Antisemitism & American Politics
A New Plan to Fight Antisemitism, and the Politics Behind It
Nathan Guttman breaks down the politics surrounding the development and rollout of President Biden's National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism.
American Jews know anti-Semitism is a problem on the right. Why are Jewish organizations increasingly letting it slide? Dec. 11, 2019 (Article/Essay), by David Schraub
A research fellow and lecturer at the University of California Berkeley School of Law, David Schraub critiques the American Jewish Committee’s response to antisemitic remarks made by President Trump. Schraub compares the AJC’s response to remarks made by Ilhan Omar, and examines the lack of accountability for Republican antisemitism to make the argument that being pro-Israel is a “get-out-of-anti-Semitism-free” card.
As Trump and the GOP weaponize charges of anti-Semitism, media has covered anti-Semitic rhetoric more than actions, Oct. 23, 2019 (Article/Essay/Research), by Rob Savillo with research contributions from Tyler Monroe.
Rob Savillo and Tyler Monroe’s 2019 Media Matters research study finds that “following the Tree of Life synagogue shooting, media outlets have mentioned perceived antisemitic rhetoric from the political left more than antisemitic actions by the right-wing.”
Biden Battles Antisemitism and the Jewish Right Freaks Out
David Schraub of Lewis and Clark Law School argues that President Joe Biden's National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism has placed the Jewish right in a political bind.
House Democrats seek to censure Marjorie Taylor Greene over Biden is Hitler comment (2022 Article) – Washington Post.
House Democrats seek to censure Marjorie Taylor Greene for her comment comparing Biden to Hitler, the latest in a series of antisemitic social media posts from the Republican representative.
How to Fight Antisemitism 2020 (Website), A collaborative project of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action and Jews Against White Nationalism.
How to Fight Antisemitism is dedicated to spreading awareness about the issue of antisemitism in the Republican Party and right-wing politics. The site offers resources and information.
Kevin McCarthy and the Weaponization of Antisemitism (2022 Essay) – The Las Vegas Sun
How Kevin McCarthy exploits antisemitism for his political agenda. McCarthy instrumentalizes antisemitism by selectively denouncing it when politically advantageous while turning a blind eye to instances within his own party; this is a disservice to genuine efforts to combat antisemitism within American politics.
Mastriano’s Attacks on Jewish School Set Off Outcry Over Antisemitic Signaling (2022 Article) – The New York Times
Republican candidate for PA governor Doug Mastriano draws criticism for his attacks on the Jewish school his opponent’s children attend.
Michigan threats deepen America’s dangerous nexus between antisemitism and political violence (2023 Article) – CNN
Threats targeting Jewish government leaders in Michigan deepen concerns about a convergence of conspiracy-driven antisemitism and political violence, underscoring the dangers of extremist ideologies intersecting with hatred for the Jewish community.
Preaching Tolerance Abroad, as Hatred Surges at Home
New York Times reporter Elizabeth Williamson examines the challenges faced at home and abroad by Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, the State Department's first Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.
Preaching Tolerance Abroad, as Hatred Surges at Home (2023 Article) – New York Times
The dilemma faced by the US envoy to combat antisemitism, Deborah Lipstadt, who is tasked with promoting tolerance internationally, while the rise of hate incidents within the United States affects the credibility and effectiveness of her diplomacy.
The false comfort of Trump’s condemnation of anti-Semitism, Feb. 8, 2019 (Article/Essay), by Jill Jacobs
Rabbi Jill Jacobs examines the dangers of the Trump Administration’s symbolic support of the Jewish community, warning that Jews should be suspicious when Trump condemns antisemitism in a speech laced with xenophobia. She explains that while Trump boasts of his support of Israel and the Jewish community, he dog-whistles to antisemitic white nationalists.
The Real Purpose of Trump’s Executive Order on Anti-Semitism, Dec. 12, 2019 (Article/Essay), by Masha Gessen
Author and writer for the New Yorker, Masha Gessen, examines President Trump’s signing of the 2019 executive order regarding antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and government funding of colleges, and argues that Trump has positioned himself as a pro-Zionist antisemite. She argues that the order will not protect against antisemitism, and that its sole aim is to quash the discussion about and defense of Palestinian rights.
Trump still appears to believe all Jews are really Israelis, Dec. 12, 2019 (Article/Essay), by Jill Jacobs
Rabbi Jill Jacobs, director of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, criticizes the Trump Administration for adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism and signing the 2019 executive order regarding criticism of Israel on college campuses. She discusses the danger of conflating Jews and the State of Israel and its policies, and argues that the administration’s actions do not protect human rights or university students from being harassed; instead they threaten freedom of speech.
Why Evangelical Christians are Obsessed With Israel, Aug. 16, 2019 (Article/Essay) by Shannon Ashley
Writer and “ex-vangelical,” Shannon Ashley breaks down Messianic Judaism and why and how evangelical Christians support the State of Israel without actually caring about the Jewish people or human rights. She argues that evangelical Christians who are pro-Israel are self-serving and using Israel for political gain.