Explanations of Antisemitism in the British Postcolonial Left

• In Event: Poster Session: Public Opinion & Ideas, Knowledge and Politics
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: The Shaping of Political Ideas

Abstract

This article argues that the current British Left ideology can cause antisemitism through its values. The key purpose of this article is to identify why a modern liberal political ideology such as the British Left is infected with antisemitism. The British Left emphasizes postco- lonialism, human rights, and liberalism. Though these values are important, they can lead to the intensification of antisemitism. Three key explanations of postcolonial antisemitism and anti-Zionism will be presented. First, antisemitism can be circumstantial in the leftist movement. Second, it can be philosophically reasonable. Third, it can even be simply racist. This argument will be examined by a qualitative narrative analysis of British history and culture of antisemitism, leftist antisemitism, and anti-Zionism, accompanied by the explanations and excuses for it.

Author

• Lev Topor, Haifa University