A Few Observations on Holocaust Denial and Antisemitism

Abstract

I begin with a cautionary remark. My observations should not be construed as a suggestion that Holocaust denial is a clear and present danger. Currently it is a small but persistent phenomenon. It is engaged in by disparate groups and individuals. Far more individuals worldwide engage in the study of the Holocaust than engage in its denial. But the latter does, however, have potentially potent implications for the future. This is particularly so because deniers have become exceptionally adept at the use of the Internet. Moreover, the Internet is particularly well suited for the dissemination of conspiracy theories, Holocaust denial among them.¹ In these preliminary observations to this volume, I would like to explore the inexorable connection between Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism and argue that denial is nothing other than a form of anti-Semitism. In addition, it contrasts traditional Holocaust denial, which I call “hard-core” denial, with a newer variant, which I call “soft-core” denial. Therefore, I offer my observations not as a cry of alarm, but rather as a call for sustained and serious caution.