Bari Weiss

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 show more how to do that. show less

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 show more 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. show less

****

Generally a good introduction to the topic, starting with a discussion on what exactly anti-semitism means in 21st century America, and ending with some ideas on what to do about it. The book will be most relatable for American Jews, but can easily be read by anyone, especially people already concerned about social justice, bigotry, racism, and discrimination.

The highlight for me was identifying the three main loci of anti-semitism (right, left, Islamic extremism), comparing the show more similarities and how they differ.

While not perfect (there are several areas in which she gets a bit sloppy), I added a star to combat the negative reviews that seem to be rating the author and not the actual book. show less

How to Fight Anti-Semitism by Bari Weiss covers rising anti-semitism not just among right-wingers but also about political liberals. I don't think this story gets covered enough, and she does a very good job of explaining the history of antisemitism and how people cover those feelings by insisting they don't dislike Jews, they're are just anti-zionist.