European Muslim Antisemitism Why Young Urban Males Say They Don't Like Jes [Hardcover]

Antisemitism from Muslims has become a serious issue in Western Europe, although not often acknowledged as such. Looking for insights into the views and rationales of young Muslims toward Jews, G?nther Jikeli and his colleagues interviewed 117 ordinary Muslim men in London (chiefly of South Asian background), Paris (chiefly North African), and Berlin (chiefly Turkish). The researchers sought information about stereotypes of Jews, arguments used to support hostility toward Jews, the role played by the Middle East conflict and Islamist ideology in perceptions of Jews, the possible sources of antisemitic views, and, by contrast, what would motivate Muslims to actively oppose antisemitism. They also learned how the men perceive discrimination and exclusion as well as their own national identification. This study is rich in qualitative data that will mark a significant step along the path toward a better understanding of contemporary antisemitism in Europe.

G?nther Jikeli is a research fellow at the Moses Mendelssohn Center for European-Jewish Studies, Potsdam University and at the Groupe Soci?t?s, Religions, La?cit?s at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (GSRL/CNRS), Paris.

Jikeli should be commended for bringing the deep-rooted issues of antiSemitism, and especially the denial, relativism, and unabashed support of the Holocaust, back to serious attention.A valuable work of sociological research in a highly topical area of great relevance. By embracing a de-essentializing perspective, Jikeli helps the reader to understand the phenomenon in its full scope and makes it a useful tool for policy makers, educators, religious scholars, social workers, and sociologists.Jikeli presents the most thorough and systematic study of his topic to date. He writes pellucidly and calmly. The topic aside, his book is a pleasure to read.Jikeli's new book, based on about 120 wide and deep scope interviews with young urban Moslem males, as the author defines them, lS(