Anti-Semitism is the oldest cultural, political and economic prejudice in the Western world, according to Professor Wolfgang Benz, who delivers a lecture on the issue today.

Professor Benz, who is Director of the Centre for Research on Anti-Semitism in Berlin, will speak on “Contemporary Anti-Semitism” in the Linen Hall Library tonight. Professor Benz is Visiting Professor of German History in the Humanities Research Institute at the University of Ulster.

For Benz, Anti-Semitism is the oldest cultural, political and economic prejudice in the Western World. The paradigm may change as religious, racial or political issues dominate in different eras, but the prejudice remains the same, espoused merely by ever changing groups within society.

His talk will explore contemporary anti-Semitism in Western, Central and Eastern Europe and its relationship to both historical prejudice and modern Middle Eastern politics.

Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Director of the Humanities Research Institute, commented:

“Professor Benz’s talk is most timely and a welcome reminder that political opposition must not be allowed to degenerate into racial prejudice. There are many who would criticise Israel, and criticism of Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians is entirely legitimate, indeed necessary, but there can be no justification, under any circumstances, for racial or religious prejudice.”

Professor Benz’s talk on Tuesday at the Linen Hall Library begins at 7pm. He will give a further seminar on German History in Coleraine on Wednesday at 5.30pm.

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young