Dr Adam Sutcliffe
Philosemitism is often misunderstood as simply antisemitism in sheep's clothing. This lecture will argue that it is, on the contrary, a real and important phenomenon, with deep roots in both secular and Christian attitudes to Jews. The lecture will survey the history of philosemitism, from its emergence in the ancient world and in the early theology of Christianity, through its medieval, early modern and nineteenth-century role in politics, literature and culture, to its major manifestations in recent decades, from evangelical Christian supporters of Israel to the tourism and klezmer scene in Eastern Europe. It will also include a discussion of the complex role of philosemitism in contemporary global politics.
Adam Sutcliffe teaches European and Jewish history at King's College London. He is the author of Judaism and Enlightenment (2003), and the co-editor of Philosemitism in History (Cambridge University Press, 2011).
