The Socialism of Fools: Anti-Semitism on the Left by Michael Lerner (1992)

In his book The Socialism of Fools: Anti-Semitism on the Left he described the ways that people in progressive social change movements have sometimes ignored the national liberation struggle of the Jewish people and have sometimes used criticism of Israel as a cover for antiSemitic feelings. Lerner shows that it is possible to make legitimate criticisms of Israel, but that it is possible to make those same criticisms in a way that fosters anti-Semitism—so the same points can be made in helpful or hurtful ways. Lerner insisted that progressive people apply the same compassion and understanding to the Jewish people that they apply to other peoples who are coming from a long history of oppression. The trick, Lerner realizes, is to not allow that history of oppression to be used as an excuse to not take responsibility for the current realities of a Jewish people who are living in relative security and economic wellbeing in many parts of the world.

* Paperback: 148 pages
* Publisher: Institute for Labor & Mental Health (September 1, 1992)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0935933050
* ISBN-13: 978-0935933055

 

© 1984 Steve Cohen, edited and produced by Libby Lawson and Erica Bunnan.
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