A Note on Antisemitism

My piece in City Journal

Dear Readers,

Ancient lies about Jews are gaining traction again in Western discourse, and I felt the need to speak up. The article below was published earlier today in the Manhattan Institute's City Journal.

Jews and Christians Must Fight Anti-Semitic Conspiracies | City Journal

This is a complex issue; a lot can be true at the same time.

It's possible to agree strongly with Tucker Carlson about a lot of his political views and biases, as I do — I was a fan of his in the past — but to be turned off by his implications about Jews and Israel that echo blood libels (or by his "proud friendship" with openly anti-Semitic conspiracy monger Candace Owens). It doesn't mean he should be silenced, or deplatformed; and it certainly doesn't mean that criticism of Israel is out of bounds.

It's possible to be concerned about anti-Semitism, while still disagreeing with much that is said by some of the organizations dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism. While the ADL does some good work, many of its proclamations and actions cause more problems for the Jews than they solve [an old friend of mine, an accomplished CEO, recently joked: "Half the time they speak up, it's like, well, I guess we should head to the train station!"].

But this doesn't mean we should be silent.

It's possible to admire Joe Rogan, and even to enjoy some of his "conspiracy theory" approaches to the world, but think he made a mistake nodding along to a lunatic fringe-historian who'd be unlikely to hold his own in a debate, and whose views echo mainstream anti-Semitic nonsense. This doesn't mean Joe Rogan isn't awesome, or an important voice.

My father’s side is Catholic and my mother’s, Jewish. My wife’s family has been here since Jamestown. We are proud Americans. The friendship and alliance between Christians & Jews helped make the USA great; no Islamists, progressives or far-right chicanery will break our bonds.

I do think most American Christians are great friends and allies of the Jews, and am grateful for that. Some of these influencers have been concerning, but the root of today's noise is probably a campaign by state enemies of the USA and Israel, including online bots - as well as the values of other parts of the world outside of our country, spreading on our web platforms.

The bluebonnets are out in Austin, TX; I hope you're enjoying the start of a beautiful spring season.

- Joe

https://www.city-journal.org/article/jews-christians-anti-semitic-conspiracies