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Yuval Lowry

The Political Spectrum Fails the Jewish Community

The Jewish people have historically faced challenges and threats from both the political “Left” and “Right.” Both extremes have, at different times, adopted ideologies and policies that have been harmful to Jewish communities. Understanding this helps to explain why many Jews may feel that neither side of the political spectrum fully aligns with or benefits their interests.
The Soviet Union and the Far Left
Soviet Antsemitism: While the Soviet Union was founded on Marxist-Leninist principles that theoretically opposed all forms of ethnic discrimination, in practice, the Soviet state engaged in widespread antsemitism. Under Joseph Stalin, Jewish cultural institutions were suppressed, Jewish leaders were persecuted, and “cosmopolitanism”—a euphemism for Jewish intellectualism—was targeted. During the purges of the 1930s and beyond, many Jews were arrested, executed, or sent to labor camps.
Suppression of Jewish Identity: The Soviet regime attempted to eradicate Jewish religious and cultural practices as part of its broader campaign against religion. Synagogues were closed, Hebrew education was banned, and Jewish holidays were suppressed. The Soviet Union’s support for anti-Zionism further marginalized Jews, as Zionism was equated with disloyalty to the Soviet state. This forced many Soviet Jews to conceal their identity or emigrate under challenging circumstances.
Anti-Zionism and Anti-Semitism: The Soviet Union’s official stance on Zionism was one of staunch opposition, which it portrayed as a form of bourgeois nationalism. Soviet propaganda often conflated Zionism with imperialism and used this as a pretext for anti-Semitic campaigns, particularly during the Cold War. This anti-Zionist stance created an environment where Jewish identity and support for Israel were seen as subversive and unpatriotic.
The Refuseniks: Many Soviet Jews who sought to emigrate to Israel or other Western countries faced severe persecution. The Soviet government denied exit visas to many Jews, leading to the creation of the “Refusenik” movement, where Jews who were denied the right to leave were often harassed, imprisoned, or ostracized. This treatment highlighted the broader hostility of the Soviet state toward Jewish self-determination and religious freedom.
Western Fascism and the Far Right
Nazi Germany and the Holocaust: The most extreme example of right-wing fascism’s impact on the Jewish people is Nazi Germany. Adolf Hitler’s regime systematically targeted Jews through state-sponsored antisemitism, leading to the Holocaust—the genocide of six million Jews. This was the most horrific manifestation of right-wing extremism and its consequences for the Jewish people. The Nazis promoted a virulent form of ethnic nationalism that sought to eliminate Jews from Europe entirely.
Fascism and Antisemitic Ideology: Fascist movements in Europe, beyond Nazi Germany, often incorporated antisemitic ideologies into their platforms. In countries like Italy, Hungary, and Romania, fascist regimes or movements enacted laws and policies that discriminated against Jews, restricted their rights, and, in many cases, collaborated with Nazi Germany in the persecution and deportation of Jews to concentration camps.
The Legacy of Western Fascism: The legacy of Western fascism continues to be a source of concern for Jewish communities, especially with the resurgence of far-right movements in Europe and the United States. These movements often draw on antisemitic tropes, conspiracy theories, and xenophobia, posing a renewed threat to Jewish communities. The association of right-wing extremism with anti-Semitism remains a significant concern for Jews around the world.
Challenges from the Modern Left
Anti-Zionism on the Left: In contemporary politics, parts of the Left, particularly in Western countries, have adopted strong anti-Zionist positions. While criticism of Israeli government policies is legitimate, some elements of the Left have crossed the line into antisemitism by denying the Jewish people’s right to self-determination, questioning the legitimacy of Israel’s existence, or holding Israel to standards that are not applied to other nations.
Intersectionality and Marginalization: The concept of intersectionality, which is prominent on the Left, sometimes marginalizes Jewish voices by framing Jews as part of the “oppressor” class, especially in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This can lead to the exclusion of Jewish perspectives from progressive movements, making it difficult for Jews who identify with both their Jewish heritage and progressive causes to find a place within these movements.
Antisemitic Rhetoric in Left-Wing Politics: Instances of antisemitic rhetoric have emerged within some left-wing political movements, where Jews are sometimes unfairly depicted as wealthy capitalists or as wielding disproportionate influence in politics and finance. These tropes echo age-old antisemitic stereotypes and can alienate Jews from progressive causes.
Challenges from the Modern Right
Resurgence of Far-Right Extremism: In recent years, there has been a resurgence of far-right extremism in many Western countries, often accompanied by antisemitic rhetoric and actions. Far-right groups and individuals often promote conspiracy theories about Jewish control of global institutions, echoing the dangerous ideas that fueled historical fascism.
Nationalism and Xenophobia: The rise of nationalist and xenophobic movements on the Right can create an environment that is hostile to minorities, including Jews. These movements often promote a vision of national identity that excludes Jews or seeks to minimize their role in society. In some cases, right-wing populism has adopted antisemitic language, targeting Jews as part of the so-called “global elite.”
Double-Edged Sword of Conservative Support for Israel: While many conservatives are strong supporters of Israel, this support sometimes comes with problematic implications. Some right-wing leaders endorse Israel for ideological reasons that are tied to Christian Zionism or anti-Muslim sentiments, rather than out of genuine concern for Jewish self-determination. Additionally, this support can sometimes overlook or downplay domestic antisemitism, assuming that support for Israel alone is sufficient to address Jewish concerns.
The Need for Independent Jewish Advocacy
Beyond Left and Right: Given the historical and contemporary challenges posed by both the Left and the Right, Jewish communities often find that neither political side fully aligns with their needs and interests. Instead, there is a need for independent Jewish advocacy that prioritizes the safety, security, and self-determination of Jewish people without being tethered to the shifting tides of partisan politics.
Zionism as a Unifying Force: Zionism, in its broadest sense, represents a unifying force for Jews across the political spectrum. It emphasizes Jewish self-determination and the importance of Israel as a refuge and cultural center for Jews worldwide. This focus on Jewish peoplehood can serve as a common ground that transcends the divisions of left and right.
Protecting Jewish Identity and Rights: Jewish communities must continue to advocate for their rights and identity in all political arenas. This involves challenging antisemitism wherever it appears—whether it comes from the Left, the Right, or anywhere in between—and ensuring that Jewish voices are included in broader discussions about social justice, human rights, and global politics.
The Jewish people have faced significant challenges from both the political Left and Right throughout history and in modern times. From the anti-Semitic policies of the Soviet Union on the Left to the genocidal fascism of Nazi Germany on the Right, neither side has consistently benefited Jewish communities. Today, the resurgence of far-right extremism and the problematic aspects of left-wing anti-Zionism continue to pose challenges. As a result, Jews often find that neither political alignment fully serves their interests, underscoring the importance of independent Jewish advocacy that focuses on protecting Jewish identity, promoting self-determination, and combating antisemitism across the political spectrum.
About the Author
Yuval Lowry has 30+ years experience in GIS and Cyber Security in Intelligence, law enforcement, and other national security settings. Mr. Lowry spent 4 years as the CIO and Manager of the Forensic Technology and Digital Evidence Unit of a major forensics lab in Washington, DC. Currently lives on a a boat in a small town with his cat Smoky. His hobbies are writing, philosophy, and fighting disinformation.