Chuck Schumer Warns About Antisemitism

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is set to publish a new book titled "Antisemitism in America," scheduled for release on February 18, 2024. The book, announced by Grand Central Publishing, will draw from Schumer's personal experiences and religious beliefs, serving as a cautionary tale about the rising tide of antisemitism in the United States. At 73, Schumer, a Democrat from New York, aims to highlight the historical context of antisemitism and its implications for society today. In "Antisemitism in America," Schumer will recount his life journey, beginning in Brooklyn during the 1960s, through his education at Harvard in the 1970s, and into his extensive political career in Washington, D.C. He will also address contemporary issues, including the surge of conspiracy theories targeting Jewish communities and the alarming increase in attacks on synagogues and Jewish students. Schumer emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical roots of antisemitism to prevent its resurgence. Schumer warns that if the nation fails to confront its darker impulses, it risks a return to violence against Jews and a broader rise in societal bigotry. He reflects on the growing concerns among Jewish Americans, who previously felt secure in their place in the U.S. but now fear for their safety. Schumer's statement echoes the sentiment of Irish writer Conor Cruise O’Brien, who noted that "antisemitism is a light sleeper." This book follows Schumer's earlier work, co-authored with Daniel Squadron, titled "Positively American," which was published in 2007.