Whatever Happened to Antisemitism?
Redefinition and the Myth of the 'Collective Jew'
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Pluto Press
Published:20th Jun '22
Should be back in stock very soon
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Hardback£85.00(9780745338798)
This insightful book explores the politicization of antisemitism and its redefinition, revealing significant consequences for free speech and political discourse.
In Whatever Happened to Antisemitism?, Antony Lerman provides a thorough examination of the politicization of antisemitism and its evolving definitions over the past three decades. He argues that the shifting narrative has not only confused the public discourse but has also led to significant repercussions for those involved in discussions surrounding Israel and Palestine. By framing Israel as the ‘persecuted collective Jew’, the redefinition has shifted the focus of antisemitism, complicating the landscape for academics, activists, and everyday citizens alike.
Lerman delves into the origins of the so-called ‘new antisemitism’, highlighting its codification in the controversial International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s ‘working definition’ of antisemitism. This definition serves as a tool for a broad coalition that includes the Israeli government, various pro-Israel advocacy groups, and sympathetic political entities. By linking criticism of Israel to antisemitism, this coalition seeks to stifle legitimate discourse on the subject, creating a chilling effect on free speech and political activism.
The implications of this redefinition are far-reaching and troubling. Lerman elucidates how it has not only suppressed discussions about Palestine and Israel but has also inadvertently legitimized right-wing, Islamophobic movements. Whatever Happened to Antisemitism? is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of this contentious issue and the broader impact of its politicization on society.
'Nobody unpacks the confusions currently circulating around antisemitism, nor the complexities of Jewish identity, better than Antony Lerman. This elegantly written, erudite book is essential reading for all of us, whatever our identifications'
-- Lynne Segal, author of 'Radical Happiness: Moments of Collective Joy''An urgently needed book. The contemporary debate about antisemitism is both incoherent and appalling. Faced with this hot mess, Antony Lerman offers a cool, well-reasoned, deeply learned and morally courageous meditation on what antisemitism is and isn't'
-- Peter Beinart, editor-at-large at 'Jewish Currents''We desperately need this book [...] An essential tool to understand the weaponisation of antisemitism and its dangerous impact on free speech, Palestinian rights, and the very real threat of actual antisemitism'
-- Rebecca Vilkomerson, former Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace'This important, essential book by a leading expert on antisemitism offers a nuanced history of the use and abuse of the fight against the world's oldest hatred. It powerfully unmasks the successful effort to twist the battle against antisemitism into a defense of the indefensible: Israel's subjugation of millions of people on the basis of their national and ethnic identity'
-- Nathan Thrall, author of 'The Only Language They Understand''The best book I have read on why anti-Zionism has been equated with antisemitism and how the 'new antisemitism' has been mobilised for political gain'
-- Neve Gordon, co-author of 'The Human Right to DominISBN: 9780745338774
Dimensions: 234mm x 156mm x 24mm
Weight: 424g
336 pages