A Convenient Hatred: The History of Antisemitism
A Convenient Hatred: The History of Antisemitism (432 pp) is an accessible history of antisemitism. This book masterfully communicates the magnitude of this hatred over the centuries and reveals why so many people in so many places have found antisemitism a most “convenient hatred.”
The book chronicles the evolution of antisemitism through powerful stories that allow readers to see themselves in the tarnished mirror of history. It also provides insights into universal aspects of human behavior, particularly the power of ideas—even mistaken ideas—to shape thought, judgment, and ultimately behavior. The first chapter opens in Egypt more than 2,500 years ago and explores the antisemitic stereotypes and myths that arose there under Persian, and later, Roman rule. The book closes with an important chapter on antisemitism today. That chapter considers the newest justifications for antisemitism—including Holocaust denial and the use of traditional antisemitic libels to demonize both the state of Israel and Jews in general. In addition, the chapter confronts the challenges of learning from this uncomfortable history.
Other highlights include:
- The events that eventually led to the separation of Christianity from Judaism.
- The impact of early Islam on attitudes toward Jews in the Middle East and beyond.
- The consequences of the Crusades for Jews in Europe and the Middle East.
- The effects of the Protestant Reformation and Catholic responses to the Reformation on antisemitism.
- The results of the Enlightenment on both the growth of political rights for Jews and other minorities in Europe and on new justifications for antisemitism and racism.
- The impact of the Industrial Revolution and other modernizing forces on the treatment of Jews.
- The prevalence of antisemitic conspiracy theories during and immediately following World War I.
- The Holocaust and the role antisemitism played not only in shaping Nazi policies but also in the way the world responded to the genocide.
- The ways antisemitism became a convenient “tool” in the Cold War and the Arab-Israeli conflict.
A Convenient Hatred: The History of Antisemitism is an authoritative new resource that will help readers of all backgrounds explore the roots of this ancient hatred, better understand the present, and help change the future.
To access our media kit, read reviews and praise, or learn more about the distribution and availability of this book, please visit: http://convenienthatred.facinghistory.org/
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