What’s new in the new antisemitism?
In many ways the “new antisemitism” rests on older varieties of antisemitism. It uses language and images derived from more traditional forms of antisemitism – religious, political and racial. In Europe the violence against Jews, is not new, in and if itself. The targets have been the same throughout much of the post Second World War period. They include Jewish cemeteries, synagogues, schools and individuals who are readily identifiable as Jews because of their dress. There are two salient new features of the “new antisemitism.” The first is the strange mix of people and organizations that are involved. Elements from the far right – xenophobes, neo-Nazis, and Holocaust deniers; elements from the far left – advocates of anti-Americanism, anti-globalization and anti-colonialism; elements from the radical pro-Palestinian camp; and adherents to radical Islam, all share the common bond of Jew hatred.The second salient feature is the nexus between antisemitism and radical Islam. The twin set
