Understanding Intellectual Anti-Semitism

Jon Harris and Hussein Abubakar Mansour discuss the historical and intellectual origins of anti-Semitism, focusing on its emergence as a modern ideology in 19th-century Europe. They explore how Enlightenment thinkers like Kant and Hegel framed Judaism as a barrier to universalist ideals, with Kant viewing it as heteronomous and Hegel associating it with societal division. This perspective culminated in Marx’s On the Jewish Question, where he equates Judaism with capitalism, advocating for humanity’s liberation from both.

They analyze how these ideas shaped intellectual anti-Semitism, influencing Marxist critical theory and nationalist movements. Hussein shares his journey from growing up in 1990s Egypt amid rising Islamism, his involvement with the Muslim Brotherhood, and his eventual conversion to Orthodox Coptic Christianity, which led him to study anti-Semitism’s roots.

They connect these historical insights to contemporary issues, noting parallels between 19th-century ideologies and modern left-wing anti-Zionism and right-wing conspiracies. They discuss the oversimplification of blaming Jewish influence for societal issues, emphasizing the need for nuanced analysis and the role of diverse radical groups. Solutions include combating misinformation, building alternative institutions, and returning to transcendent values to counter ideological extremism.

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