Animated Quote by Bernard Lazare
“It must be therefore, since the enemies of the Jews belonged to the most diverse races, since they lived in countries very distant from each other, since they were ruled by very different laws, governed by opposite principles, since they had neither the same morals, nor the same customs, since they were animated by unlike dispositions which did not permit them to judge of anything in the same way, it must be therefore that the general cause of anti-Semitism has always resided in Israel itself and not in those who have fought against Israel.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Jews and Their Enemies, 1903
The author argues that anti‑Semitism stems from internal Jewish issues, not external opponents, attributing blame to Israel itself.
In simple terms: Anti‑Semitism is blamed on Jews rather than outsiders.
Examine internal causes before blaming others.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- political discourse
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What internal factors could truly influence prejudice?
- How might external forces also shape anti‑Semitism?
The claim oversimplifies complex social dynamics and ignores external hostility.