From Occupation to Occupy

<p>The recent rise of antisemitism in the United States has been well documented and linked to groups and ideologies associated with the far right. In <i>From Occupation to Occupy</i> Sina Arnold argues that antisemitism can also be found as an invisible prejudice on the left.<br /> <br />Based on participation in left-wing events and demonstrations interviews with activists and analysis of left-wing social movement literature Arnold argues that a pattern for enabling antisemitism exists. Although open antisemitism on the left is very rare there are recurring instances of antisemitic trivialization in which antisemitism is not perceived as a relevant issue in its own right leading to a lack of empathy for Jewish concerns and grievances. Arnold's research also reveals a pervasive defensiveness against accusations of antisemitism in left-wing politics with activists fiercely dismissing the possibility of prejudice against Jews within their movements and invariably shifting discussions to critiques of Israel or other forms of racism. <br /><br /><i>From Occupation to Occupy</i> offers potential remedies for this situation and suggests that a progressive political movement that takes antisemitism seriously can be a powerful force for change in the United States.</p>