In this week's Lowdown podcast, Nick Cohen talks to the journalist Jo-Ann Mort about Israel, Jews, and anti-Semitism in left-wing politics. Jo-Ann Mort,who is also former founder of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), discussed how the DSA has shifted dramatically from its original anti-communist, anti-totalitarian stance to a position that is increasingly critical of Israel and supportive of BDS movements. Jo-Ann and Nick discuss how Israel has become a wedge issue in American politics, with left-wing candidates opposing pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC, while also addressing concerns about rising anti-Semitism in the left-wing movement. Jo-Ann criticises performative activism around Israel, arguing that targeted sanctions and engagement with Palestinian leaders like Marwan Barghouthi would be more effective than symbolic gestures like BDS. She also discusses the upcoming Israeli elections and potential leadership changes that could impact the peace process, as well as concerns about anti-Semitism affecting Jewish communities in both America and Britain.
Jo-Ann Mort is a journalist, poet, analyst, advisor-specialty Israel/Palestine and social Democracy, A PRECISE CHAOS, poetry 4thcoming from @Arrowsmithpress
Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 regular Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond is another must-read.