Jean-Paul Sartre’s 1944 Analysis Explains Persistent Roots of Antisemitism

Jean-Paul Sartre, one of the most influential thinkers and creators of the 20th century, articulated a profound understanding of antisemitism during the final years of World War II. In 1944, he wrote that antisemitism is not merely a set of opinions but a deeply emotional choice, rooted in irrational hatred rather than factual analysis. Sartre emphasized that antisemitism can exist in otherwise respectable individuals and is a free, conscious decision rather than a consequence of external influences.

Sartre illustrated this with examples, such as a colleague who resented a Jewish student’s academic success, revealing how antisemitism provides a false sense of certainty by blaming Jews for personal or societal problems. He also noted that antisemites often grudgingly acknowledge Jewish intelligence and diligence but dismiss these qualities to maintain their prejudice.

These insights were published in a book in 1946, shortly after the Nazi defeat, a time when many hoped antisemitism would vanish. Sartre and contemporaries like Simone de Beauvoir, despite their own ideological flaws, clearly recognized the enduring nature of antisemitism. The article’s author, Meir Uziel, is preparing a literary event in Tel Aviv featuring works by Sartre and de Beauvoir, including reflections on their 1967 visit to Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Uziel stresses that Sartre’s analysis remains relevant today, urging readers to understand antisemitism’s true nature to effectively combat or defend against it. This historical perspective highlights the persistent challenges in addressing antisemitism and the importance of confronting its emotional and irrational foundations.