Double Standards: Rabbi Elton's analysis of antisemitism past and present

In our 2025 Acton Lecture, Rabbi Dr. Benjamin Elton analyses antisemitism's persistence from medieval times to the present day. Drawing on his expertise as both rabbi and historian, Rabbi Elton explores the double standards applied to Jews throughout history and contemporary discourse.

He begins with a personal anecdote about the Tower of London, built partly with funds extorted from medieval Jews, questioning why wrongs against Jews are treated differently from other historical injustices like slavery. Rabbi Elton documents instances of this double standard: how Lutheran churches continue to honour Martin Luther despite his antisemitism; how culture condemns some artists for offensive views while celebrating antisemites like Roald Dahl; and how Indigenous land acknowledgements are accepted while Jewish connections to Israel are questioned.

As he examines antisemitism in Australia, Rabbi Elton argues that these inconsistencies spring from anti-Jewish ideas embedded in Western culture. He offers case studies demonstrating how empathy for Jewish suffering can quickly dissipate, as seen in public responses to the events of October 7, 2023.

Rabbi Elton concludes that addressing antisemitism requires understanding its causes: "The resilience of antisemitism in our society will remain puzzling unless we go to its roots." He calls for the removal of anti-Jewish foundations in Western culture, emphasising that this requires "the deepest, most thoughtful work."

Following the lecture, Rabbi Elton sat down with Peter Kurti for a conversation and Q&A session. The event concluded with remarks from Jillian Segal AO, Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism.

Rabbi Elton is Chief Minister of The Great Synagogue in Sydney and has become an important voice in Australian public conversations about antisemitism and other moral issues.