History As It Happens: What Is Antisemitism?
Hosted by Martin DeCaro | Released April 15, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of History As It Happens, host Martin DeCaro delves into the complex and enduring issue of antisemitism. Through an insightful conversation with historian Omer Bartov, DeCaro explores the historical roots, contemporary manifestations, and political weaponization of antisemitism in America and beyond.
Defining Antisemitism
Antisemitism, often referred to as the world’s oldest hatred, finds its roots deep in history, predating Christianity. Omer Bartov explains, “Anti Judeophobia already in the ancient world, in the Roman world” illustrates the longstanding nature of this prejudice [00:40].
Bartov emphasizes that modern antisemitism blends traditional prejudices with new forms:
“Modern antisemitism is a bit different from all of that. It includes all these elements. But then it becomes something else as well.” [02:22]
Current Political Climate and Policies
The episode highlights recent administrative actions mistakenly conflating antisemitism with legitimate political dissent. For instance, the U.S. administration announced a policy to screen immigrants’ social media for antisemitic activity, potentially denying visas based on “people’s antisemitic pun online” [00:43–00:55].
Bartov critiques this policy, asserting it misuses antisemitism to suppress free speech:
“There are two issues involved here. One is what do you mean when you say antisemitism? ... The second question is, what is this term being used for?” [08:32]
Antisemitism in Campus Protests
A significant portion of the discussion centers on antisemitism within American university campuses. The administration’s response to student protests against Israeli policies, under the guise of protecting Jewish students, is scrutinized.
Martin DeCaro references a Jewish Insider headline:
“The Department of Homeland Security says immigration applications will be screened for suspected antisemitic activity.” [11:08]
Bartov responds by distinguishing between genuine antisemitic sentiments and legitimate criticism of Israeli policies:
“Criticism of Israeli policies... is not antisemitic.” [13:36]
He further explains the misuse of antisemitism accusations to stifle opposing viewpoints:
“This kind of policy... is the best way to incite antisemitism.” [12:46]
Historical Context of Antisemitism
Bartov provides a thorough historical overview, tracing antisemitism from its theological and socioeconomic origins to its evolution in the modern era. He notes:
“Anti Semitism is a very old insidious phenomenon. ... It actually predates Christianity.” [01:48]
He discusses the transition from traditional prejudices to racial antisemitism fueled by pseudoscientific theories:
“Scientific racism which the Nazis then took in, that is that the Jews are a different race.” [34:15]
Impact of Modern Definitions and Politics
The conversation addresses how modern definitions of antisemitism, particularly the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition, are manipulated for political ends. Bartov argues that equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism undermines legitimate discourse and criticism:
“The argument that you can make an equivalence between anti Zionism and antisemitism ... is completely false.” [16:56]
Omer Bartov’s Insights on Antisemitism and Israel-Gaza Conflict
Bartov underscores the dire situation in Gaza and criticizes both Israeli policies and international complicity:
“There has to be serious thinking about changing the political paradigm. ... the international community seems completely uninterested in doing anything about it.” [23:37]
He elaborates on the erosion of democracy within Israel due to far-right influences:
“They are eroding democracy, they're eroding liberalism, they're eroding the rule of law.” [51:05]
Bartov also highlights the psychological and societal impacts of antisemitism on Jewish communities, particularly in academic settings:
“Many young Jews ... were raised in homes... that taught them a love for Israel.” [17:35]
The Role of Memory and the Holocaust
A critical part of Bartov’s argument centers on the misuse of Holocaust memory to justify contemporary policies. He contends that:
“The Holocaust was not supposed to teach us... The answer to genocide is not genocide.” [46:28]
Bartov asserts that invoking the Holocaust to defend genocidal actions in Gaza distorts its lessons and perpetuates a cycle of violence:
“Israel's war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocidal actions in Gaza are above that law because of what happened to the Jews.” [46:28]
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a poignant reflection on the personal and societal costs of antisemitism. Bartov shares his experiences and the challenges he faces as a historian critiquing Israeli policies:
“I don't see myself as anti Israeli. ... It’s destructive of the state of Israel.” [49:55]
Martin DeCaro emphasizes the broader implications of unchecked antisemitism and the necessity for open dialogue:
“It's not just horrible for the Iraqis. What's happening today is not in Israel's interest either.” [51:05]
Notable Quotes
- Omer Bartov [00:40]: “Anti Judeophobia already in the ancient world, in the Roman world.”
- Omer Bartov [02:22]: “Modern antisemitism is a bit different from all of that. It includes all these elements. But then it becomes something else as well.”
- Martin DeCaro [11:08]: “The Department of Homeland Security says immigration applications will be screened for suspected antisemitic activity.”
- Omer Bartov [08:32]: “There are two issues involved here. One is what do you mean when you say antisemitism? ... The second question is, what is this term being used for?”
- Omer Bartov [16:56]: “The argument that you can make an equivalence between anti Zionism and antisemitism ... is completely false.”
- Omer Bartov [34:15]: “Scientific racism which the Nazis then took in, that is that the Jews are a different race.”
- Omer Bartov [46:28]: “The Holocaust was not supposed to teach us... The answer to genocide is not genocide.”
- Omer Bartov [49:55]: “I don't see myself as anti Israeli. ... It’s destructive of the state of Israel.”
- Martin DeCaro [51:05]: “What's happening today is not in Israel's interest either.”
Further Resources
For a deeper exploration of these topics, listeners are encouraged to read Omer Bartov’s essay titled “Infinite License” in the New York Review, which discusses the misuse of Holocaust memory in contemporary political discourse.
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