The one-year anniversary of October 7 is approaching, and Jewish communities will spend that day in grim remembrance of the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust while grappling with the wave of anti-Jewish hatred that has surged round the world ever since.
Thankyou for this, it’s a terrific analysis, very illuminating. Would the National Theatre put on a play deploying the central stereotypes of anti-black racism? (The question itself is already a cliche, I’m sorry to say.)
Fantastic writing as always David, thank you. As you say, the play should not have returned to our theatres. Have CST engaged with the National Theatre regarding concerns from the community? Whilst I appreciate we are unlikely to see the running of the play halted, at the very least a statement accompanying the play highlighting the tropes and signposting to further education surrounding antisemitism could help. Perhaps in the programme and the beginning of the play.
A quick note about "in the middle ages lending somehow became associates with Jews". From my understanding, during those times three things kind of developed on their own and then intertwined:
a. Lending money was considered "un-Christian", so "good Christians" didn't do it (or were forbidden from it, not sure),
b. Jews were extremely limited in the ways they could participate in the economy and support themselves,
c. At some point, somewhere in Europe, some king allowed the local Jews to lend money and do some business stuff,
Those three combined, developed into this idea that Jews control the money. And alongside the animosity that comes when borrowers are forced to pay their dues, lots of complicated and negative feelings developed as well.
Again, to my understanding from overall reading and a history course or two many years ago, haven't had the chance or energy to look into this since, so can't point to resources. Could be an interesting thing to look into for someone.
I’m a Gentile too who has been exposed to right wing antisemitism. It includes the (mistaken) belief that Jews were responsible for Bolshevism. Jews are scapegoated as greedy businessmen and also as Communists. How can these both be true?
Thankyou for this, it’s a terrific analysis, very illuminating. Would the National Theatre put on a play deploying the central stereotypes of anti-black racism? (The question itself is already a cliche, I’m sorry to say.)
Fantastic writing as always David, thank you. As you say, the play should not have returned to our theatres. Have CST engaged with the National Theatre regarding concerns from the community? Whilst I appreciate we are unlikely to see the running of the play halted, at the very least a statement accompanying the play highlighting the tropes and signposting to further education surrounding antisemitism could help. Perhaps in the programme and the beginning of the play.
I don't think they are remotely interested, there was no engagement at all after I last wrote about it. They just have their heads in the sand.
Splendid article. Very well researched and thoroughly convincing. We have been warned.
Great article. This is absolutely appalling
A quick note about "in the middle ages lending somehow became associates with Jews". From my understanding, during those times three things kind of developed on their own and then intertwined:
a. Lending money was considered "un-Christian", so "good Christians" didn't do it (or were forbidden from it, not sure),
b. Jews were extremely limited in the ways they could participate in the economy and support themselves,
c. At some point, somewhere in Europe, some king allowed the local Jews to lend money and do some business stuff,
Those three combined, developed into this idea that Jews control the money. And alongside the animosity that comes when borrowers are forced to pay their dues, lots of complicated and negative feelings developed as well.
Again, to my understanding from overall reading and a history course or two many years ago, haven't had the chance or energy to look into this since, so can't point to resources. Could be an interesting thing to look into for someone.
Dave Rich explores this in his book Everyday Hate.
Clear and well-argued piece. Excellent. Should get wider circulation.
grow up
I’m a Gentile too who has been exposed to right wing antisemitism. It includes the (mistaken) belief that Jews were responsible for Bolshevism. Jews are scapegoated as greedy businessmen and also as Communists. How can these both be true?