Bari Weiss

The good:
This book addresses things like anti-Zionism, ways antisemitism manifests, recognizing antisemitism on the political right and left, and the ways in which Jews are simultaneously seen as privileged and marginalized. It tells Jewish readers, among other things, not to be afraid to show their Jewishness, to speak out against antisemitism— even when it is hard or 'disruptive,' and to hold fast to their values.

Author's bias shows:
The book opts for centrism and liberalism, explicitly denouncing progressivism in the process, likening it to Stalinism. The author does not acknowledge the presence of antisemitism in the political 'centre' at all. It treats the left-of-centre as unsalvageably antisemitic, instead of opting to fight to keep antisemitic rhetoric out of it.… (altro)

This book was amazing. I realized how much time I spend trying to pretend I am not hearing antisemitic rhetoric, how I wish with all my might that someone will change the subject rather than speaking out against what is said. Weiss laid it out for me and also made me realize that ar some point I bought into a lot of the narrative. Her reasoning is rigorous and supported and her writing is well-crafted and persuasive. This is a life-changing book for me. I know I must do better, and I know how to do that.… (altro)

A clear, concise summary of disturbing recent events. While a well-read citizen would know nearly everything in the book, those who rely exclusively upon Ms. Weiss's current employer for news of our, um, times, will be well served by this primer.

Weiss correctly distinguishes among the three prevalent strains of the anti-Semitism virus: Right, Left, and Islamist, and correctly observes that while white supremacists are the anti-Semites most likely to shoot up a synagogue, they are responsible for only a small fraction of anti-Semitic acts. American Jews, however, "are eager to be the right kind of victims—meaning victims of the bad people on the right, and not the good people on the left."

Weiss is sure handed establishing how anti-Semitism pollutes our culture, our world of ideas, and ultimately our polity. Her final chapter, on combatting anti-Semitism, is unobjectionable but perhaps a bit thin. Yes, we must be brave and yes we should remain true to our better selves. But hard choices about the kinds of political action we take and the political allegiances we maintain are needed. I look forward to learning more about Weiss's views on those choices.… (altro)