Antisemitism : What Everyone Needs to Know®

Antisemitism, or pathological hatred of Jews, is not a new phenomenon. To the contrary, it is often described as the world''s oldest social disease, it has led to atrocities on an unparalleled scale over the centuries. While some believed it was now in remission, at least in the West, once again it is surging and is a frequent topic in the media and political discourse. Why? And, most importantly, what can be done about it? This book attempts to answer these questions in a manner accessible to a wide range of readers.

History teaches that antisemitism is a disease which begins with the Jews but does not end with them. Once antisemitism is unleashed, it knows no bounds and can attack the very fabric of society. This deadly strain of hatred often turns against other minority groups too, not to mention foundational democratic values, beginning with equal rights and equal protection before the law. Therefore, antisemitism should be viewed as a universal human rights issue of importance to all, and not solely as a parochial Jewish or Israeli concern. Antisemitism: What Everyone Needs to Know® explores how, in the 21st century, antisemitism is once again resurgent. In recent years, the FBI reported that well over half of all religiously motivated hate crimes in the United States targeted Jews, even though Jews comprise just over two percent of the population. It is striking how little understood antisemitism, including the term itself, still is. This extends quite widely to political leaders, educational authorities, law enforcement and the judiciary, civic groups, and media outlets. Polls have also shown how knowledge of the Holocaust, which was widely considered to be a firewall against the resurgence of antisemitism, is declining, notwithstanding ongoing attention to the topic in education, museums and memorials, and culture.