Bernard Lewis on Arab and Islamic Antisemitism
Some of Bernard Lewis writings on Antisemitism
One of the issues Bernard Lewis focused on, especially in his final decades was that of Antisemitism in the Arab and Islamic World. An issue which is especially topical today. Meanwhile we hear cries that Arabs are Semites and so can’t be antisemites; while at the time, claims that most Jews are not really Semites; so again not being Antisemitic. (Go figure!)
“On This Day” in 1986, the April 10, 1986 issue of the New York Review of Books (subscription) included an article by Bernard Lewis “The New Anti-Semitism.”
The New York Review of Books article opened:
This was just one of a number of pronouncements Bernard Lewis had on the subject of Antisemitism. These included, but far from being an all encompassing compilation:
May 1986 - Bernard Lewis in Commentary Magazine - “The Arab World Discovers Anti-Semitism” - “Since 1945, certain Arab countries have been the only places in the world where hard-core, Nazi-style anti-Semitism is publicly and officially endorsed and propagated…”
Bernard Lewis (1986) book “Semites and Anti-Semites - An Inquiry into Conflict and Prejudice”
1984 - “The Jews of Islam” had a few references to Antisemitism
December, 2005- The American Scholar - “ The New Anti-Semitism. First religion, then race, then what?
Summer 1998 Bernard Lewis in Middle East Forum “Muslim Anti-Semitism”
2007 Video (excerpted by Martin Kramer) of Bernard Lewis at Hebrew University defining Antisemitism
It was because of his interest in this topic, that the Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa (ASMEA) which Bernard Lewis co-founded with Fouad Ajami has an annual Bernard Lewis Prize for studies of antisemitism in the Middle East.
I strenuously avoid trying to “channel” what my Father, Bernard Lewis would have thought of certain of today’s situations or events - even if I often might have a pretty-good idea! Because of course, I can never be never certain - and additionally, I don’t think it’s appropriate. His expertise certainly doesn’t translate into my expertise. Furthermore the views held by my father 40 years ago at age 70, might not necessarily be the same views he might had held, 25 years later.
But I have no problem in reposting past writings or videos of my Father. And people can judge or learn lessons for themselves!
Note: It will be seven years next month (May 2018) since Bernard Lewis passed (My eulogy from then.)
I’ve followed you for so many years through your work with AIPAC (I am a long-time member). Never knew you were the son of Bernard Lewis. You made your own way-he must have been proud.
You're very kind Ann, thank you. (And yes I believe he was - and he absolutely did like where I worked and the exact focus and nature of my work!)