I have decided to submit my application for the 2024 Bernard Lewis Prize, which will be awarded to scholars or practitioners engaged in the study of antisemitism—a subject of great importance to our founding chairman, Prof. Bernard Lewis.
Here is a short overview of my submission for the Bernard Lewis Prize.
Antisemitism is a dark thread woven into the fabric of history, affecting societies across the globe. But what fuels its persistence in the Islamic Middle East? Is it an import from European bigotry, or does it have deeper roots within Islamic tradition itself? Join me on a journey to uncover the origins and enduring nature of antisemitism in this region, challenging preconceived notions and shedding light on a complex and often misunderstood issue.
Historical Context and Islamic Texts
Islamic texts, such as the Quran and Hadith, offer a mixed portrayal of Jews, ranging from respected "People of the Book" to staunch adversaries. These texts reflect theological prejudices and historical conflicts between Muhammad and Jewish tribes. By delving into key Quranic passages and Hadiths, we uncover their historical context and theological implications, illustrating how these narratives have shaped Muslim attitudes towards Jews over centuries. Mark Durie’s research, for example, reveals how early Islamic portrayals of Jews evolved from positive to antagonistic following resistance and betrayal by Jewish tribes. Verses like Quran 2:65, 5:60, and 7:166, describing Jews’ transformation into apes and pigs as divine punishment, have left a lasting imprint on Islamic tradition (Durie, 2013).
Jewish Life in Islamic Societies
Contrary to the often hostile environment Jews faced in Christian Europe, Jewish communities in Islamic societies experienced a more nuanced existence. While generally more peaceful, this tolerance was conditional. Jews lived as dhimmis, or protected non-Muslims, subject to the jizya tax and various social restrictions. This study compares Jewish experiences under Islamic rule with their treatment in Christian Europe, highlighting both the relative tolerance they enjoyed and the limitations imposed by their dhimmi status.
Bernard Lewis’s Contributions
Historian Bernard Lewis offers a crucial perspective, arguing that traditional Islamic societies, while granting Jews certain protections and rights, still relegated them to second-class citizenship under the dhimmi system. Lewis contends that modern Middle Eastern antisemitism has been significantly influenced by European colonialism and antisemitic ideologies. Myths and stereotypes, such as the blood libel and "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion," originated in Europe but spread to the Arab world in the 19th and 20th centuries. European colonial powers exacerbated existing prejudices, using them to further their political agendas and inflaming antisemitic sentiments (Lewis, 1986).
European Influence and Modern Antisemitism
The influence of European colonialism and imported antisemitic ideologies on modern Middle Eastern antisemitism cannot be overstated. During the 19th and 20th centuries, European powers embedded antisemitic ideas in the region's discourse. Notable examples include the notorious forgery "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" and blood libel myths, which accused Jews of using Christian blood for ritual purposes. These pernicious ideas, combined with local prejudices, forged a more virulent form of antisemitism. European colonial administrations further fueled tensions by pitting ethnic and religious groups against each other, creating fertile ground for antisemitism to thrive (Cesari, 2013; Bunzl, 2007).
Contemporary Political Conflicts
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict plays a pivotal role in modern Islamic antisemitism. Today's antisemitic rhetoric often intertwines traditional religious themes with political grievances, repurposing historical narratives to exacerbate tensions. The conflict has intensified antisemitic sentiments, with anti-Israel propaganda invoking classical antisemitic tropes to portray Jews as inherently evil and conspiratorial. This blend of ancient prejudices and modern political strife perpetuates a vicious cycle of hostility and mistrust (Schoenfeld, 2004; Krämer, 2006).
Conclusion
Understanding the roots of antisemitism in the Islamic Middle East requires a deep dive into both Islamic texts and European influences. This research challenges the simplistic view that Middle Eastern antisemitism is solely a European import, uncovering the complex interplay of historical, theological, and political factors. By shining a light on these dark corners of history, we can foster better interfaith understanding and work towards a future where prejudices are dismantled and peaceful coexistence is possible. Let’s use this knowledge to build bridges, not walls, and create a world where all communities can thrive harmoniously.
References
Bat Ye'or. (1985). The Dhimmi: Jews and Christians Under Islam. Fairleigh Dickinson University Press.
Bunzl, M. (2007). Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia: Hatreds Old and New in Europe. Prickly Paradigm Press.
Cesari, J. (2013). Why the West Fears Islam: An Exploration of Muslims in Liberal Democracies. Palgrave Macmillan.
Cohen, M. R. (1994). Under Crescent and Cross: The Jews in the Middle Ages. Princeton University Press.
Durie, M. (2013). The Third Choice: Islam, Dhimmitude, and Freedom. Deror Books.
Durie, M. (2022). "Islamic Antisemitism Drives the Arab-Israeli Conflict." Middle East Quarterly, Summer 2022.
Krämer, G. (2006). A History of Palestine: From the Ottoman Conquest to the Founding of the State of Israel. Princeton University Press.
Lewis, B. (1984). The Jews of Islam. Princeton University Press.
Lewis, B. (1986). Semites and Anti-Semites: An Inquiry into Conflict and Prejudice. W.W. Norton.
Schoenfeld, G. (2004). The Return of Anti-Semitism. Encounter Books.
Stillman, N. A. (1979). The Jews of Arab Lands: A History and Source Book. Jewish Publication Society.
Wistrich, R. S. (1991). Antisemitism: The Longest Hatred. Pantheon Books.