Never Again?: The Threat of the New Anti-Semitism

by Abraham H. Foxman

Book Overview

Anti-Semitism remains a pernicious form of ethnic and religious intolerance and an assault on the fundamentals of human dignity and human rights. Exploring the history of anti-Semitism and providing... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060542462
• ISBN13: 9780060542467
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Length: 305 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Admirable by and large

This book points to one of the most alarming phenomenom on the world scence in recent years, the revival of the world's oldest hatred Anti- Semitism. The author Abraham Foxman is the head of an organization the Anti- Defamation League that does valuable work in contending with this phenomenom. Foxman in this book describes many of the organization's activities in this regard. The new anti-Semitism is a combination of anti- Semitisms. It is the old right wing Fascist anti- Semitism now embodied in neo- Nazis and their ilk, and it is the Islamic world's anti- Semitism which is a wall to wall hatred of Jews and Israel, and it is also ( and here Foxman fails to be strong enough) the anti- Semitism of the radical extreme left which has turned against the Jewish world . The new anti- Semitism often tries to disguise itself as ' Anti- Zionism' only but as Alan Dershowitz pointed out this is a deception. Foxman's work is admirable by and large. To my mind he places far too much emphasis on Christian anti- Semitism , and does not give credit to the vast number of Christian groups and individuals who are allies of Israel and the Jewish people. He too as I have said under-emphasizes the role of the Left. And this when it is precisely the radical Left which should be confronted more vigorously by the ADL ( and this even when members of this radical left are Jewish.) On the whole however this is a valuable book.

Worth reading

Well, I read the book. And then I read the reviews here. And I see that there may be some misconceptions that need to be cleared up. Jews and Christians have indeed been traditional enemies. Obviously, that isn't good for either of them, particularly for the much less numerous Jews. Matter of fact, Jews and Pagans have also been traditional enemies. Anyway, Foxman explains some of the history of Christian antisemitism and its effect on Jewish attitudes today. But there is a point to what might otherwise look like mere whining. Jews are looking for reasonable behavior from others. And Foxman makes it clear what sorts of things one can do to be polite and reasonable. No matter what religious views one has, one does not need to be an antisemite, nor does one need to look like an antisemite. That's important to know if one wants to socialize with Jews or support human rights for Jewish Israelis. Can we criticize Judaism without being thought of as antisemites? Absolutely. Can we criticize Israeli policies without being thought of as antisemites? Yes. Foxman's "sensitivity" is a blessing in that respect. Let's not forget that everyone is offendable, not just Jews. If we're not socially adept enough to avoid offending Jewish friends, maybe we need to read this book. Of course, Foxman shows that there is more to it than this. Antisemitism, while it can start out as simple fun and games, has had serious consequences for over fifteen centuries. The latest metastasy of this phenomenon has passed itself off as "mere" antizionism. But if it involves calling Zionism a form of racism, or denying Israel (and only Israel) a right to nationhood, it is simply more of the same taunting, baiting, and dishonesty that has traditionally led to violence - first against Jews and later against others. Finally, we ought to think twice before we dismiss all concerns about antisemitism. While it is true that there have been very few deaths caused by antisemitic attacks during the past few years compared to the number of Jewish deaths during World War 2, there have been quite a few recent attacks and the number of dead is not negligible. In addition, anti-Jewish propaganda in the Arab world is as intense as anything seen before. Foxman shows the extent to which some of it has become a part of our global culture. That's a valuable warning and lesson for all of us.

Eye-opening and explosive

Abraham Foxman presents a brilliant catalog of worldwide perniciousness. Even though I read this book a while ago, when it first came out, and just seeing it listed here makes me want to take it off the shelf. Excellent resource!

Compelling and Important

Foxman shows, clearly and compellingly that the title isn't hyperbole but that a new and dangerous wave of anti-Semitism threatens Jews today -- and that the stakes for not challenging and defeating it couldn't be higher. The book's well-written survey of the domestic, international, political and religious environments in which the new anti-Semitism operates is especially effective. It's an excellent book for those who don't know much about the issue -- especially young people -- who may not even realize the urgent dangers that Foxman describes and who might become energized and engaged by the specific ideas and approaches he outlines for fighting back.

A Prescient View of the New Anti-Semitism

Foxman sheds light on the conservative christian right in America and its suipport of Israel. He declares that Israel should not shun this support. The Christian right supports Israel because it is the only democracy in the middle east and it safeguards the holy land for Christians who wish to travel there.Foxman goes furthur in documenting the rise of Islamic hatred and propoganda against Israel and the Jewish faith. He shows how the massive immigration of Muslims to Europe has helped foster an anti-semetic attitude in France and Germany. This is a wonderful book, a very prescient work that mirrors those of the 1930s who warned of impending doom. Foxman knows what he is talking about because every year his organziation compiles a report of all anti-semetic attacks worldwide. A must read to understand the new anti-semitism and also understand how 'hatred of Israel' is the same as being anti-semetic. Israel and the Jewish people cannot be seperated and Foxman explains this in a concise and understandable manner.