Have you noticed the large number of internet trolls who are “just discovering” things recently? Or have uncovered secret truths that “you aren’t allowed to talk about?” If you have, you’ve probably seen one of the “just discovered” things that “they aren’t allowed to talk about” is that Communism was actually a secret Jewish cabal led by the likes of Karl Marx (who was Jewish) and Joeseph Stalin (who was not).

Is there any truth to this? To find answers, we interviewed Paul Hanebrink, Professor of History at Rutgers University to discuss his book A Spectre Haunting Europe: The Myth of Judeo-Bolshevism

In this conversation, we explore the historical roots and contemporary implications of the myth that associates Jews with communism, examining how this narrative has evolved and its impact on anti-Semitism, particularly in Eastern Europe.

We discuss on the role of Jewish identity in communism, the use of pogroms as political tools, and parallels to modern anti-Zionism. We delve into the complex themes of anti-Semitism, Jewish identity, and the historical context of Bolshevism and communism. We discuss the use of anti-Semitism in Eastern European political discourse, and the implications of “dual loyalty” acusation for Jewish individuals today.

We wrap up by addressing the challenges of Holocaust education (which Professor Hanebrink happens to teach a course on) and the evolving nature of Holocaust memory, emphasizing the importance of understanding the Jewish experience during these historical events.

Links from the episode:

• Professor Hanebrink’s books:

  • A Spectre Haunting Europe

  • In Defense of Christian Hungary

• In The Midst of Civilized Europe: The Pogroms of 1918-1921 and the Onset of the Holocaust by Jeffrey Veidlinger