Jonny Gould’s Jewish State

12: Tuvia Tenenbom, “stand up for your rights or face annhilation”

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Episode notes

Tuvia Tenenbom, theatre director, playwright, author, academic and unapologetic, uncompromising Jew. For six months in 2019, he travelled the length and breadth of Britain, uncovering “a deep psychological Jew hate”.

He warns the Anglo-Jewish community’s in denial - just as they are in Poland, where he also gives examples. His UK experiences make up the fifth book in a series, The Taming of the Jew, which was released towards the end of 2019.

He spoke to many voices in British Jewry and found a refusal to admit to the extent of antisemitism. He says, "I feel like a plumber, clearing out the sewage. I don't want to do antisemitism - but I have to."

Tuvia says that if Jews hide their identity, they face extinction.

He says Israel needs to be cherished, it's the future but losing it would spell the end of Jewish life in the world - but for a few isolated Chasidim.

I met him in the week he visited a pub in Derry, Northern Ireland, creating world headlines as the regulars openly told him, “Hitler hadn’t finished the job”. His frankness is as hilarious as it is disturbing.

Jonny produces these podcasts to support and defend the Jewish diaspora and Israel. You can help support the show and see the rest of the series via the link.

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