Podcast Summary: The Karol Markowicz Show

Guest: Izabella Tabarovsky

Episode Theme:
Soviet Anti-Zionism, Campus Antisemitism, and "Be a Refusenik" – Lessons for Today's Jewish Students

Overview

In this episode, host Carol Markowitz sits down with scholar and author Izabella Tabarovsky to discuss her latest book, Be a Refusenik: A Jewish Student Survivor’s Guide. The conversation delves into the history and modern resurgence of Soviet-style anti-Zionism, the wave of antisemitism sweeping across American college campuses, and practical strategies for young Jews confronted by hostility in higher education. Drawing on both personal and historical experience, Tabarovsky offers actionable advice, thought-provoking analysis, and hope for the future.

Key Topics & Insights

1. The Meaning of "Refusenik" and Its Relevance Today

[03:40–05:13]

• Definition: Originally, “refusenik” referred to Soviet Jews denied the right to emigrate. But Tabarovsky reframes the term, highlighting their refusal to accept the antisemitic system:

  “They refused the antisemitic system they lived in. They were supposed to forget about their Jewish identity...They were supposed to reject their Zionism. And so they refused all of it.” — Izabella Tabarovsky [04:27]

• Modern Resonance: The struggle to remain true to identity and values in a hostile environment is as relevant now as it was then, especially amid rising campus antisemitism.

2. From the USSR to US Campuses: Continuity of Anti-Zionist Rhetoric

[06:03–09:20]

• Historical Parallels: Language about Zionism on today’s campuses mirrors Soviet-era propaganda:

  “This equation that we hear all the time today—that Zionism is Nazism and racism... None of it is new. It was all there already in Soviet times.” — Izabella Tabarovsky [07:00]

• Transmission: Tabarovsky’s research traces how Soviet anti-Zionist discourse spread globally and now reappears in Western academic settings.
• Learning from the Past: The book shares stories of Soviet refuseniks alongside current young Jewish activists who independently rediscover similar strategies for resistance.

3. Advice for Jewish Students on Campus

[09:20–11:44]

• Reject Victimhood:

  “You have to reclaim everything that they want you to give up... You have to give up victimhood. That’s a really crucial piece of advice.” — Izabella Tabarovsky [10:12]

• Embrace Identity: Pride and connection to Jewish peoplehood and Zionism are presented as vital forms of resistance—not withdrawal.
• Examples of Resilience: Drawing on figures like Natan Sharansky as models who refused to see themselves as victims, even in the harshest circumstances.

4. The Ivy League Dilemma: Should Jews Still Enroll?

[17:07–20:02]

• Carol’s Concern: The psychological and emotional toll of antisemitism balanced against the opportunities elite schools provide.
• Izabella’s Viewpoint:

  “I don’t think that there is any virtue in going to a school where you’re going to be hated...If they do go...be prepared to stand up for themselves and not let this propaganda penetrate them.” [18:03]

• Preparation Over Avoidance: Jewish schools and families must prioritize preparing students—not just for academic success, but also for affirming their identity and values in adversarial environments.

5. Community, Activism, and Surviving Campus Hostility

[21:11–22:52]

• Find Your Community:

  “Find other Jewish students who think like you and have a community...analyze what’s happening together.” [21:16]

• Varied Responses: Not all students are called to be high-profile activists, but developing an “internal framework” is crucial to resisting antisemitic atmospheres.
• Role of Universities: The shift from teaching critical thinking to activist-driven indoctrination is critiqued as an underlying driver of today’s issues.

6. The Blind Spot in American Education

[22:52–24:23]

• Historical Ignorance:

  “They only know they know that Nazi Germany was bad. They either don’t know anything about the Soviet Union or they actually think that it was a force for good. And that is just...educational malpractice.” [23:27]

• Importance of History: Both agree American curricula’s omission of Soviet crimes has severe consequences for understanding current political and ideological trends.

7. Personal Transformation and Pride

[24:25–27:05]

• Immigrant Journey: Tabarovsky describes profound cultural catch-up and transformation upon immigrating, emphasizing gratitude and the value of learning not just history and politics, but also American popular culture.

  “To be an American is not just about acquiring the citizenship...It actually means changing yourself.” [25:06]

8. Five-Year Prediction: Change in Higher Education

[27:08–28:18]

• Hope for Reform:

  “I do want to believe that the Academy will not look the same in five years...because the ideological abuse...is so severe that I think things will change.” [27:14]

• Market Forces: New institutions and shifting student preferences are expected to drive reform.

9. Final Life Advice: Resist Ideological Manipulation

[28:45–30:27]

• Be Informed and Discerning:

  “My big, big, big wish for Americans today is to understand that we live at a time when we are under an ideological assault as a country...In Soviet times we had this skill...of reading between the lines.” [28:50]

• Critical Thinking: Don’t take information at face value—ask what actors are trying to achieve and remember foundational American values to resist manipulation and propaganda.

Notable Quotes

• On Soviet Anti-Zionism vs. Today:
  “None of it is new. It was all there already in Soviet times...the words, the slogans, the explanatory logic...that Zionists control everything, Zionists rule everything.” — Izabella Tabarovsky [07:00]
• On Rejecting Victimhood:
  “They stood for what they believed was right. They stood for their values. And we have to be doing the same.” — Izabella Tabarovsky [11:12]
• On Modern American Ignorance:
  “They either don’t know anything about the Soviet Union or...think that it was a force for good. And that is just...educational malpractice.” — Izabella Tabarovsky [23:27]
• Advice for Listeners:
  “Instead of responding to a stimulus...ask yourself what are they trying to do, really? What are they trying to achieve?...Not letting yourself...become the tool of that agenda.” — Izabella Tabarovsky [29:10]

Timestamped Important Segments

• Definition and story of the refusenik: [03:54–05:13]
• Parallels in anti-Zionist language: [06:03–09:20]
• Advice for Jewish students: [09:32–11:44]
• Ivy Leagues and campus antisemitism discussion: [17:07–20:02]
• Personal immigrant journey: [24:31–27:05]
• Five-year realignment prediction for academia: [27:08–28:18]
• Parting life advice on resisting propaganda: [28:45–30:27]

Tone & Takeaways

The conversation is empathetic, frank, and rooted in lived experience—blending historical perspective, practical advice, and hope for resilience in the face of adversity. Both host and guest underscore the power of reclaiming identity, the necessity of historical memory, and the importance of resisting ideological pressure—on campus and beyond.

Guest: Izabella Tabarovsky
Book: Be a Refusenik: A Jewish Student Survivor’s Guide
Host: Carol Markowitz