The book “Histoire politique de l’antisémitisme en France, de 1967 à nos jours” explores the place of antisemitism in French politics. The authors Alexandre Bande, Pierre-Jérôme Biscarat, and journalist Rudy Reichstadt gathered a group of researchers to delve into this complex issue. They examine the history of antisemitism in various political parties in France, from the Rassemblement national to the Greens, the right, the left, and the far left. One of the key questions the book addresses is whether anti-Zionism is a new form of antisemitism, with historian Alexandre Bande believing that it is.
The book also discusses the origins of anti-Zionism, which emerged around the turn of the 20th century with the founding of Israel in 1948. The pivotal moment came in 1967 during the Six-Day War, when Israel established military dominance over its Arab neighbors and the occupation of the West Bank began. This period marked a shift from criticizing colonialism to demonizing Israel and Jews. The Soviet Union portrayed Israel as a new Third Reich and a tool of imperialism, a narrative that resonated in Arab countries and areas affected by colonization. In France, the far right began to intertwine Holocaust denial with anti-Zionism, with figures like Robert Faurisson linking Israel and international Zionism to the Holocaust.
The demonization of Israel gained momentum, fueled by discourse from the extreme right, extreme left, and political Islam, with Israel now seen as a symbol of Western dominance. French Jews found themselves caught in this narrative, being viewed as unwavering supporters of Israel. The book analyses how anti-Zionism evolved from a critique of Israeli policy to a denial of the state’s right to exist, leading to the scapegoating of Jews for Israel’s actions. The book highlights the complexities of differentiating between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and expressions of antisemitism.
The authors also address contemporary issues surrounding antisemitism, particularly in light of the killings in Israel and the siege of Gaza in 2023. While legitimate debate about Israeli policies is important, it crosses into antisemitism when it breeds hatred towards Jewish people. The term “antizionism” can have various meanings depending on who is using it, ranging from valid criticism of Israeli actions to denying the legitimacy of the state of Israel. This complexity underscores the need for nuanced discussions and a deeper understanding of the history and politics that shape antisemitism in France and beyond.
Overall, “Histoire politique de l’antisémitisme en France, de 1967 à nos jours” provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex relationship between antisemitism and politics in France. By exploring the origins of anti-Zionism, the demonization of Israel, and the blurred lines between criticism of Israeli policies and antisemitism, the book sheds light on the challenges of addressing this issue in contemporary society. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the historical context and the evolving dynamics of antisemitism in a political context.
