Philosemitism

Reviews / Votes

'In their previous general histories of the Jewish communities of Great Britain and Australia, Bill and Hilary Rubinstein have challenged 'neo-orthadox' perceptions that antisemitism has been a key player in the progress of Jews in the English-speaking world. This new study goes a step further, the authors identifying and tracing a sturdy, far-reaching and highly visible tradition of non-Jewish support for Jews and Jewish causes, beginning with public meetings over the Damascus Affair in 1840. Meticulously researched and persuasively analysed, Philosemitism is a major and groundbreaking contribution to both the literature on post-Enlightenment antisemitsm and our knowledge of Jewish-gentile relations in the modern era.' - Malcolm J. Turnbull

Australian Jewish Historical Society

'In their previous general histories of the Jewish communities of Great Britain and Australia, Bill and Hilary Rubinstein have challenged 'neo-orthodox' perceptions that antisemitism has been a key player in the progress of Jews in the English-speaking world. This new study goes a step further, the authors identifying and tracing a sturdy, far-reaching and highly visible tradition of non-Jewish support for Jews and Jewish causes, beginning with public meetings over the Damascus Affair in 1840. Meticulously researched and persuasively analysed, Philosemitism is a major and ground-breaking contribution to both the literature on post-Enlightenment antisemitism and our knowledge of Jewish-gentile relations in the modern era.' - Malcolm J. Turnbull,

Australian Jewish Historical Society

'William and Hillary Rubinstein provide refreshing antidotes to many widespread beliefs about antisemitism. Anyone who believes that Jews in modern times faced universal hatred, or that protests against antisemitism by non-Jews were generally insignificant and ineffective, should read these pages. The book is filled with fascinating details - readable and thought provoking.' - Albert S. Lindemann, Professor of History, University of California

'The new book by the Rubinsteins is to be warmly welcomed by students of Jewish history and Christian-Jewish relations. Its scope is broad, the English-speaking world since the 1840's. While the emphasis here is naturally on Britain, proportionate coverage is given to the USA, and such countries as Australia are included and with the same masterly command of the sources. The Rubinsteins conclude that with the end of Jewish powerlessness and Israel reborn in 1948, antisemitism is declining so fast that the new century will not be far gone before its disappearance will be effected. That seems to good to be true, but the authors make a compelling case in a marvellously suggestive book.' - Frederick M. Schweitzer, Professor of History and Director of the Holocaust Resource Center, Manhattan College, New York, and author of Myths and Hate

'This pioneering study provides an important new perspective on the treatment of Jews in the modern world.' - Rabbi Professor Dan Cohn-Sherbok, University of Wales, Lampeter