Book Review: Jews Don’t Count by David Baddiel

 

David Baddiel’s Jews Don’t Count is a sharp, provocative, and deeply personal exploration of the ways in which antisemitism is often overlooked in progressive spaces. With wit and precision, Baddiel argues that, despite the increasing focus on identity politics and social justice, antisemitism remains an afterthought in mainstream discussions about racism and discrimination.

A Timely and Necessary Critique

Baddiel’s central thesis is that antisemitism is not given the same weight as other forms of prejudice. He contends that, in progressive circles, Jews are often perceived as too privileged to be victims and that this perception leads to a blind spot when it comes to confronting anti-Jewish sentiment. He points to inconsistencies in public discourse—where racism against Black and Asian communities is rightfully condemned, but antisemitic tropes and attitudes are often ignored, excused, or downplayed.

Drawing from both historical examples and contemporary culture, Baddiel examines instances where Jews have been excluded from conversations about oppression. He critiques the left-wing tendency to see Jews primarily through the lens of whiteness and economic privilege, which, he argues, fails to acknowledge the real and ongoing threats Jews face, from hate crimes to conspiracy theories.

Engaging, Witty, and Accessible

What sets Jews Don’t Count apart from traditional academic works on antisemitism is Baddiel’s informal, conversational style. His background as a comedian is evident—his arguments are laced with humor, sarcasm, and a sharp eye for hypocrisy. This makes the book accessible to a broad audience, from those well-versed in discussions of identity politics to those just beginning to engage with these ideas.

While his tone is often lighthearted, the subject matter is serious. Baddiel’s frustration is palpable, particularly when he discusses his own experiences with antisemitism and the wider reluctance to recognize it as a pressing issue. His observations about the entertainment industry, politics, and social media culture highlight the contradictions in how different forms of discrimination are treated.

A Few Limitations

While Jews Don’t Count is compelling and persuasive, some readers may find its approach a bit narrow. The book is very much focused on the left’s treatment of antisemitism, rather than addressing issues across the political spectrum. While this focus is intentional—Baddiel argues that antisemitism from the far right is widely acknowledged and condemned—some may feel that a more comprehensive examination of antisemitism in all its forms would have strengthened his case.

Additionally, while Baddiel makes a strong argument about the exclusion of Jews from progressive narratives, he does not always explore the complexities of Jewish identity in depth. The book largely presents a British and Western perspective, which may not fully capture the global nuances of Jewish experiences.

Final Verdict

Jews Don’t Count is a thought-provoking and necessary book that challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about racism, privilege, and inclusion. It is a compelling call to action for those who claim to stand against discrimination to take antisemitism as seriously as other forms of prejudice. Whether one agrees with all of Baddiel’s arguments or not, the book sparks important conversations that are long overdue.