“Bad Jews” (replay) & Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt

What happens when one of the world’s leading Holocaust scholars says today’s antisemitism feels frighteningly familiar?In this vital episode Holocaust historian and former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt discusses the dangerous surge and normalization of antisemitism worldwide, citing the incidents in London and the October 8, 2023 Sydney Opera House rally. Lipstadt argues antisemitism now operates as a “horseshoe” uniting extremes at the far right and left. She uses the analogy of an upside-down pyramid&nbsp; to illustrate the threat to Jews, democracy, and international security (including “utilitarian antisemitism” on PRC platforms). She compares today to the 1930s while noting key differences. She critiques university groupthink and campus failures at UCLA and Columbia to protect Jewish students. She describes her envoy work shifting from Abraham Accords, including global guidelines signed by 44 entities and a symposium with major tech platforms.&nbsp;She calls for unequivocal leadership, depoliticized action, education, and everyday speaking up. She emphasizes that there must be Jewish joy alongside fighting hate.Topics include:Lipstadt’s legal battle against Holocaust denier David Irving and the film adaptation starring Rachel Weisz.&nbsp;Lipstadt warns about rising antisemitic violence in London, including incidents in Golders Green and the Finchley Reform Synagogue.&nbsp;The episode examines antisemitic protests outside the Sydney Opera House following October 7, 2023.&nbsp;The discussion references the spread of antisemitic content on social media platforms including Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok, and X.&nbsp;Lipstadt describes international diplomacy surrounding the Abraham Accords and outreach to Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;Lipstadt praises cooperation from officials in Austria, Germany, and France in combating antisemitism.&nbsp;The Paris Peace Forum and comments by former French Prime Minister Manuel Valls following the Charlie Hebdo shooting and the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket siege.&nbsp;Lipstadt discusses online hate campaigns targeting Jewish institutions including the 92nd Street Y and AIPAC.&nbsp;The murder of Mahsa Amini in Iran and global protests over women’s rights.&nbsp;Lipstadt and Platt discuss authors and commentators including Dara Horn, Douglas Murray, Bret Stephens, Candace Owens, and Tucker Carlson.&nbsp;Lipstadt reflects on Jewish education through organizations like BBYO, USY, and institutions including Emory University and Brandeis University.&nbsp;Surprising Global Allies in France and AustriaMentioned in the episode:Deborah LipstadtBrandeis UniversityEmory UniversityThe Tam Institute for Jewish StudiesDenying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and MemoryDenial (2016 film)<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelweisz1/