The New Anti-Semitism

The New Anti-Semitism examines the rise of global anti-Jewish sentiment in the 21st century, with a focus on how this prejudice has evolved from its historical forms. Chesler documents incidents and patterns across multiple continents, paying particular attention to expressions of antisemitism in academic, political, and progressive circles. Drawing from her background as a feminist scholar and psychotherapist, Chesler analyzes the intersection of antisemitism with other social movements and ideologies. She investigates how anti-Israel sentiment often serves as a vessel for antisemitic views, and examines the role of media coverage in shaping public perceptions. The book combines personal observations with academic research, presenting case studies and statistical data to support its central arguments. Chesler interviews subjects across the political spectrum and draws from both contemporary and historical sources to trace the development of anti-Jewish hostility. This work challenges readers to confront complex questions about the boundaries between legitimate political criticism and prejudice, while exploring how ancient hatreds adapt to modern contexts. The analysis raises broader questions about collective memory, identity politics, and the persistence of group-based discrimination in an increasingly globalized world.

Readers view this book as a detailed analysis of modern antisemitism, particularly focusing on its manifestation in left-wing and progressive circles. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear documentation of antisemitic incidents and trends - Examination of anti-Israel sentiment in academia - Personal experiences as a feminist confronting antisemitism Critical reviews mention: - Perceived bias against Palestinians and Muslims - Some claims lacking sufficient evidence - Writing style can be repetitive Review Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (54 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (41 ratings) Sample reader comments: "Documents the rise of new antisemitism with concrete examples" - Amazon reviewer "Too focused on defending Israeli policies rather than analyzing antisemitism" - Goodreads reviewer "Important perspective on left-wing antisemitism but sometimes overstates cases" - LibraryThing reviewer Frequently noted as controversial but informative, with readers either strongly agreeing or disagreeing with Chesler's core arguments.

The Case Against Israel's Enemies by Alan Dershowitz A point-by-point examination of modern anti-Israel rhetoric and its connection to antisemitic ideologies.

People Love Dead Jews by Dara Horn An exploration of antisemitism in contemporary culture through analysis of how Jewish history and tragedy are represented.

Jews Don't Count by David Baddiel A study of how progressive circles and modern social justice movements often exclude antisemitism from their consideration of racism.

The Definition of Anti-Semitism by Kenneth L. Marcus An analysis of how antisemitism manifests in academic, legal, and social contexts in the 21st century.

Anti-Judaism: The Western Tradition by David Nirenberg A historical examination of how anti-Jewish thought has shaped Western civilization from ancient Egypt through modern times.

📚 Author Phyllis Chesler was one of the founding mothers of Second Wave Feminism in America and had previously written extensively about women's rights before tackling anti-Semitism in this 2003 work. 🌍 The book was among the first to identify and analyze what Chesler calls "Islamic anti-Semitism" and its alliance with left-wing movements in Western countries. ⚡ Chesler's inspiration for writing the book came partly from her own experience as a young bride in Afghanistan in the 1960s, where she found herself trapped in an arranged marriage and witnessed intense anti-Jewish sentiment firsthand. 📖 The work distinguishes between "old" anti-Semitism (right-wing, fascist) and "new" anti-Semitism (left-wing, often disguised as anti-Zionism), arguing that both forms remain dangerous. 🏆 Despite considerable controversy upon its release, the book was awarded the Jewish Book Council's National Jewish Book Award in the category of Contemporary Jewish Life and Practice.