The riddle of Jewish radicalism

Authors

• Jaff Schatz Lunds universitet

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30752/nj.69444

Keywords:

Antisemitism, Stereotype (Psychology), Radicalism, Violence, Politics and Judaism, Zionism, Communism and Judaism

Abstract

Rooted in different perspectives – in curiosity, prejudice, pride, fear or shame – the question of Jewish radicalism continues to be highly explosive even in out days. Being the sensitive object of passionate debate or deliberate silence, it continues to produce and reproduce powerful stereotypes and taboos that in themselves deserve a separate investigation. In discussing the subject of Jewish radicalism, or, as some prefer to say, Jewish radicals – it is important to keep in mind that in modern times extreme radicals formed but a tiny minority among Jews as a whole. Theories equating Jews with radicalism have no substance and are either a product of incompetence or prejudice. On the other hand, the disproportionate participation of Jews in leftist parties and movements has historically been highly significant and visible. In other words, although there have been few radicals among Jews, there have been many Jews among radicals.