The New Anti-Semitism: The Current Crisis and What We Must Do about It

by Phyllis Chesler

Book Overview

In this intensely passionate and compelling book, the best-selling feminist and Jewish writer Phyllis Chesler demonstrates how old-fashioned anti-Semitism has become newly fashionable, even politically correct, and how this plague threatens the Jews of the world, America, and Western civilization. A dangerous, worldwide coalition of Islamic terrorists, well-intentioned but profoundly misinformed students, right wing fascists, left-wing ideologues,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 078796851X
• ISBN13: 9780787968519
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 307 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Why all the fuss over such a straightforward book?

First, I must comment on the amazing number of "unhelpful" votes (often well over 100) for any favorable reviews of this book so far. Such votes would have convinced me to find out more about this book had I not already read it. Well, what is the fuss all about? Roughly speaking, antisemitism is hostility towards Jews and towards human rights for Jews. The "new antisemitism" generally refers to implementing such hostility by attacking Israel from the political left (calling it racist, apartheid, colonial, oppressive, expansionist, reactionary, aggressive, tribal, irredentist, impudent, arrogant, and in need of punishment). As Chesler explains, such attacks began in earnest after the 1967 six-day war. Yes, Chesler herself noticed the extent of this trend only in 1980 and is writing about it only now. But that is no crime. Anyway, if the purpose of antizionism is simply to "ethnically cleanse" Israel of its Jews or to deny Israeli Jews basic human rights, it is indeed simply the old antisemitism with a new spin. One unusual comment by Chesler involves criticism of Israel. While most people would call criticism of Zionism or Israel antisemitic only if it explicitly discriminated against, demonized or defamed Jews in general, Chesler also asks if there is anger and malice behind it. Angry refusals to provide even the most limited opposition to attacks on Jewish rights are, in Chesler's opinion, a sign of antisemitism. Chesler exposes many lies of the new antisemitism and has some recommendations. These include her belief that it is fundamental for us as humans to honor our dreams of peace. To that end, she says we must fight Big Lies. In addition, she thinks we must restore campus civility. And she implores us to address the real problems of the world rather than avoid them by demonizing Israel instead.

courageous book

In this book, Phyllis Chesler shows us that what too many call new anti-Zionism or legitimate criticism of Israel is really nothing other than good, old-fashioned anti-Semitism of the worst kind. Jews are murdered, cut up, their murderers dip their hands in their victims? blood and the media says nothing, nothing at all.A writer of Phyllis Chesler?s stature, a woman who virtually created a strand of feminism, writes a book sympathetic to Jews and to Israel and she is shunned by her colleagues; dis-invited to lectures; her books no longer sell. All this because she, a woman who learned her feminism while married to an Afghani in Afghanistan wrote a book on anti-Semitism. Because she broke a taboo.These are chilling examples. But perhaps the most troubling (to me at least) chapter in this brilliant book was entitled ?Modern Anti-Semitism before 9/11?. Most of this chapter is a list really. Part of it for, example reads ?On September 5, 1995, a terrorist broke into Daniel Frei?s house in Ma?aleh Michmash. He was only 28 years old?. On November 13, 2000, two bombs exploded ?. On January 22, 2002? Danny Pearl?.? This chapter is 47 pages long. It covers terrorist attacks against Jews from 1920s till September 2001. These atrocities took place all over the world. And no-one said anything.Why? Because these attacks on Jews were not called pogroms; they were called attacks on Zionists.They were and are the new anti-Semitism. And the world?s reaction is the old silence and consent.

True Bravery

In a world of denial, Phyllis Chesler is my hero for telling the plain truth. Jew hatred is alive. The beast has risen from the grave which we thought contained it. And much to our surprise the prince whose kiss awakened it from its slumber is the Left and well meaning liberals. Ms. Chesler documents the rise of this new Jew hatred (which is in reality old wine in new bottles) in an engrossing account enlivened by the tale of her personal hegira from a "normal" leftist position to that of openness and realism. I could not put this book down, as horrified as I was by the dreadful news it conveys. A must read for Jews and non-Jews.

A wake up call about the rise of anti-Semitism on the Left

Excellent exposition of the rise of anti-Semitism on the Left. Chesler explores how did the Left's position on Israel and Jews has become congruent with that of the viciously anti-Semitic Arab nations. She makes the compelling argument that anti-Semitism, holding Jews to completely different standards than everyone else, has become the last acceptable prejudice.This is important reading for all Jews and for anyone who is concerned about prejudice and hatred.

A frightening look at an old evil come back to life

A lot of people who like the status quo try to explain away anti-Semitism by saying it isn't that serious, or it is just the grumblings of a few disgruntled folks, or it is just people who are anti-Israel and not anti-Jewish...but Chesler (the auther) presents a clear and compelling argument that honest-to-goodness anti-Semitism is back with a vegeance, especially inportions of Europe and the Middle East.She reports on how the line between legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies and outright hatred towards Jews is often crossed by academics and political commentators, even as they protest they are doing no such thing. She also covers very well the history of anti-Semitism and how it is very destructive to civil society.This is a scary but necessary book.