Square One (review)

Square One (review): "This arrogant Jews=humanity equation doesn't work in reverse, though. Wiesel would never praise anyone as 'a fearless man who refuses all compromise when it comes to defending the Palestinian (or German, or Spanish or ...) people, and through it, all of humanity.'

In an effort to justify a belief in Jewish moral superiority, Forster writes: 'No other religion, it was pointed out, so celebrated the principle of freedom.' (p. 138) Whatever the merits of this view, if the actions of Arnold Forster and the ADL -- as recorded in this book -- are any indication, he has fallen woefully short of this proclaimed ideal.
Suppressing Free Speech

Forster tells us that the ADL 'was chartered to defend against defamation,' and that it has 'a reputation for reliability and accuracy.' (p. 151) He suggests that his accusations are always based on solid evidence. As he acknowledges here, though, Forster has spent much of life working to suppress the free speech rights of those whose views he does not like. This book establishes that the only evidence Forster needs to accuse someone of anti-Semitism is his own say-so.
Mystical Insight

In his foreword, Wiesel warns us that we will break into tears when we read Forster's account of how he responded to an attack against his son, Stubs. Forster's account (pp. 179, 180) may not bring tears, but it does pro"