Paul Luckraft reviews ‘Fighting the Hate’ by Melanie Phillips (2026)
This is a book which just had to be written, and there is no better person to have done this than author, journalist and public commentator Melanie Phillips.
Subtitled, A Handbook for Jews Under Siege, it goes some way to providing the help that Jews today need to help them cope with the intense pressures they come under.
Antisemitism unbounded
Even since the book was published (12th March) an appalling series of arson attacks have occurred targeting Jewish sites in north London. Within recent days, two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, in a horrific incident the police are treating as a terrorist attack.
These incidents confirm the author’s claims that since October 7, 2023, Jews worldwide have been deeply destabilised by a torrent of hatred and irrationality to such an extent that they lack the necessary understanding and self-confidence to resist and fight back.
Jews, the author explains, have been profoundly destabilised by this tsunami of hatred and baffling irrationality, which calls into question their very future. Many, if not most, are very unsure about the necessary balance between safety and resistance. They may lack the information or self-confidence needed to fight the lies, or else be traumatised by friendships or family relationships shattered by the divisions created by this bombardment.
Phillips offers a clarion call for a new strategy of Jewish self-confidence, the essential basis for survival in the face of an unparalleled threat.
Insight and wisdom
The detailed advice given in this unique guide will enable them to respond in a positive way, as Phillips offers a clarion call for a new strategy of Jewish self-confidence, the essential basis for survival in the face of an unparalleled threat.
At 160 pages, this is a relatively short book, but it is nevertheless packed full of insight and wisdom into the nature of the onslaught against the Jewish people and of those who perpetrate these evils. Phillips is aware that everyone is different and so will have to learn how to counter these attacks according to their own personality, emotions and abilities. To this end, her book is very comprehensive and covers the whole political and religious spectrum.
This is also a book for non-Jews who want to learn more about such matters and be able to stand with Israel more solidly. There are fascinating facts to help us counter lies and errors, including the origin of the Palestinian flag and the operational procedures of the IDF. In particular, Chapter Five is entitled Educate Yourself, and contains a series of ‘falsehoods’ followed by ‘facts’.
There are fascinating facts to help us counter lies and errors, including the origin of the Palestinian flag and the operational procedures of the IDF.
Aware that the mainstream media propagate so many lies about Israel and their current struggle against terrorism, Phillips provides a very useful list of media outlets, organisations, podcasts and commentators that can be trusted.
She also gives clear advice to those leading Jewish communities and ends her book with a short chapter of Thumbnail Principles for Fighting Back.
Highly commended for Jew and Gentile alike.
‘Fighting the Hate’ is published by Wicked Son and is available from Waterstones for £14.99.