Antisemitism Quote by Phyllis Goldstein
““I first heard of antisemitism only later, when my father told me how Oswald Mosley had fomented riots in the thirties by marching his paramilitary Fascist thugs called “Blackshirts” through Jewish districts in London’s East End. It disgusted him. Mosley’s line was that it was only “big Jews” he hated, not the “little Jews.” The “big Jews” were conspiring to get Britain into war with Germany, whereas the “little Jews” were harmless. But Mosley did nothing to stop his thugs from hurling bricks through the windows of humble houses displaying lighted Sabbath candles.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Oral History on British Fascism, 1978
Antisemitism can be rationalized by targeting perceived powerful groups while ignoring ordinary individuals, revealing dangerous prejudice.
In simple terms: Prejudice targets “big” Jews, ignores “little” ones.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge all forms of hate.
Themes
prejudice
history
politics
antisemitism
social conflict
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
historical
educational
When to use this quote
- education curricula
- community outreach
- historical remembrance
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
fascist propaganda
social scapegoating
moral hypocrisy
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms allow hate to be rationalized?
- How can societies confront selective prejudice?
A Different Perspective
Prejudice often hides behind selective narratives, making it hard to confront.