Politics

At regular intervals, Rudy Reichstadt, the director of the Internet website Conspiracy Watch, will write for K. a column on anti-Jewish conspiracy theories in Europe. First of all, let’s take a look at the frequency with which anti-Semitic motifs appear in contemporary conspiracy culture.

Through Moses Mendelssohn, the greatest figure of the Haskala, the Jews ceased to be intruders and became distinguished guests. Today, as Europe seeks to reconnect with the Enlightenment, Mendelssohn may well become our contemporary again. He will return, however, in a different guise than the one he wore in the era of emancipation…