She’s Back! Dara Horn Returns to talk The Big Lie and the Origins of Antizionism
Being Jewish with Jonah PlattShow Notes
What if the most dangerous lies about Jews are the ones we’ve been taught to believe?
Bestselling author Dara Horn returns to Being Jewish for a super-sized episode to discuss her new book The Final Solution to the Jewish Question and why she believes antisemitism is more than prejudice.
Dara describes antisemitism as a power-serving lie built around the idea that Jews are destroying what others value most. Dara explores how propaganda spreads, from the illusory truth effect and information laundering, to harassment campaigns and the manipulation of platforms like Reddit, Wikipedia, and AI platforms.
Dara traces the evolution of modern anti-Zionism through Soviet and Islamist networks and the 2001 Durban Conference, while challenging empathy-only approaches to antisemitism that can erase Jewish difference. She also gives her opinions on Holocaust education, explains the myth of a “golden age” for American Jews, and shares a powerful story about Theodor Herzl’s grandfather. Dara answers the question of what it means to choose Jewish continuity.
MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Propaganda Game - Bad News
The Real Root of Antisemitism: Curiosity vs. Conformity 2:11
Antisemitism as a Lie Used to Gain Power 6:58
What Holocaust Education Gets Wrong 40:51
The Myth of America’s Jewish “Golden Age” & the Power of Jewish Agency 50:49
Zionism, the UN, Data Poisoning & the Battle Over History 1:01:24
More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:
Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish
Learn more about Dara Horn:
Dara Horn on X Dara Horn’s Website Buy Dara’s Books on Amazon
CREDITS: Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Production Intern: Tova Benarroch, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt
Thanks to Birthright, the Presenting Title Sponsor of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 3 https://birthrightisrael.foundation/donate
Want Sapir free of charge? Head to sapirjournal.org/beingjewish
More from Being Jewish with Jonah Platt
In the first episode of our Jewish American Summit series, Jonah sits down with Steve Hilton, Republican candidate for California governor, for a candid conversation about antisemitism, Jewish safety, and the future of the Golden State.
What does it mean to be unapologetically Jewish in an industry that has often encouraged people to hide their identity?
NEW SEGMENT! In the first installment of our new segment “Being Jewish In…” we explore the hostile environment facing Jewish authors, agents and editors in the world of Publishing with acclaimed author and digital publisher Meg Keene, newly appointed editor of the eponymous Meg Keene Books, a new imprint focused on publishing Jewish stories by Jewish authors.
Can a CEO speak out against antisemitism without becoming the story?
On the third anniversary of October 7th, Jonah delivers a powerful and deeply personal open letter to his non-Jewish friends, colleagues, and allies about what it means to stand with the Jewish people. In this special solo episode of Being Jewish, Jonah reflects on the past three years of rising antisemitism, fractured friendships, and the growing isolation of Jewish communities. He addresses the dangerous normalization of anti-Jewish rhetoric, the misunderstanding of Zionism and Jewish identity, and the painful silence of those who have chosen to look away.