During a conversation on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, fellow comedian Sandra Bernhard faced pushback from Maher when she attributed the rise of antisemitism in America solely to conservatives.
Bernhard’s Perspective
Bernhard, a Jewish actress known for her role in Roseanne, expressed her lack of fear amid protests from left-wing, anti-Israel activists, suggesting that not all Jews feel persecuted despite claims to the contrary.
Maher’s Response
Maher, whose mother was Jewish, disagreed with Bernhard’s assessment, asserting that antisemitism exists across the political spectrum. He dismissed her assertion that it predominantly stems from the extreme right, citing examples of antisemitism on the left as well.
Critique of Identity Politics
Maher criticized liberals’ embrace of identity politics, arguing that it perpetuates anti-Jewish sentiment by oversimplifying complex issues and reducing them to racial dynamics.
Israel as a Focal Point
Maher highlighted the left’s tendency to vilify Israel, attributing it to a lack of historical understanding and an oversimplified view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Bernhard’s Critique of Netanyahu
Attempting to shift the focus to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Bernhard criticized his leadership and contribution to global mistrust.
Maher’s Defense of Netanyahu
In contrast, Maher defended Netanyahu, attributing blame to Hamas for the ongoing conflict and suggesting strategic decisions on Netanyahu’s part were not necessarily misguided.
Disagreement Over Netanyahu’s Motives
Bernhard and Maher disagreed on Netanyahu’s motivations, with Bernhard suggesting self-interest and legal concerns, while Maher defended Netanyahu’s actions as serving the interests of Israel.
Maher’s Stance on Left-wing Sentiment
Maher, known for his criticism of the left, has frequently spoken out against what he perceives as a rising tide of anti-Israel sentiment, particularly in the wake of Hamas attacks.
Challenge to Protesters
Maher has challenged protesters aligning with Hamas, questioning their understanding of the Middle East conflict and their support for a group advocating violence against America and Israel.
World News