Jewish Perceptions of Anti-Semitism:

Basing his disturbing conclusions on mail surveys and telephone interviews with Jewish leaders and other like-notables, Tobin declares that anti-Semitism is still widespread in American society and is rising among certain groups, notably blacks. Most American Jews today are wary and watchful, he notes. Nearly all of the interviewees report that they have experienced some form of anti-Semitism in their lifetime. Tobin, who directs Brandeis University's Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, disagrees sharply with commentators like Charles Silberman (A Certain People) who claim that anti-Semitic sentiment is no longer a significant factor in the country. He offers flagrant examples of anti-Jewish rhetoric culled from mainstream newspapers and political forums. His calm, dispassionate analysis will shake many readers out of complacency. Separate chapters deal with the efforts of Jewish organizations to combat prejudice and the resurgence of hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan and Posse Comitatus. (May)