Antisemitism in Britain: Continuity and the Absence of a Resurgence?

Abstract

This chapter explores the issue of change and continuity in the history of antisemitism. Focusing especially on the pioneer work of James Parkes, it argues against viewing antisemitism as somehow inevitable and natural. It also argues against the idea of a recent resurgence of antisemitism, highlighting both continuity since 1945 and also the limitations of post-war hostility against the Jews. It also argues for an approach that places hostility against Jews alongside other racisms. It suggests that ambivalence and ambiguity in constructing the ‘Jew’ are of greater significance in everyday life than pure hatred. Its case study is Britain and the chronology focuses on the 2000s. This was the decade when the concept of the ‘new antisemitism’ became prominent and this article queries whether this is a helpful idea.