Jews Don’t Count

By: David Baddiel

Narrated by: David Baddiel

How identity politics failed one particular identity.

Jews Don’t Count is a book for people who consider themselves on the right side of history. People fighting the good fight against homophobia, disablism, transphobia and, particularly, racism. People, possibly, like you.
It is the comedian and writer David Baddiel’s contention that one type of racism has been left out of this fight. In his unique combination of close reasoning, polemic, personal experience and jokes, Baddiel argues that those who think of themselves as on the right side of history have often ignored the history of anti-Semitism. He outlines why and how, in a time of intensely heightened awareness of minorities, Jews don’t count as a real minority: and why they should.

©2021 David Baddiel (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"A must-read and if you think YOU don’t need to read it, that’s just the clue to know you do." (Sarah Silverman)

"Jews Don’t Count is a supreme piece of reasoning and passionate, yet controlled, argument. From his first sentence, the energy, force and conviction of Baddiel’s writing and thinking will transfix you...as readable as an airport thriller...a masterpiece." (Stephen Fry)

"I don’t think I have ever been so grateful to anyone for writing a book. Baddiel’s Jews Don’t Count is incisive, urgent, surprisingly funny and short. It’s also a beautiful piece of publishing. It needs to be read." (Jay Rayner)

A helpful reframing for me….

Never quite able to pinpoint why I’ve felt differently in the past years over the rise in antisemitism than I have felt before —this book helped me locate it.

After all, I’ve never personally been threatened, so why was I feeling increasingly uneasy? Why as someone in the USA, am I feeling a level unsafeness the likes of which I have not felt in the past five decades preceding? Where is it coming from?

This book, for me, helped frame it. The subtlety of the antisemitism, the ability to miss or dismiss it is so easy. The author has a fresh, biting wit for presenting a frame for what many of us are experiencing, an increasingly acceptable form of racism that is antisemitism. Thank you for such a thoughtful and concise work in this account of what so many of us are feeling.

Informative and eye opening

4 stars - It was really good

Trigger Warnings: Discussions of antisemitism, racism, blackface, Islamophobia, conspiracy theories, transphobia, J.K. Rowling, cancel culture.

Jews Don’t Count: How Identity Politics Failed One Particular Identity discusses the ignored history of anti-semitism and how people don’t count Jews as real minorities, even when they should.

This book was great. David Baddiel talks about a lot of different aspects of anti-Semitism and why it frequently gets ignored. He references his personal experiences and how he personally tries to combat racism. While his personal experiences and examples are mostly centered in the UK, he does talk briefly about racism and antisemitism around the world.

Baddiel discusses the hierarchy of racism, which is something that I don’t think I have heard before, but really helps break down how anti-Semitism is overlooked. A lot of people view racism as something that only happens against Black, Brown, or Indigenous people so they don’t think racism can be directed at Jews, but history has shown that isn’t true. Also, Jews aren’t White. They can pass as white but that doesn’t stop them from being persecuted for their race and religion.

Another topic he talked extensively about that I had never really thought about before was acting. When a minority character is played by a nonminority actor there's always an uproar about it. But when a non-Jewish actor plays a Jewish character there is only silence. It shouldn’t be this way. If we are going to fight for representation on the screen it has to be for everyone.

This was just a very thought provoking book with a very powerful and important message. I highly recommend this book, especially with the rise in anti-Semitism crimes lately.

A gratifying deconstruction of modern Antisemitism

I very much enjoyed the way the author broke down the heavily layered and veiled antisemitism of the modern world both on and offline. I do hope the author finds some compassion and sensitivity for trans folks as he definitely seems to see them in the privilege bubble he describes.. They aren't and there is no such bubble for them. Also for the record JK is a hateful person,who is transphobic and antisemitic as well.

Important now more than ever

So well written, and well narrated, I listened to it all in one sitting. It was
Written I think in 2020, but is completely relevant today.

A must listen for all who believe in progressive ideals

David Baddiel does an exceptional job of explaining both the overt, and nuanced examples of the newest and frightening antisemitism that is deeply embedded in the politics of the left. With humor and clarity illustrates how insidious is the current antisemitism facing Jews around the world. Thank you, David.

good summary of a very complex issue

while there's not a ton of new information in here it's an important document that collects it in a direct and clear manner. maybe should he more Ashkenazi jews don't count bit that's a bit pedantic. over a quick and solid listen

Absolutely Brilliant

Incredible and so vitally important. As a Jewish American, absolutely identify with the issues mentioned in this book. Witty and insightful.

Eye opening book

David Baddiel’s “Jews Don’t Count” is a phenomenal exploration of the omission of Jews from identity politics.

Even though the book is UK-focused, it’s incredibly relevant to the US.

Eye and ear opening

Excellent way to shed light on the hierarchy of racism especially against Jews, whose race is not necessarily instantly known. I’m glad I reach this book and will recommend it to my friends especially those of the African diaspora, of which I am a member.

Grateful

I am so grateful to David for writing this book. I felt I could breathe a breath of understanding, clarity and much needed wisdom.