Podcast Summary: For Heaven's Sake – "Israel at War – The War Against the Jews"

Release Date: June 4, 2025
Hosts: Daniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi
Presented by Ark Media and the Shalom Hartman Institute

Introduction: A New Front in the Battle Against Jewish Communities

In the episode titled "Israel at War – The War Against the Jews," hosts Daniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi delve into a pressing and unsettling shift within Jewish communities in North America. Moving beyond traditional discussions of Israel's conflicts, they address a more insidious and pervasive threat: the escalating war against Jews themselves. This conversation marks a significant departure from their usual focus, highlighting the lived experiences of Jewish individuals facing both overt and systemic antisemitism.

Escalation of Antisemitic Violence in North America

The hosts open by acknowledging a disturbing trend where antisemitism has transitioned from verbal harassment and online vitriol to physical violence. Yossi Klein Halevi (03:57) notes, “In Boulder and in Washington, Jews died and were critically injured simply because they were Jews.” This shift underscores a tangible and present danger that Jewish communities no longer feel insulated or safe within North American borders.

Normalization of Violence: Changing Jewish Daily Life

Hartman emphasizes the normalization of antisemitic violence and its profound impact on Jewish life (06:23). He explains how daily activities have become fraught with fear and uncertainty: “You can't go to any Jewish group today, a Jewish meeting, or even walking outside in the street” (00:04). The increasing frequency of attacks fosters a climate of constant vigilance, fundamentally altering how Jews navigate public spaces and communal gatherings.

Historical Context: Comparing Antisemitism in America and Europe

While drawing parallels to European antisemitism, the hosts clarify essential differences. Daniel Hartman (06:38) states, “America has always been different,” highlighting the unique historical and cultural landscape that distinguishes American antisemitism from the state-sponsored horrors of 1930s Germany. Despite these differences, the visceral fear and sense of vulnerability among American Jews echo the sentiments experienced in Europe during tumultuous times.

Divergence of Left and Right-Wing Antisemitism

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on distinguishing between left-wing and right-wing antisemitism. Hartman (16:16) critiques left-wing antisemitism for its "disingenuousness," often cloaked in anti-Zionist rhetoric that complicates identification and response. In contrast, right-wing antisemitism is described as more overt and shameless, with clear, though reprehensible, intentions.

The Role of Israeli Policies in Shaping Global Antisemitism

The hosts explore how Israeli government actions and discourse contribute to the global antisemitic environment. Hartman (33:29) argues that Israel's handling of conflicts, particularly in Gaza, inadvertently fuels antisemitic sentiments by failing to maintain a moral discourse that could mitigate international backlash. This lack of effective communication and perceived accountability exacerbates fears and stereotypes about Jews and Israel.

Responsibility and Solutions: Bridging Israeli and Diaspora Communities

Concluding the conversation, Hartman and Halevi ponder the responsibilities of both Israel and Jewish communities in the diaspora to address and counteract the rising antisemitism. Halevi (39:46) emphasizes the need for Israel to support Diaspora Jews beyond the simplistic notion of aliyah. They advocate for a dual approach: fostering robust security measures while also engaging in moral and ethical discourse to reclaim a positive narrative about Jewish identity and Israeli statehood.

Notable Quotes

• Yossi Klein Halevi [00:04]: "Israel at war, Day 606. Today, however, we don't want to talk about Israel at war because we and Jews in North America are now feeling a different war. And that is nothing less than the war against the Jews."

• Daniel Hartman [03:57]: "There's nothing abstract about attacks against the American Jewish community for either of us, for the reason that you just laid out."

• Yossi Klein Halevi [07:44]: "It's like the Houthi missiles. […] It’s normalized. It's just like we’re not. It’s just like it’s a normal thing that we’re doing."

• Daniel Hartman [15:36]: "The problem is more the ideological context that's being created where in some ways the Jews are no longer quite legitimate."

• Yossi Klein Halevi [34:21]: "There is an evil in their soul that has given them legitimacy to kill or to engage in an act of violence. There is no but at the same time, not but about their violence."

• Daniel Hartman [38:48]: "There's one conversation on antisemitism that needs to happen in the Diaspora, another conversation that needs to happen in Israel."

Conclusion: A Call to Action and Reflection

The episode culminates in a poignant reflection on the dual threats faced by Jewish communities: active antisemitic violence and the insidious normalization of such hatred within societal discourse. Hartman and Halevi advocate for a multifaceted response that includes both robust defense mechanisms and proactive engagement in shaping moral and ethical narratives. This comprehensive approach aims to safeguard Jewish communities while also addressing the root causes of antisemitism in contemporary society.

This summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared by Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the episode.