2026 Robert Fine Memorial Lecture: Prof. David Hirsh

The London Centre for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism Robert Fine Memorial Lecture 2026...

Welcome to the annual set piece event of our Centre.

Our Keynote Lecture this year is given by Professor David Hirsh, a world expert on antisemitism who wrote a key text on Contemporary Left Antisemitism and edited The Rebirth of Antisemitism in the Twenty First Century. Both are go-to books for understanding how and why antisemitic discourse has become ever more mainstream, not least in left and liberal spaces. He writes:

"The left-wing tradition of antizionism, which professes unconditional opposition to antisemitism, is only one tradition. In the real world that tradition finds itself in a broad alliance with antisemitic movements that do not find the distinction between hostility to Israel and hostility to Jews to be of much significance. Sometimes, it is impossible to tell whether an element of antizionist rhetoric is right-wing, left-wing, or Islamist. Antizionism does not allow Jews, individuals or communities, to define their own identities. It defines their Zionism for them, against their will, and without consultation. It defines Zionism as racism and as support for apartheid and genocide. In so doing it defines most Jews as alien to any decent community of human beings."

This is a rare UK opportunity to hear David Hirsh present his distinctive and original account of contemporary antisemitism. He will explain, with clarity and passion, how the relationship between hostility to Israel and antisemitism has become so confused and confusing. He will show how Jewish concern about antisemitism is so often made to appear trivial and selfish. This is the mechanism that allows antisemitism to flourish in mainstream discourse.

Our annual Lecture is a tribute to the sociologist Robert Fine, who was a friend, mentor and teacher to David Hirsh, who will talk about how Fine's work inspires his thinking, and how his spirit runs through the London Centre.

Alongside Hirsh's Keynote, we will announce the winner of the LCSCA £1000 Book Prize for the best book on antisemitism published in the previous year, judged by our distinguished independent panel. We will also announce the winner of the Pete Newbon Award, given to the person judged to have made the greatest contribution to the public understanding of antisemitism in the previous year.

To make a nomination for the Pete Newbon Award, please see information on our website, and complete the nomination form.

This annual end of year event closes with an opportunity to raise a glass with friends, colleagues and scholars; and you can buy the shortlisted books. Most of the authors will be present to sign them.

Location information will be emailed to ticket holders on the day