Antisemitism

Here and Now

By: Deborah E. Lipstadt

Narrated by: Ellen Archer, Paul Boehmer, Phoebe Strole

***2019 NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD WINNER—Jew­ish Edu­ca­tion and Iden­ti­ty Award***

The award-winning author of The Eichmann Trial and Denial: Holocaust History on Trial gives us a penetrating and provocative analysis of the hate that will not die, focusing on its current, virulent incarnations on both the political right and left: from white supremacist demonstrators in Charlottesville, Virginia, to mainstream enablers of antisemitism such as Donald Trump and Jeremy Corbyn, to a gay pride march in Chicago that expelled a group of women for carrying a Star of David banner.

Over the last decade there has been a noticeable uptick in antisemitic rhetoric and incidents by left-wing groups targeting Jewish students and Jewish organizations on American college campuses. And the reemergence of the white nationalist movement in America, complete with Nazi slogans and imagery, has been reminiscent of the horrific fascist displays of the 1930s. Throughout Europe, Jews have been attacked by terrorists, and some have been murdered.

Where is all this hatred coming from? Is there any significant difference between left-wing and right-wing antisemitism? What role has the anti-Zionist movement played? And what can be done to combat the latest manifestations of an ancient hatred? In a series of letters to an imagined college student and imagined colleague, both of whom are perplexed by this resurgence, acclaimed historian Deborah Lipstadt gives us her own superbly reasoned, brilliantly argued, and certain to be controversial responses to these troubling questions.

“Epidemiology” of Antisemitism

Nice “epidemiology” of antisemitism; disappointing absence of consideration of its psychological/sociological causes; faux “letters from students & a colleague” format comes off as cornball in ways that distract from this book’s important message.

Depressing

I wanted a way to respond to antisemotism but found none. it didn't fit my wishes.

Fascinating read

I highly recommend this book, everyone can learn something from this book. I enjoyed the letter format and her ability to relate to the students and help them understand their experiences.

Never become complacent!

Powerful. So glad I read/listened to this book now. The set up was different as the conversation goes in the form of letters but every single issue was addressed. Should be required reading….

A Must Read

I became interested in this subject because of the news coverage of Charlottesville and the shootings at the Pittsburgh Synagogue. Therefore, I decided to read this book.

The book is well written and researched. Professor Lipstadt explores the subject in a series of letters to fictional composites: Abigail, a Jewish student, and Joe, a non-Jewish colleague. Lipstadt examines current day antisemitism. The author also discusses the conspiracy theorists or ideologues who cannot be reasoned out of their view points. I enjoyed the discussion about how to spell antisemitism and the meanings put on words. Lipstadt skillfully examines antisemitism. In the last few years, I am surprised at how rapidly worldwide antisemitism has spread.

The book is seven hours and thirty-seven minutes. Ellen Archer, Paul Boehmer and Phoebe Strole do a good job narratoring the book.