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Bret Stephens and Jonathan Greenblatt Address Surging Anti-Semitism in Europe and the US
Bret Stephens, an Opinion columnist for The New York Times, recently engaged in a poignant dialogue with Anti-Defamation League (ADL) CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, highlighting the alarming rise in anti-Semitic incidents globally, particularly in the wake of the Gaza conflict.
During their discussion at Temple Emanu-El’s Streicker Center on December 3, Stephens shared a personal anecdote about his mother, a Holocaust survivor, who expressed her dismay at seeing a Jewish student being harassed by anti-Israel protesters at Harvard University. This incident prompted her to display an Israeli flag on her door, symbolizing her defiance against rising anti-Semitism.
Greenblatt emphasized the urgent need for European leaders to demonstrate courage in confronting radical elements that perpetuate anti-Semitic ideologies. He called for action against radicals in mosques, schools, and political parties, and for addressing the propaganda that radicalizes young people. Greenblatt warned that this form of jihadi Islamism is spreading rapidly and poses a significant threat.
Stephens and Greenblatt both criticized the normalization of anti-Zionism, which they argue is rooted in racism and has been legitimized in many circles. They stressed the importance of recognizing anti-Zionism as a form of anti-Semitism and the need for moral clarity and courage in addressing it. Stephens also highlighted the historical and cultural context of Israel’s connection to its ancestral homeland, contrasting it with false narratives of settler colonialism.
The discussion also touched on the role of American universities, with Stephens expressing concern over the ideological takeover by unthinking and anti-Semitic ideologies. He criticized the lack of nuance and historical context in discussions about Israel, particularly at institutions like Columbia University.
Greenblatt concluded by urging the audience to take action, stating that they are the ones who must ensure that such bigotry does not prevail. He emphasized the importance of holding onto the moral and democratic values that bind American society together).