Marxian critique of the Jewish question and the Debate on antisemitism

Описание: The Center for Arab & Middle Eastern Studies
Brazilian Cultural Center (IGR)
American University of Beirut

Cordially invite you a talk

Marxian critique of the Jewish question and the Debate on antisemitism

With

Arlene Elizabeth Clemesha
Professor of Arab History and Director of the Centre for Palestine Studies
University of São Paulo

Discussant
Sari Hanafi, Director, CAMES, American University of Beirut

October 6, 2025

Abstract: Karl Marx's 1843 essay On the Jewish Question has been the subject of controversy, with accusations ranging from antisemitism to an allegedly non-Marxist character of this early text. Despite his own Jewish origins, Marx's main concern was not to analyze the Jewish religion or history. His essay was a reflection on the issue of political emancipation, the modern state, and civil society. His critique was essentially of the limitations of political emancipation, which, in his view, would never bring about the end of antisemitism. Today, the debates on antisemitism include new and complex dimensions, without having ever been able to overcome those pointed out by Marx in XIXth century Europe. This includes the understanding, by some authors, such as Elias Khoury, that islamophobia has taken on the basic characteristics of former conspiratory antisemitism present in pre-World War II Europe. Such debates will be analysed both in a historical perspective, and grounded in current realities.

Bio: Arlene Elizabeth Clemesha is a Brazilian historian and professor of Contemporary Arab History at the University of São Paulo. She specializes in Palestine, Arab–Jewish relations, Marxism, and memory studies. Clemesha has translated Edward Said into Portuguese and published widely in multiple languages. She also served on the UN International Coordinating Network on Palestine (2005–2015). Currently, she directs the Center for Arab Studies at USP and contributes to debates on Middle Eastern politics and culture.