Anti-Semitism: Hatred on the Rise: ISBN 978-1-6782-0784-7 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0785-4
Booklist, November 20, 2024
In this comprehensive yet unfortunately timely examination of antisemitism, Blohm opens with a lengthy history, from its early roots to its increase in the twenty-first century, of what’s been called “the oldest hatred.” Subsequent chapters—with straightforward, detailed text that integrates authoritative facts, statistics, and quotes—focus on historical and ongoing violence and intimidation against Jews and what’s currently driving the rise in antisemitic attitudes and behavior. While the author describes the horrific tragedy of the Holocaust as background information, the emphasis is on more recent incidents of antisemitism in the U.S. In the process, Blohm considers such issues as conspiracy theories, social media as a vehicle for spreading misinformation and hatred against Jews, the country’s political climate, and global events such as the October 2023 attack on Israel. A mix of historical and more-current photos capture contributing factors and the aftermath of antisemitism, while sidebars add eye-opening context (e.g., auto magnate Henry Ford’s influence on Adolf Hitler). Concluding this important source for research is a chapter that addresses taking action against antisemitism.
— Angela Leeper
Anti-Semitism: Hatred on the Rise: ISBN 978-1-6782-0784-7 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0785-4
Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 2024
This concise primer on the rise of antisemitism from 63 BCE to the present day principally addresses the impact on the Jewish community in the U.S.
The book begins with a timeline of selected historical events and an introduction that describes the themes to be covered. Blohm addresses an ambitious array of topics, including the history of violence, intimidation, and incendiary acts against Jews, as well as the importance of being educated about and speaking out against antisemitism and protecting the vulnerable. Despite the author's research, space limitations result in some issues being treated too briefly and without sufficient depth. For instance, he links the foundation of prejudice to the incorrect belief that “Jews of all generations bore responsibility for the death of Jesus,” yet the book lacks citations to any of the numerous sources that debunk this myth. Photos, including a graphic image from a Nazi death camp, are interspersed throughout the text, sometimes disrupting the flow: A 1938 picture of Kristallnacht appears between paragraphs about antisemitism in biblical times. Given current events, a survey on the roots, resurgence, and increase of antisemitism is timely and necessary. Despite its flaws and organizational issues, this short, accessible book provides an outline of the history and contemporary situation and could serve as a starting point for research.
An overview of a critical topic that cries out for supplementation with more robust works. (picture credits, source notes, organizations and websites, for further research, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)