Best of the Spectator The Edition: Jewish fear, 'the elimination of motherhood' & remembering Jilly Cooper
Oct 9, 2025
Freddy Gray, Editor of the US edition of The Spectator, and Damian Thompson, Associate Editor and host of Holy Smoke, dive into the pressing fears facing the Jewish community amid rising antisemitism. They discuss the implications of recent attacks and the role of universities in fueling extremism. The conversation also touches on bioethical concerns regarding motherhood and the potential for 'motherless' children. Finally, they pay tribute to the literary impact of Jilly Cooper, blending humor and commentary on class dynamics.
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Religious Shifts Shaped Modern Antisemitism
- Damian Thompson links modern anti-Semitism to shifts in British Islam influenced by Gulf-funded Salafism.
- He argues this religious change intensified obsession with Palestine and worsened hostility toward Jews.
Universities' Role In Radicalisation
- Mary Wakefield and Damian claim some universities, funded by Gulf states, radicalise students and normalise anti-Semitic views.
- They say academics encourage rather than moderate extreme positions on campuses like SOAS and King's College.
October 7th's Societal Aftershock
- Freddy Gray observes October 7th triggered a wider societal reaction that normalised anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments.
- He warns criticizing Israel's conduct doesn't excuse praising or celebrating the October 7th attacks.
