What Do We Mean When We Talk about Antisemitism?

Routinely described as an “ancient hatred”, the term ‘antisemitism’ was coined in late-19th-century Europe when assimilating Jews were deemed a threat to ethno-nationalism. Renowned 20th-century historian Mark Mazower argues that in the aftermath of October 7, “no-one wanted to be called an antisemite, and yet if you believed the pundits, antisemites were everywhere, and it sounded like Manhattan was Berlin on the eve of Kristallnacht”.

He explains why the term antisemitism has become a weapon. A conversation with Jonathan Freedland moderated by Radio National’s presenter of God Forbid, James Carleton.