what is and isn't means you are better prepared to call out antisemitism when you hear it in others.
July 30, 2020
Clear and concise
A clear and concise characterisation of the current issues of Antisemitism in the UK, but also the US and Europe, with references to the historical problems they draw on. I learnt a lot. A good complement to other anti-racist reading.
A clear and concise characterisation of the current issues of Antisemitism in the UK, but also the US and Europe, with references to the historical problems they draw on. I learnt a lot. A good complement to other anti-racist reading.
April 3, 2024
A helpful short introduction to the history, definition and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism, written by rabbi and former member of the House of Lords, Julia Neuberger. As the title suggests, it includes a good discussion of "what it isn't" - outlining a distinction between legitimate criticism of Israel, and antisemitism masquerading as political critique. Her final chapter, focussing on the present experiences of British Jews, is sadly already out-of-date 5 years on, as recent events have brought new levels of hatred against Jewish communities.
The author's closing words express a mixture of unease and optimism. I join her in hoping that the current rise in antisemitism will be turned back - "that this vile smell of antisemitism, along with Islamophobia, other racism and intolerance, will be packed back up in the stinking bags where it belongs, and rendered once again both unsayable and unacceptable" (158).
The author's closing words express a mixture of unease and optimism. I join her in hoping that the current rise in antisemitism will be turned back - "that this vile smell of antisemitism, along with Islamophobia, other racism and intolerance, will be packed back up in the stinking bags where it belongs, and rendered once again both unsayable and unacceptable" (158).
June 8, 2021
I heard Rabbi Baroness Neuberger give a lecture on antisemitism in November 2019, in the thick of the furore about antisemitism in the Labour Party. I'm ashamed that, at the time, I believed the view that a lot of the fuss was stirred up by right-wing opponents of Jeremy Corbyn. Since then, of course, the charges of antisemitism in the party have been thoroughly vindicated. This book is an informative and important read about antisemitism, the dangers it represents, and in particular the anxiety and insecurity it causes for many Jews in this country and in Western Europe. Everybody should read this and search their own hearts and attitudes.
August 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It’s very harrowing to read about issues facing Jewish populations around the world and how antisemitism is ingrained into society. I think Julia Neuberger did a great job discussing anti-Zionism and how people use the term to cover up anti-Semitic ideologies. Additionally, I think the author was very fair in her writing. Definitely recommend if you are trying to educate yourself on what is going on in the world right now. It’s not a hard read by any stretch of the imagination. Check it out!
January 18, 2020
An essential read for our times. The book condenses massive amount of information from history of Antisemitism to varies examples mainly in the UK but also abroad condensed into just 160 so pages. Yet it never feels rushed everything is given its time and explained clearly and concisely. An essential read for those looking to brush up on what antisemitism is without diving into long and convoluted academic reads.
July 25, 2019
- Wusste viel zu dem Thema schon, aber es waren ein paar neue Infos dabei.
- Bestimmt ein guter Einstieg für Leute, die wehnig über das Thema wissen.
- Gute Erklärungen, skiziert auch die aktuelle Stimmungslage von Jüd_innen im UK.
- Leider schlichchen sich einige Fehler ein.
Längere Rezension folgt.
- Bestimmt ein guter Einstieg für Leute, die wehnig über das Thema wissen.
- Gute Erklärungen, skiziert auch die aktuelle Stimmungslage von Jüd_innen im UK.
- Leider schlichchen sich einige Fehler ein.
Längere Rezension folgt.
July 30, 2019
A sound religious and historical perspective that is presented quite calmly, followed by a more urgent and passionately detailed description of the lived experience of recent antisemitic developments. Not enjoyable exactly, but an enriching read.
March 8, 2020
Not a walking in the park
Goes back 3.000 years. Moves forward, painfully. Memories of the Shoa are still alive. I alway wonder why people smile and laugh at the coliseum. Will people have joy at auschwitz in 2.000 years from now? Never forget.
Goes back 3.000 years. Moves forward, painfully. Memories of the Shoa are still alive. I alway wonder why people smile and laugh at the coliseum. Will people have joy at auschwitz in 2.000 years from now? Never forget.
July 12, 2020
Clear and necessary
A really accessible window into antisemitism. All non-Jewish people should Read this. The writer seems to oppose the idea of structural prejudice which disagrees with the studies I've read about other forms of racism but she's entitled to her opinion.
A really accessible window into antisemitism. All non-Jewish people should Read this. The writer seems to oppose the idea of structural prejudice which disagrees with the studies I've read about other forms of racism but she's entitled to her opinion.
September 7, 2020
Informative, short exploration and analysis on what antisemitism is and how it affects society and the world and creates division not just amongst Jews and Non-Jewish communities but how this impacts long term on society and promotes different forms of discrimination and intolerance.
November 18, 2020
A rather comprehensive and fair discussion of antisemtism; it's history, causes symptoms and definition. This book is easily accessible and I would say a great tool for someone who is interested in education on the subject of antisemtism.
July 4, 2021
Extraordinary argument on why Jews, and by extension other minorities, are right to fear the current trend in antisemitism that merely updates centuries'-old tropes. The section on Israel is comprehensive and tough to read.
November 18, 2023
I found the first half of this book informative and thought provoking. Well worth reading. The second half, to me, dragged on and became a little too focused on the mess that is the UK political sphere.
September 23, 2019
Great Book. Really explained everything in an easy to digest - simple to understand without being too dark (which plenty of books on Antisemitism get).
October 5, 2024
Great, but not perfect. A lot of ground, historical and contemporary covered, as well as religious, political, and socio-economic aspects. Really solid and galvanising conclusion
December 5, 2024
Just okay. I have definitely read better books on this topic. I did learn some new information/history so I would still say it’s worth it to read.
March 1, 2020
Hundreds of books have been written on the subject of anti-Semitism ever since Moritz Steinschneider first coined the German version of the term in 1860. I count nearly 500 different English-language books on Goodreads alone and 75 pages of books on offer online on Amazon. Not a very scientific survey, I know. But you get my point. Tens of thousands of pages and barrels of ink have been dedicated over the years to the analysis of this highly complex and emotive subject. To this ever-growing library of material, Rabbi Julia Neuberger has now added a concise and personal perspective in the form of her new book Antisemitism (note the intentional omission of the dash between the words Anti and Semitism).
Anyone who has been paying attention to British politics since 2016 will understand the reason Rabbi Neuberger has chosen now to tackle this subject. For the first time in a very long time, Jews are under attack in today’s Britain, both verbally and physically, and much of the hostility appears to be originating from inside the institutions of the Labour Party. The hostility is undeniable. Most of the debate, however, is centred around whether or not the Labour Party’s hostility against Jews can be properly labelled as “anti-Semitic”.
In Antisemitism, Rabbi Neuberger does her best to demonstrate why she considers the label to be appropriate. The book, which can be read in one or two sittings, first takes the reader on a whirlwind-swift, non-scholarly survey of the history of anti-Semitism. This survey provides context to the second part of the book, which consists of recent news headline and personal anecdotes evidencing that anti-Semitism is very much a problem in today’s Britain.
Following this, in the most subjective and debatable section of the book, Rabbi Neuberger offers specific examples of what she believes should be considered to be anti-Semitic, and what should not, in relation to the various competing official definitions of anti-Semitism floating about. After reading this section of the book, I was left wondering whether it wouldn’t be better to just chuck the label and instead focus on the combating the unacceptable hostility against Jews and other religious minorities.
Finally, in what I found to be a very fitting conclusion, Rabbi Neuberger sounds a warning for the future, throwing down the gauntlet to those who wish to live in a ‘tolerant, open, accepting, democratic society’ to fight against anti-Semitism – however one defines it. In the context of a looming general election where so much was at stake, Rabbi Neuberger’s message could not be clearer.
An easy-to-read essay on anti-Semitism in today’s Britain, its impact on British Jews, and a pointed warning for the future.
Anyone who has been paying attention to British politics since 2016 will understand the reason Rabbi Neuberger has chosen now to tackle this subject. For the first time in a very long time, Jews are under attack in today’s Britain, both verbally and physically, and much of the hostility appears to be originating from inside the institutions of the Labour Party. The hostility is undeniable. Most of the debate, however, is centred around whether or not the Labour Party’s hostility against Jews can be properly labelled as “anti-Semitic”.
In Antisemitism, Rabbi Neuberger does her best to demonstrate why she considers the label to be appropriate. The book, which can be read in one or two sittings, first takes the reader on a whirlwind-swift, non-scholarly survey of the history of anti-Semitism. This survey provides context to the second part of the book, which consists of recent news headline and personal anecdotes evidencing that anti-Semitism is very much a problem in today’s Britain.
Following this, in the most subjective and debatable section of the book, Rabbi Neuberger offers specific examples of what she believes should be considered to be anti-Semitic, and what should not, in relation to the various competing official definitions of anti-Semitism floating about. After reading this section of the book, I was left wondering whether it wouldn’t be better to just chuck the label and instead focus on the combating the unacceptable hostility against Jews and other religious minorities.
Finally, in what I found to be a very fitting conclusion, Rabbi Neuberger sounds a warning for the future, throwing down the gauntlet to those who wish to live in a ‘tolerant, open, accepting, democratic society’ to fight against anti-Semitism – however one defines it. In the context of a looming general election where so much was at stake, Rabbi Neuberger’s message could not be clearer.
An easy-to-read essay on anti-Semitism in today’s Britain, its impact on British Jews, and a pointed warning for the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews