Eva Illouz

For years, Eva Illouz saw herself on the side of the progressive left and believed she knew her political camp well – until October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. “A good part of the progressive, post-colonial, woke left welcomed, dismissed or in a few cases even celebrated the massacre of 1,200 Israelis,” says Illouz. While for years she defended thinkers critical of Israel who were fiercely attacked and labeled anti-Semites, the sociologist is now accused of being a Zionist because she calls for compassion for the victims of Hamas.

In the current debate about Israel, Zionism and anti-Semitism, Illouz dares to take stock of the progressive left. By analyzing the history of great intellectuals – from Karl Marx to Michel Foucault and Judith Butler – she demonstrates that the rejection of Israel is a matter of course: The rejection of Israel has become a core element of the global left.

Prof. Dr. Eva Illouz researches and teaches at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on emotions, capitalism, culture, communication and cultural aspects of their intersections. She was awarded the EMET Prize for Sociology in 2018.

Language: English