Story perspectives

Rabbi Sacks: Antisemitism Signals Societal Collapse and Responsibility

1/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks argued antisemitism serves as a societal diagnostic tool, signaling a failure to take responsibility and blaming Jews.
At a Jerusalem conference, speakers identified three vectors of modern antisemitism: violent Islamist, progressive delegitimization, and far-right ideologies.
Sacks warned that hate against Jews signals broader societal collapse and calls for self-examination.
As antisemitism rises, many Jews in Europe consider emigration, underscoring the urgent need for a societal cure.

History

Historical Context

The Holocaust, which resulted in the murder of six million Jews from 1941 to 1945, underscored the catastrophic consequences of unchecked antisemitism. In the early 21st century, antisemitism has surged in Europe, with a 400% increase in incidents reported since October 2023. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks warns that this resurgence mirrors historical patterns of scapegoating, prompting Jewish communities to consider emigration.

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Story summary

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks argued antisemitism serves as a societal diagnostic tool, signaling a failure to take responsibility and blaming Jews.
At a Jerusalem conference, speakers identified three vectors of modern antisemitism: violent Islamist, progressive delegitimization, and far-right ideologies.
Sacks warned that hate against Jews signals broader societal collapse and calls for self-examination.
As antisemitism rises, many Jews in Europe consider emigration, underscoring the urgent need for a societal cure.

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