The Rise of Antisemitism on the Right: A Deepening Crisis Across the Political Spectrum

By Dr. Tim Orr

In recent years, a disturbing resurgence of antisemitism has been gaining traction within both the political right and left in America. What was once confined to the fringes is now becoming part of mainstream discourse, raising alarm about the potential consequences for American society and democracy. This rise in antisemitic rhetoric is not just a passing trend; it reflects deeper issues within our political and cultural landscape that demand urgent attention and action (Lipstadt, 2019; Rosenfeld, 2021).

Antisemitism is often called the "oldest hatred," a deeply rooted prejudice that has evolved across centuries and continents. From medieval Europe's "blood libel" myths to the horrific atrocities of the Holocaust, antisemitism has repeatedly found fertile ground in times of social unrest and economic anxiety (Nirenberg, 2013). Despite the world's vow of "Never Again" after World War II, the reality is that antisemitism never truly disappeared—it simply adapted, waiting for an opportunity to resurface (Wistrich, 2012).

Far-Right Media and Online Spaces

The rise of the "alt-right" movement brought a new wave of antisemitic content, particularly online. Memes, podcasts, and social media posts from alt-right figures often spread antisemitic messages under the guise of "ironic" humor or edgy commentary (Daniels, 2018). In online right-wing communities, "redpilling" refers to the process of indoctrinating individuals into far-right ideologies, often including antisemitic beliefs. This process frequently involves introducing newcomers to antisemitic conspiracy theories and narratives (Hawley, 2017).

Political Influence

While mainstream conservative politicians typically reject explicit antisemitism, far-right antisemitic ideas have occasionally influenced broader right-wing discourse, particularly in the context of anti-globalist and nationalist rhetoric (Blee, 2018). Some right-wing politicians have faced criticism for using dog-whistle language that subtly invokes antisemitic tropes without overtly endorsing them (Belew, 2018). The 2017 Charlottesville rally, organized by various right-wing extremist groups, prominently featured antisemitic chants such as "Jews will not replace us" (SPLC, 2017). The event highlighted the persistence of antisemitism within the far-right and its potential for inciting violence.

Antisemitism on the Right Today

The current wave of antisemitism on the right is rooted in a long history of xenophobia, nationalism, and conspiracy theories. In the United States, right-wing antisemitism has manifested in various forms over the decades, from the America First movement in the 1930s and 1940s to the influence of far-right groups like the John Birch Society (Lopez, 2014). These movements popularized the idea that Jews were behind global conspiracies to undermine Western civilization, a narrative that continues to echo in today's far-right rhetoric (Levin, 2019).

Today, this old hatred has taken on new forms, amplified by the reach of social media and the normalization of extremist ideas within some conservative circles (Berlet & Lyons, 2018). The Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville in 2017, where white supremacists chanted, "Jews will not replace us," was a stark reminder of how deeply these ideas have penetrated (Southern Poverty Law Center [SPLC], 2017). When political figures fail to condemn such events unequivocally, it sends a dangerous signal that these views are acceptable—or at least tolerated (Cohen, 2018).

Candace Owens, a prominent conservative voice, has come under fire for comments that dangerously echo historical antisemitic tropes. Her remarks linking Jews to pedophilia are not only baseless but also reminiscent of the medieval "blood libel" myths that fueled pogroms and persecution (Marcus, 2019). Such rhetoric is not just offensive; it is perilous, as it normalizes hatred that can lead to real-world violence (Sarna, 2017).

Conspiracy theories are a potent vehicle for spreading antisemitism. The idea that Jews control global finance, media, and governments is a centuries-old trope that has been given new life in the digital age (Lipstadt, 2019). With their ability to rapidly disseminate misinformation, social media platforms have become breeding grounds for these dangerous ideas. The anonymity these platforms provide only exacerbates the problem, allowing hate to flourish without consequence (Daniels, 2018).

The normalization of antisemitism within right-wing discourse has significant political implications. As these ideas gain traction, they can influence domestic and foreign policy, particularly regarding the U.S. relationship with Israel (Rosenfeld, 2021). This shift could also affect the American Jewish community's political alignment and voting behavior, deepening divisions and complicating an already polarized political landscape (Lipstadt, 2019).

Antisemitism on the Left

On the left, antisemitism typically manifests in the context of anti-Zionism and criticism of Israel. While it is entirely legitimate to critique the policies of the Israeli government, left-wing antisemitism occurs when this criticism crosses the line into demonizing all Jews or holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli state (Harrison, 2020).

This form of antisemitism often involves double standards, where Israel is singled out for criticism far beyond that directed at other countries with comparable or worse human rights records. It can also include the denial of Israel’s right to exist, which effectively denies the Jewish people the same right to self-determination afforded to other groups (Kushner, 2017). In extreme cases, this rhetoric can resemble historical antisemitic accusations, such as equating Israeli actions with those of the Nazis, which not only trivializes the Holocaust but also delegitimizes Jewish concerns (Nirenberg, 2013).

Left-wing antisemitism can also be seen in certain progressive spaces where identity politics play a significant role. Here, Jews may be perceived as part of a privileged group, especially in discussions about race and power, leading to the marginalization of Jewish voices or dismissals of antisemitism as a real issue (Bunzl, 2020). This can create an environment where antisemitism is downplayed or justified as part of a broader critique of power structures (Fine, 2018).

The Impact and Responses

Both forms of antisemitism—whether from the right or the left—are dangerous and contribute to a climate of fear and hostility for Jewish communities. Right-wing antisemitism poses immediate physical threats and can fuel acts of violence. In contrast, left-wing antisemitism can lead to the exclusion of Jews from progressive movements and contribute to a toxic environment where antisemitism is minimized or ignored (Wistrich, 2012).

Addressing the rise of antisemitism requires a collective effort across education, media, and political leadership. Education is key to inoculating future generations against the allure of hate, while the media must play a proactive role in challenging and exposing antisemitic rhetoric (Lipstadt, 2019). Political leaders, regardless of party, must unequivocally condemn antisemitism and work to foster a political environment that rejects bigotry in all its forms (Rosenfeld, 2021).

Conclusion

The resurgence of antisemitism on both the right and the left is not just a political issue—it is a moral crisis that strikes at the very core of who we are as a society. This moment calls for clear-eyed recognition and unwavering commitment to combating hate. By educating ourselves, challenging dangerous rhetoric, and standing up for those targeted by bigotry, we can push back against this tide of antisemitism. It's a daunting challenge, but one we must meet head-on—because the stakes couldn't be higher. If we fail to address this growing threat, we risk not only the safety of our Jewish communities but the integrity of our democracy itself. Let this be a call to action for all of us to confront antisemitism wherever it appears and to reaffirm our commitment to a society where hate has no place (Lipstadt, 2019; Rosenfeld, 2021).

References

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