Renowned author and scholar Robert Spencer recently spoke about his latest book, Anti-Semitism: History and Myth, at an event recorded on March 27th by JooTube and C-Span (whom, for living room viewing of this chronicle below, you might share news about for others to record their telecast tomorrow, May 3rd at 9am ET / 6am PT).
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| Robert Spencer addresses new book "Antisemitism:History & Myth"at David Horowitz Freedom Center event |
The book, Mr. Spencer's 29th publication, explores the deep-rooted causes of anti-Semitism and its resurgence, particularly after the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel. Spencer, director of Jihad Watch and a prolific writer on terrorism and Islamic extremism, discussed how anti-Semitic narratives persist due to societal conformity and historical misconceptions. He emphasized that Jewish identity, rooted in religious and cultural distinction, has often made Jewish communities targets of persecution. Highlighting historical Christian anti-Semitism, Spencer noted its contradictions with core Christian theology. He pointed out that modern Christian leaders, including the Pope and Orthodox patriarchs, have repudiated such views.
Mr. Spencer also addressed growing hostility towards pro-Israel voices in academia, citing the cancellation of his scheduled talk at UCLA due to campus opposition. Despite facing threats and criticism, he remains committed to exposing anti-Semitic rhetoric and advocating for historical accuracy. His new book seeks to counter misinformation and provide a factual basis for understanding anti-Semitism’s historical and ideological origins. Spencer’s work continues to challenge mainstream narratives and offer insights into contemporary global conflicts. Spencer further examined the historical and ideological underpinnings of anti-Semitism within Islam, highlighting the Quranic depiction of Jews as enemies of Muslims. He pointed out that Islamic texts and traditions have long fostered hostility toward Jews, refuting claims that anti-Semitism in the Muslim world only emerged due to Nazi influence.
Additionally, Mr. Spencer detailed the role of National Socialism - and International Socialism - in perpetuating anti-Semitism. He noted that both ideologies—despite their differences—framed Jews as an obstacle to their political visions, whether through racial or economic narratives. National Socialism targeted Jews as an "impure race," while Marxist doctrines associated them with capitalism, demanding their assimilation or elimination.
Philo-semitic, Christian scholar of Islamic and Christian bigotry, Robert Spencer, addresses an audience of David Horowitz' Freedom Center in Los Angeles.
Mr. Spencer warned that all four forms of anti-Semitism—Christian, Islamic, National Socialist, and Marxist—are resurging today. He cited the rising influence of anti-Semitic voices across social and political spectrums, including Orthodox Christian circles, Islamist protests, neo-Nazi rhetoric, and leftist movements that conflate Jewish identity with political agendas.
Ultimately, Spencer's book underscores that anti-Semitism is not merely a historical phenomenon but an enduring ideological force that continues to threaten Jewish communities worldwide. He emphasizes the need to confront these narratives head-on and recognize the broader societal dangers they pose.
Robert Spencer: "Antisemitism" in Socialism then and now; (Part 2 of 2)
- 00:00:00 In this section, Robert Spencer argues that contemporary socialism poses a significant threat to national sovereignty, particularly in the United States, as evidenced by policies such as open borders that he believes aim to dilute the nation's cultural identity for the establishment of an authoritarian, globalist regime. He contends that this collectivist ideology inherently promotes anti-Semitism because it seeks to eliminate distinct identities, including Jewish identity, which contradicts socialist principles. Spencer expresses skepticism about the support some Jewish communities have for leftist ideologies, asserting that the drive for equity within these movements ultimately undermines individuality, and he suggests that recent anti-Semitic expressions are part of a larger, organized effort by leftist forces to subvert nations and impose a unified socialist order.
- 00:05:00 Mr. Spencer discusses the relationship between Marxism, socialism, and Islam, suggesting that leftists, in their quest to overthrow nation-states and achieve total control, have recognized the need to utilize religion rather than eliminate it. He argues that, having previously failed to suppress religion during events like the French Revolution and in the Soviet Union, socialists may seek to promote Islam as a means to enforce obedience to authority. Spencer highlights the absolutist nature of Islamic thought, claiming it aligns with totalitarian ideologies, and reflects on the historical absence of secular democracies in the Islamic world, using Turkey's regression to a more Islamic state as an example. He warns that leftists who believe they can co-opt Muslim populations may face dire consequences, as history suggests such alliances are often precarious.
- 00:10:00 A questioner from the audience expresses gratitude for a critical translation of the Quran, suggesting it is an insightful but lengthy read. He discuss the concept of anti-Semitism, referencing Rabbi Raphael Shore and highlighting the idea that anti-Semitism stems from a conflict between barbaric peoples and the moral conscience associated with Judaism. The conversation then shifts to a comparison of civic lessons among the three Abrahamic faiths, where the speaker critiques the Islamic injunction to unconditionally obey rulers, contrasting it with Christian and Jewish teachings that uphold individual conscience and secular governance.
They argue that the absolute obedience promoted in Islam can lead to totalitarianism, while Christianity acknowledges the need for a separation of religious and civic duties, fostering pluralism. Finally, they caution that strictly adhering to customs may threaten the survival of Jewish identity. - 00:15:00 In this section, Robert Spencer discusses the evolution of Islam in relation to Jewish messianic ideas, suggesting that Muhammad serves as a messianic figure within Islam, albeit in a more prominent role than seen in other traditions. He argues that Islamic teachings heavily prioritize Muhammad and that accusations of Islamophobia are often weaponized to silence critics of jihadism and violence committed in the name of Islam. Spencer acknowledges two forms of Islamophobia: one that unjustly targets individuals based on assumptions about their identity, and another that stems from legitimate concerns about violent ideologies within Islam. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between vigilantism against innocents and open conversations regarding the ideological roots of jihad violence.
- 00:20:00 Robert Spencer discusses the distinction between speech and incitement to violence, emphasizing that expressing views about Islamic texts does not equate to promoting violence. He critiques university campuses for conflating unpopular speech with violence, asserting that honest discussions about contentious topics should not be suppressed. Additionally, he addresses the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe, linking it to Muslim migration and historical Christian divisions, while highlighting a lack of pro-Israel voices in Irish Parliament. Spencer concludes by calling for the rejection of socialist internationalism, arguing that measures such as border control are essential to protect Western culture and maintain national unity against what he perceives as attempts to undermine these values through immigration policies.
- 00:25:00 In this section, Robert Spencer emphasizes that people are not merely misled but can be malevolent in their actions, suggesting that they are aware of the implications of their decisions. He argues against the notion that large-scale immigration is solely motivated by the expectation of voting trends, asserting that the political system they come from must be changed for any voting to take place. The segment concludes with expressions of gratitude toward Spencer, signaling the end of the discussion.
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