The SAPIR Debates: Is Fighting Antisemitism a Losing Battle?

About this episode

The episode discusses the ongoing battle against antisemitism and the differing opinions on how to address it within American Jewry.

The oldest hatred – an honorific given to anti-Jewish prejudice – never tires. If anything, it gathers force. According to many surveys, animus towards Jews is increasing in the United States and worldwide. What should American Jewry do about it? Some believe that we should expend our capital, energy, and creativity to change hearts and minds, especially of those still reachable. That means raising awareness of this scourge through high visibility campaigns, social media engagement, support for Holocaust education, and renewed allyship with other ethnic and religious communities. Others insist that efforts to fight a conspiracy are futile, likely ineffective, and possibly even counterproductive. Decades of teaching “never again” has not stemmed the tide of hate. Rather, our limited resources are better spent by doubling down on creating proud Jews, strengthening Jewish education, and creating a more informed citizenry about Jewish civilization. Moderated by SAPIR Editor-in-Chief Bret Stephens , this SAPIR Debate featured two illustrious voices: Arguing NO: Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt , former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism at the Department of State and…

People in this episode

Host: Bret Stephens

Guests: Deborah Lipstadt, Dara Horn

Topics covered

• antisemitism
• Jewish identity
• education
• social justice
• community engagement

Keywords

• antisemitism
• Jewish education
• community
• Holocaust education
• social media

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: SAPIR, Department of State

Books & works: People Love Dead Jews

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