THE RISE OF ANTI-SEMITISM

That we should be still discussing the prevalence of anti-Semitism, less than 75 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, is shameful. When Jews and Gentiles alike vowed «Never Again» there was, perhaps, some consciousness that "Never" is a long time. Humanity repeats its mistakes. But no one could have imagined that time would be running out on that promise quite so quickly. That, though, is where we are. Parties with an overt anti-Semitic agenda are once again prospering in many European countries. Jews in England talk of leaving if there is a Labour Government, so ingrained is Jew hating in its thinking. Is there any avoiding the terrible conclusion that anti-Semitism fulfils too many functions in the popular imagination – and indeed in the ideologies of political parties on the extreme right and left – ever to disappear? Starting from these pressing questions, award-winning British author Howard Jacobson and Hay Festival's director Peter Florence will discuss the present situation.
L'incontro si terrà in inglese senza interpretazione.