Phyllis Chesler is an icon in the feminist world and in the Jewish feminist movement. Her credentials as a liberal are impeccable, but she has no patience for her colleagues on the Left who cloak their anti-Semitism in politically correct phraseology and liberal ideals.
The New Anti-Semitism is a rework of a book Chesler wrote over a decade ago. The social and political landscape, especially regarding anti-Semitism, has changed since the work was first published — hence the need for this updated version.
Chessler’s piece is highly personal even though it addresses essential questions concerning Jewish life. The book offers a brief history of anti – Semitism in order to enable the reader to understand the current state of affairs. But this work is neither a treatise nor a history — it is a handbook and a guide.
The author takes to task those who spout anti-Semitism. She calls out the radical racists. She castigates the media. She skewers academics who deride Israel and do not entertain the idea that Israel is defending itself.
And then Phyllis Chesler gives her readers tools with which they, too, can combat anti-Semitism. She provides a list of suggested reading, internet resources, and even films.
This is a book well worth reading and taking to heart.
