Antisemitism and divisions over Israel in diaspora Jewish communities : the exploitation of Jewish difference

Abstract

Divisions over Israel have become an increasingly significant feature of Diaspora Jewish communities in recent years, leading at times to serious conflicts and difficulties in communal cooperation. These divisions have begun to be recognized outside Jewish communities as well, and in some cases have been appropriated by those accused of antisemitism to provide ‘alibis’ for their words and deeds. All but the most extreme antisemites can find sections of Jewish opinion that they can use to shield themselves. In this talk Keith will give some examples of this emerging phenomenon before offering some thoughts on how Jewish communities can respond to it.