#348 — The Politics of Antisemitism | Making Sense with Sam Harris

Intro

In this episode of “Making Sense with Sam Harris,” Rabbi David Wolpe joins Sam Harris to discuss the politics of antisemitism. They explore the recent controversy surrounding anti-Semitism and free speech, the impact of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) regime on institutions, and the global response to anti-Semitic incidents. They also delve into the history and logic of anti-Semitism and its various forms in today’s political landscape.

Main Takeaways

Controversy and Impact of DEI Regime

• The resignation of Harvard’s President, Claudine Gay, was not due to racism, but rather to academic misconduct.
• The current DEI regime has led to an explosion of anti-Semitism on college campuses.

Global Response and Future of DEI

• Discussion on the global response to recent anti-Semitic atrocities.
• Exploration of the future of DEI and civil discourse.

Reflections on Rise in Stature and Impact of October 7th

• Rabbi Wolpe reflects on his rise in stature after a public debate with Sam Harris.
• Discussion on the impact of October 7th on the world, Israel, Harvard, and Rabbi Wolpe himself.

Historical Roots and Forms of Anti-Semitism

• Anti-Semitism has evolved over time, from its origins in Christian theology to the racialized form in the 19th century and its consequences during the Holocaust.
• Anti-Semitism is prevalent in both the far left and far right political landscapes, driven by the perception of Jews as “other.”

Double Game and Populist Moment on the Right

• Influential figures on the right engage in a double game, decrying the moral confusion of the far left while overlooking issues on the right.
• There is a populist moment on the right that is infected by, if not frank anti-Semitism, and a disinclination to see the anti-Semitism further to the right.

Need for Vigilance and Impact of Extremism

• There is a need to be vigilant against anti-Semitic provocations that exist among various characters.
• Extremism on both the right and the left poses concerns, with the former leading to violent and openly anti-Semitic behavior.

Summary

Controversy and Impact of DEI Regime

Rabbi David Wolpe and Sam Harris discuss the controversy surrounding anti-Semitism and free speech, particularly in educational institutions. They address the resignation of Harvard’s President, Claudine Gay, clarifying that it was not due to racism but academic misconduct. The conversation highlights the issues with the current DEI regime, which has led to an explosion of anti-Semitism on college campuses.

Global Response and Future of DEI

The discussion delves into the global response to recent anti-Semitic atrocities and the future of DEI and civil discourse. Rabbi Wolpe and Sam Harris explore the historical and logical aspects of anti-Semitism, shedding light on its various forms in today’s political landscape. They analyze the impact of the DEI regime on institutions and the challenges it poses to open dialogue and intellectual freedom.

Reflections on Rise in Stature and Impact of October 7th

Rabbi Wolpe reflects on his rise in stature after a public debate with Sam Harris, acknowledging that people remember the debates rather than the outcome. They discuss the impact of October 7th on the world, Israel, Harvard, and Rabbi Wolpe himself, particularly regarding anti-Semitism. They express surprise at the explosive nature of anti-Semitism in America and the world, especially on college campuses.

Historical Roots and Forms of Anti-Semitism

The conversation delves into the historical roots and various forms of anti-Semitism. They discuss how anti-Semitism has evolved over time, from its origins in Christian theology to the racialized form in the 19th century and its consequences during the Holocaust. Anti-Semitism is prevalent in both the far left and far right political landscapes, driven by the perception of Jews as “other” and historical family quarrels.

Double Game and Populist Moment on the Right

Rabbi Wolpe and Sam Harris explore the double game played by influential figures on the right, decrying the moral confusion of the far left while overlooking issues on the right. They discuss the populist moment on the right, which is infected by, if not frank anti-Semitism, and a disinclination to acknowledge anti-Semitism further to the right. They highlight the potential dangers of this trend and the need for vigilance.

Need for Vigilance and Impact of Extremism

The conversation emphasizes the need to be vigilant against anti-Semitic provocations that exist among various characters, whether by design or inadvertence. They discuss how extremism on both the right and the left poses concerns, with the former often leading to violent and openly anti-Semitic behavior. The recent celebration of the murder of Jews on October 8th is seen as a dangerous trend that intensifies anti-Semitism.

Conclusion

The discussion on the politics of anti-Semitism sheds light on the controversies surrounding free speech, the impact of the DEI regime, and the historical roots and forms of anti-Semitism. It highlights the need for vigilance against anti-Semitic provocations and the dangers of extremism on both the right and the left. The conversation encourages open dialogue and a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding anti-Semitism in today’s society.