Can Antisemitism Have a Sacral Quality? Reflections on Wistrich and Others

Abstract

Abstract:There is an emerging discussion of whether or not antisemitism, especially its Nazi form, can be said to be metaphysical in nature. The supposed metaphysical quality is intended to explain the peculiar intensity of Jew hatred. Robert Wistrich, David Patterson, and others have held that antisemitism is metaphysical; I say that it is not. Instead, I argue that the intensity of Nazi antisemitism arose from its role in Nazism as a political religion and revolutionary movement. The concept of sacrifice is also examined. I conclude that to explain the magnitude and cruelty of the Holocaust, or catastrophes that may be in some respects comparable, it is not helpful to invoke metaphysics—the rise of modern political religions and the individual sociopathy of many of their leaders are more appropriate determining factors.