Category: Definitions

Regarding < this interview in the New Yorker>: A response.

As I know from being a reporter (and as opposed to the myth we all had agendas), all I had to do was let someone talk and then print a transcript. They showed their moral bankruptcy or stupidity or cupidity themselves without help. This reporter has done exactly that.

While outside the Irving trial and her bio I don’t know much about her or her path here, but this reveals serious, mealy-mouthed moral bankruptcy. She’s on board with the “both sides are good people” thought school and seems to have been bought off by an American embassy in Jerusalem.

While outside the Irving trial and her bio I don’t know much about her or her path here, but this reveals serious, mealy-mouthed moral bankruptcy. She’s on board with the “both sides are good people” thought school and seems to have been bought off by an American embassy in Jerusalem.

Have to wonder how she rationalizes an administration that celebrates a white Christian nationalist pastor, Joel Webbon. As I said, just print the transcript and they eagerly reveal who they are:

“I do think that there’s some level of not all Jews, but particular Jews in positions of political power in the West, outside of Israel, not their own country, but in our country or in England or this or that, and opening the door to Muslims to come and ravage the nation. …

“So I see Muslims, not as our friends, but doing this, destroying nations. But I see Jews holding open the door.”—Joel Webbon [Right Response Ministries livestream, 21-Apr-25.] “Oh, but that beautiful embassy in Jerusalem!” <ahem>

Back to Lipstadt: Her very weak response to the American GeStaPo snatch-and-grab mass arrests of non-Jews and their “resettlement” in the south makes me wonder: Would she have, voluntarily or not, served on on one of the Judenräten in the German-occupied East?

Sadly, for me at least, she gives her answer in her own words. Makes you wonder what she said off record. She has the serious career and credentials behind her, but ghat’s all the more reason not to falter now.

While her reticence might be down to worry about threats, she HAS way more to fear from the truly antisemitic American right wing, who have for centuries put down any Jew, fellow traveller or not. She now reminds me of the character Aaron Jastrow from “The Winds of War” and “War and Remembrance.”

Antisemitism is wrong. Full stop. The state of Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, & the West Bank, full stop. Fascism & genocide are wrong whether perpetrated by Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Communist, atheist or my Aunt Fanny. Both the above statements are true. No gray.

“If they don’t stand for something, they will fall for anything.” — Gordon A. Eadie, 1945

When you’ve done all you know stand, then stand there, to paraphrase Ephesians, which adds that your stand should be made while wearing the whole armor of your faith—your moral compass.

It’s trite, but never again is now. So as for me and my house, I stand. Wholly and on the record, unafraid.

Antifascism, often abbreviated as “antifa,” is a political movement and ideology that opposes fascist ideologies, groups, and individuals. Antifascists advocate for a broad range of social and political actions to counteract the rise and influence of fascist movements and authoritarianism. Here are key aspects of antifascism:

1. Opposition to Fascism: At its core, antifascism is committed to resisting and combating fascist ideologies and practices. This includes opposition to racism, ultranationalism, authoritarianism, and other tenets of fascism.
2. Activism and Direct Action: Antifascists often engage in direct action, including protests, counter-demonstrations, and other forms of resistance against fascist groups and events. These actions can sometimes include physical confrontation, but they also involve non-violent methods such as organizing community events, spreading information, and advocating for policy changes.
3. Solidarity and Community Defense: Antifascism emphasizes solidarity with marginalized groups who are often targets of fascist and far-right violence, such as ethnic minorities, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. Antifascists work to protect these communities and support their rights.
4. Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination: A significant component of antifascism is fighting against racism, xenophobia, and all forms of discrimination. This includes challenging hate speech, opposing discriminatory policies, and promoting social equality.
5. Grassroots and Decentralized: The antifascist movement is often decentralized, with no single organizational structure or leadership. It consists of a network of local groups and activists who operate independently but share common goals.
6. Historical Roots: Antifascism has historical roots going back to the early 20th century, where it emerged as a response to the rise of fascist regimes in Europe, notably in Italy and Germany. Antifascists were active in resistance movements during World War II and continue to be active in contemporary politics.
7. Contemporary Relevance: Today, antifascism remains relevant as it responds to the resurgence of far-right and nationalist movements around the world. Antifascists often highlight the dangers of these movements and work to prevent them from gaining political power.

Antifascism is not a homogenous movement and includes a wide range of political ideologies, from anarchists and socialists to liberals and other progressives. Despite the diversity within the movement, the unifying principle is the opposition to fascism and authoritarianism in all forms.