The Blogs: Antisemitism, a crisis of Ideology

In the shadow of escalating global tensions and ideological rifts, antisemitism emerges as an enduring spectre, transcending political divides and ideological frameworks. The relationship between ideology and antisemitism has long been debated. Does this prejudice thrive primarily on the political left, the right, or both? Recent violent incidents provide disturbing evidence of its persistence, suggesting that such acts might not be isolated but symptomatic of broader, ingrained attitudes across ideological extremes.

Journalist Yair Rosenberg (2021) aptly posits, “It is not surprising that conspiracy theorists seeking scapegoats to blame for the nation’s problems are antisemites, because antisemitism itself is the world’s biggest and most durable conspiracy theory.” This sentiment underscores how antisemitic rhetoric finds fertile ground on both ends of the political spectrum. The notion of Jews as manipulators of global affairs, controlling disproportionate power despite their numerical minority, is a toxic trope perpetuated by figures across ideological lines. This hybridization of antisemitism, marrying elements from both left-wing and right-wing narratives, is a particularly alarming phenomenon.

Radical Islam provides a unique yet deeply troubling intersection of religious and political antisemitism. Professor of Political Science at the University of Barcelona Xavier Torrens (2016) observes that radical Islamists adopt age-old European antisemitic archetypes, blending these with religious Judeophobia. Jews are vilified not only as rejecters of divine truth but also as persecutors of prophets, with historical parallels to the Christian accusation of deicide. The dissemination of “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion” in Arabic amplifies this vitriol, making it a best-seller in certain regions. These narratives are entrenched in educational curricula, where derogatory depictions of Jews proliferate, alongside a denial of Israel’s right to exist.

Such rhetoric has profound geopolitical implications. Calls for the annihilation of Israel echo beyond religious discourse, influencing political ideologies that deny the Jewish state’s legitimacy. This convergence of religious and political antisemitism presents a multifaceted threat, complicating efforts to counter it effectively.

The Oppression Paradox

On the political left, antisemitism manifests through a paradoxical framework. Traditionally champions of oppressed minorities, leftist movements sometimes perceive Jews as oppressors. This perception stems from enduring stereotypes linking Jews to capitalism and their alignment with Israel in the Israel/Palestine conflict. Professor Eitan Hersh and Harvard PhD candidate Laura Royden (2022) highlight how populism and anti-capitalism on the left perpetuate anti-Jewish scapegoating, drawing parallels with right-wing rhetoric.

The left’s evolving stance on Israel further exacerbates these dynamics. Over the past two decades, left-leaning social movements, particularly among younger demographics, have increasingly supported Palestine while intensifying criticism of Israel. While criticism of Israeli policies can theoretically be disentangled from antisemitism, empirical studies reveal a troubling correlation. In the article “Anti-Israel Sentiment Predicts Anti-Semitism in Europe”, academics Edward Kaplan and Charles Small (2006) found that individuals with extreme anti-Israel views often harbor antisemitic beliefs, such as the myth of Jewish dominance in global finance. This suggests that anti-Zionism, while ostensibly political, serves as a socially acceptable vehicle for expressing anti-Jewish prejudice.

Antisemitism on the left is not confined to ideological constructs but extends into identity politics and the competition over victimhood. Hersh and Royden’s research underscores how minority groups in the West, including Black, Latino, Muslim, and LGBTQ+ communities, often align with broader anti-White sentiments and solidarity with Palestinians as an oppressed group. This alignment can inadvertently foster antisemitic attitudes, reflecting a sociopolitical rivalry over victimhood status. Within this framework, Jews are perceived as neither marginalized nor oppressed, but as privileged or complicit in the structures of power.

The implications of such narratives are far-reaching. By framing Jews as oppressors, these ideologies dismiss their historical and ongoing struggles, distorting the broader fight for equity and justice. This ideological blind spot not only weakens solidarity among marginalized groups, but perpetuates all divisive stereotypes.

While left-wing antisemitism garners significant scrutiny, right-wing antisemitism remains a persistent and resurgent threat. Conspiracy theories about Jewish control over media, finance, and politics are staples of far-right rhetoric, feeding narratives of cultural and national decay. These tropes often intersect with nativist ideologies, framing Jews as outsiders undermining national identity and sovereignty.

The rise of populist leaders and movements across Europe and North America has amplified these narratives. Far-right antisemitism is often cloaked in nationalism, where Jews are portrayed as threats to traditional values and cultural homogeneity. This ideological strand, deeply rooted in historical prejudices, continues to influence contemporary discourse, highlighting the durability and adaptability of antisemitic rhetoric.

A Crisis of Leadership and Values

The Abraham Accords, definitely one of the most significant diplomatic achievements of the past decade, illustrate a stark contrast between Middle Eastern realpolitik and Western ideological discourse. While Gulf nations embrace normalization with Israel, recognizing mutual interests and the necessity of regional stability, Western progressives often downplay or dismiss these accords. This dismissal stems from an aversion to figures like Donald Trump or Benjamin Netanyahu, who brokered the agreements, rather than an objective evaluation of their significance.

Such ideological selectivity undermines opportunities for cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. The West’s reluctance to acknowledge the accords’ importance reflects a broader failure to engage constructively with Middle Eastern realities, perpetuating misconceptions and stalling progress.

The persistence of antisemitism across ideological divides underscores a deeper crisis of leadership and values. As Western societies grapple with cultural and political fragmentation, antisemitism emerges as both a symptom and a cause of this malaise. The failure to confront it decisively reflects broader deficiencies in moral clarity and institutional resolve.

The Holocaust survivor, writer and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel’s admonition, “What begins with the Jews never ends with the Jews,” serves as a poignant reminder of antisemitism’s broader implications. When societies tolerate or trivialize antisemitism, they erode the foundations of democracy. This erosion paves the way for broader societal decay, manifesting in deteriorating public safety, economic strain, and cultural disintegration.

A Call for Renewed Leadership

Addressing antisemitism requires more than condemning overt acts of hatred. It demands a comprehensive reevaluation of ideological frameworks and societal values. Leaders must confront antisemitism’s multifaceted nature, recognizing its manifestations on both the left and right, in religious extremism, and within identity politics.

While media and cultural institutions at play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, they are not currently doing their best efforts at challenging antisemitic stereotypes, or promoting historical understanding and empathy; nor to a commitment for a balanced and informed narratives.

In the face of this ideological crisis, complacency is not an option. The resilience of antisemitism demands an equally resilient response, grounded in moral courage and intellectual rigor. Only through such efforts can societies hope to stem the tide of hatred and uphold the principles of justice and equality.

Antisemitism, is an ideological crisis that transcends simplistic categorizations. It is a phenomenon deeply embedded in historical prejudices, religious doctrines, and political ideologies. Addressing it requires confronting uncomfortable truths about societal attitudes and leadership failures. As we navigate an increasingly polarized and fragmented world, we are seeing the fight against antisemitism gradually becoming the cornerstone to preserve factual truth, democratic values and human dignity.