Why Explain Antisemitism?

By Shmuel Erlich

Undertaking the deconstruction of a phenomenon as vast and age-old as antisemitism in the short time span of a panel may properly count as a sequel to the “Mission Impossible” series. But the significance and value of discussing this topic at this time and in this psychoanalytic forum is incalculable.

By Rosine Jozef Perelberg

This paper aims to explore whether psychoanalysis has a contribution to offer to an understanding of the current explosion of antisemitism, which has an extremely long history and is still at play in the present. Throughout the ages, historians and specialists on antisemitism have been puzzled by the latter’s persistence. How possible is it to be reflective if we are still in the moment of the trauma with an increase of antisemitism across the world, with no possibility of a passage of time that would enable an après-coup to take place? Traumatised societies regress and employ splitting and projection: all nuance is lost. Issues and people become reduced to good or bad, friend or foe.

As part of the series in summer semester 2024 “das ganze Grauen – Psychoanalytische Aufklärung nach dem 7. Oktober” of the student initiative krIPU at the International Psychoanalytic University Berlin, Rosine Jozef Perelberg gave a lecture on “The Banalization of Antisemitism”.

Antisemitism is one of the oldest and most persistent forms of collective hatred. It mutates across time and place, taking on new language and symbols — yet remaining rooted in enduring projections of fear, envy, and blame.

Centro Cultural de Belem

Deconstructing Antisemitism:
Some Theoretical Anchors in Chaotic Times

Speakers: Mariano Horenstein, Rosine Perelberg and Shmuel Erlich. Chair: Harvey Schwartz
Thursday 31/7  14.20 to 15.50
Room Fernando Pessoa