Scott Jennings: ‘Anti-Semitism Is One of the World’s Oldest Hatreds and It Often Finds a Way To Rear Up’

In a pointed commentary on rising global tensions, CNN political analyst Scott Jennings warned that anti-Semitism, "one of the world’s oldest hatreds," persistently resurfaces amid modern conflicts. Speaking on a recent panel discussion captured by Grabien Stories, Jennings highlighted how ancient prejudices are fueling contemporary protests and political rhetoric, particularly in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war. His remarks underscore a surge in incidents targeting Jewish communities worldwide, from university campuses in the U.S. to city streets in Europe.

Jennings delivered the statement during a segment analyzing the intersection of geopolitics and domestic unrest, where he criticized the normalization of anti-Semitic tropes in progressive activism. He pointed to examples like chants of "from the river to the sea" at demonstrations, which many interpret as calls for Israel's eradication, and the defacement of synagogues with slogans echoing historical pogroms. Data from the Anti-Defamation League supports his concerns, reporting a 400% increase in U.S. anti-Semitic incidents since October 2023, including assaults and vandalism linked to pro-Palestinian rallies.

The Kentucky native and longtime Republican strategist, known for his candid takes on cable news, framed anti-Semitism's resurgence as a litmus test for societal values. Jennings argued that ignoring it risks broader societal decay, drawing parallels to 1930s Europe when dismissal of early warning signs led to catastrophe. His perspective gains weight from his experience advising Senate leaders like Mitch McConnell, positioning him as a voice bridging partisan divides on cultural threats.

Contextually, Jennings' comments arrive amid high-profile cases, such as the congressional testimony of university presidents who equivocated on whether calls for Jewish genocide violate campus codes. This has ignited debates over free speech versus hate speech, with figures like former President Donald Trump amplifying concerns about elite institutions harboring radicals. Internationally, similar patterns emerge in France and the UK, where Jewish emigration rates have spiked due to safety fears.

Analysts see Jennings' intervention as part of a larger culture war reckoning, where accusations of anti-Semitism have become flashpoints in U.S. politics—from campus divestment movements to electoral strategies targeting young voters. While some dismiss it as a distraction from Gaza's humanitarian crisis, Jennings insists confronting the hatred head-on is essential for preserving democratic pluralism. As he put it, these prejudices "find a way to rear up," demanding vigilance across ideological lines to prevent escalation.