We need to talk about antisemitism

In this impassioned debut, Fersko, the senior rabbi at the Village Temple in New York City, examines recent manifestations of antisemitism in American culture, with the intent to provide accessible guidance "to identifying and combating Jew hatred today." Fersko cites recent examples of blatant celebrity hate speech, such as antisemitic talking points promoted by Kanye West and Kyrie Irving, and recounts horrific incidents of antisemitic violence carried out by gunmen who subscribe to "replacement theory" (the spurious belief that Jews and other groups are conspiring to replace white people), including the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue mass shooting in Pittsburgh. Also examined are such controversial incidents as the 2021 decision by the D.C. chapter of the Sunrise Movement, a group fighting climate change, to withdraw from an event because Jewish groups who supported the state of Israel were participating. Some will disagree with Fersko's tendency to conflate anti-Israel political sentiment and antisemitism, and Judaism with Zionism and pro-Israel politics. (In a segment condemning political organizations that have tried to make a pro-Palestinian statement by declining to work with pro-Israel groups, Fersko does identify some evidence of bias; however, when mentioning a Council on American-Islamic Relations official's advice to members not to work with "Zionist synagogues," she writes, "I've never been to a synagogue that is not a Zionist synagogue," unhelpfully conflating Judaism as a religion and Zionism as a political position.) Still, this is a fervent and heartfelt call to combat antisemitism. (Aug.)

Antisemitism remains rooted in the same disturbing tropes and stereotypes that have always characterized it. The idea that Jewish people exert some secret control, are a race, or are bloodthirsty have led to an increased number of their deaths and injuries, and, disturbingly, those cases continue to rise. Rabbi Fersko, the national VP of the Women's Rabbinic Network, is situated both in mainstream Judaism and progressive culture. Her clear-eyed exploration of the phenomena comprising antisemitism across political and cultural spectrums is jarring but necessary, even--or perhaps especially--for people who consider themselves anti-oppressive or who traffic in antisemitic memes or statements. The author provides plenty of evidence to support her argument that openly discussing antisemitism can lead to empowering people to fight against it. The book's tone makes uncomfortable truths plain. Fersko knows that not everyone will agree about everything, but she shows how both Jewish and non-Jewish people can overcome their own internalized antisemitism and work to improve their communities. VERDICT An essential read for anyone interested in any aspect of antiracism or diversity, equity, and inclusion, or who generally wants to understand the current climate for Jewish people.--Margaret Heller

Antisemitism is alive and well and worth talking about. Fersko, senior rabbi at the Village Temple in Manhattan and vice president of the Women's Rabbinic Network, argues that Americans of all backgrounds must discuss antisemitism. The author notes that many people view antisemitism as a problem of the past, an issue that is rare and isolated in 21st-century America. She demonstrates convincingly that this mindset is misinformed and that antisemitism is on the rise. Early on Fersko provides a lengthy explanation of antisemitism as "the longest-held, farthest-reaching conspiracy theory in the world." She explains that antisemitism is a belief in a variety of lies and stereotypes about Jews and Judaism, which manifests in everything from seemingly innocuous remarks to outright physical violence. Fersko points to seven points of dialogue that Jews and non-Jews need to address in order to help battle antisemitism, including race, Christianity, microaggressions, the Holocaust, and Israel. Throughout, she urges readers to educate themselves about the past and to learn to recognize the prejudices about Jews that many Americans inherit unknowingly. Though Fersko addresses such obvious sources of antisemitism as right-wing and racially based extremist groups, she makes it clear throughout the book that the American left is also a major source of antisemitism today. In some cases, this is seen in virulent anti-Israel stances, where left-wing activists portray Jews as racists and oppressors. In other cases, American liberals simply perpetrate tropes and stereotypes about their Jewish friends and neighbors, often through microaggressions, misplaced humor, miseducation about the Holocaust, etc. Though there are certainly points for debate, the text serves as a meaningful starting point for dialogue. If nothing else, she provides the important reminder that the age-old specter of antisemitism is not extinct; in many ways, it's stronger and more dangerous than at any time since the Holocaust. An eye-opening and thought-provoking read. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.