What is Antisemitism?: A Contemporary Introduction

In October 2018, a white supremacist murdered eleven Jewish worshipers and wounded six others at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The gunman's motivation to kill Jews stemmed from his belief that Jews were committing genocide against white Americans. This attack illustrates the complex and interlocking web of anti-Jewish hatred based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, economic issues, and conspiracy theory that is commonly referred to as antisemitism. "What Is Antisemitism?" provides a detailed overview of this complex topic, offering a history of anti-Jewish animosity from antiquity to the present, a discussion of the difficulties of defining antisemitism, and three case studies illustrating the diverse and wide-ranging nature of the phenomenon in the present-day.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In October 2018, a white supremacist perpetrated the deadliest attack on Jews in US history, killing eleven worshipers and injuring six at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The gunman's motivation to target Jews was fueled by his belief in the myth of Jewish genocide against white Americans. While his hatred was rooted in racial stereotypes, the attack occurred in a place of worship, highlighting the intricate and interconnected web of anti-Jewish hatred rooted in various factors such as race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, economic issues, and conspiracy theories.

Antisemitism: What Is It? offers a comprehensive exploration of this complex topic. It traces the history of anti-Jewish animosity from ancient times to the present, discusses the challenges of defining antisemitism, which is widely regarded as one of the most contentious issues in contemporary discussions on the subject, and presents three case studies that illustrate the diverse and wide-ranging nature of antisemitism in the modern world. The book includes examples from the political far right, the political hard left, and radical Islamism. Additionally, it provides suggestions for further reading and adopts a chronological structure, making it an accessible and essential textbook for students.

Understanding antisemitism is crucial in combating this harmful phenomenon and promoting tolerance and inclusivity. By exploring the historical roots, contemporary manifestations, and potential solutions to antisemitism, this book aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of this complex issue and inspire them to become advocates for equality and social justice.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367898939