The Threshold of Dissent
A History of American Jewish Critics of Zionism
by Marjorie N. Feld
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Pub Date May 07 2024 | Archive Date May 28 2024
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Description
Explores the long history of anti-Zionist and non-Zionist American Jews
Throughout the twentieth century, American Jewish communal leaders projected a unified position of unconditional support for Israel, cementing it as a cornerstone of American Jewish identity. This unwavering position served to marginalize and label dissenters as antisemitic, systematically limiting the threshold of acceptable criticism. In pursuit of this forced consensus, these leaders entered Cold War alliances, distanced themselves from progressive civil rights and anti-colonial movements, and turned a blind eye to human rights abuses in Israel. In The Threshold of Dissent, Marjorie N. Feld instead shows that today’s vociferous arguments among American Jews over Israel and Zionism are but the newest chapter in a fraught history that stretches from the nineteenth century.
Drawing on rich archival research and examining wide-ranging intellectual currents—from the Reform movement and the Yiddish left to anti-colonialism and Jewish feminism—Feld explores American Jewish critics of Zionism and Israel from the 1880s to the 1980s. The book argues that the tireless policing of contrary perspectives led each generation of dissenters to believe that it was the first to question unqualified support for Israel. The Threshold of Dissent positions contemporary critics within a century-long debate about the priorities of the American Jewish community, one which holds profound implications for inclusion in American Jewish communal life and for American Jews’ participation in coalitions working for justice.
At a time when American Jewish support for Israel has been diminishing, The Threshold of Dissent uncovers a deeper—and deeply contested—history of intracommunal debate over Zionism among American Jews.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781479829316 |
| PRICE | $30.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 288 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Saskia M, Reviewer
"The Threshold of Dissent" by Marjorie Feld is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex history of anti-Zionist and non-Zionist American Jews. Feld skillfully traces the roots of dissent from the 19th to the 20th century, revealing a nuanced narrative that challenges the prevailing notion of unwavering support for Israel within the American Jewish community. With rich archival research, Feld examines intellectual currents, from the Yiddish left to Jewish feminism, providing a comprehensive understanding of dissenters' struggles and the broader implications for American Jewish communal life. In a time of shifting perspectives on Israel, this book offers a vital perspective on the deep-seated debates shaping the American Jewish community.
Emma M, Reviewer
This was such an interesting read and with the genocide going on against the Palestinian people, I wanted to learn more. There is so much history and politics built up in this conflict, it is helpful to understand all sides, but I can unequivocally say what is happening to the Palestinian people is horrific.
Vicky S, Reviewer
An informative, if somewhat dry record of Jewish dissent from Zionism before and since the creation of the state of Israel. An eye opener as to the reasons that it is so hard for everyone to think critically about this subject.
Matthew V, Reviewer
Something I've tried hard to impart upon my students throughout my years of teaching is the value of not allowing yourself to limit your understanding of any given situation, no matter your personal opinions or biases.
This rather short book book feeds into that ever-present throughline of my lessons by putting the limelight on Jewish movements (especially in the Western context) which did not toe what we might typically think of as being the "Jewish Party Line" - i.e. being Pro-Israel or a Zionist -, and often ended up being erased or disavowed by "mainstream" Judaism. Examples of these include Jewish Feminism, Socialist Judaism, anti-colonial movements and more, putting a crack in the facade of the cultural monolith that Western Jew are not.
I wish the book could go into further detail on the different movements it covers, but I understand that this is meant as more of an overview, and can easily be used as a starting point for your own reading and curiosity. I cannot say that it has changed anything about my opinions, as much of what the book expresses already aligns with my own predispositions, but learning about the many "Voices of Dissent" which I had not heard of before has made me more curious to read further on the subject.
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