Physicist David Deutsch Warns Against Diminishing the "Legitimacy of Hurting Jews"

Oxford, UK – British physicist David Deutsch has voiced a stark warning regarding the ongoing discourse surrounding antisemitism, stating that many people would experience "revulsion" at the prospect of diminishing the "legitimacy of hurting Jews for being Jews." The comment, shared by Deutsch on social media, underscores his long-held theory that antisemitism operates as a recurring "pattern" throughout history.

Deutsch, a prominent figure in quantum computing and a visiting professor at the University of Oxford, posits that antisemitism is an irrational, persistent predisposition across diverse cultures. He argues that this "pattern" manifests as an urge to justify harm against Jewish people, with new rationalizations emerging as older ones lose their relevance. This perspective highlights a deep-seated societal mechanism that seeks to legitimize hostility towards Jews.

His theory, often referred to as "Deutsch's Pattern," suggests that even when overt acts of violence are not occurring, there remains a subtle, underlying cultural insistence on maintaining the theoretical legitimacy of such harm. This, he contends, allows for the re-emergence of antisemitic sentiment with different pretexts, from historical accusations of usury to contemporary political criticisms. Deutsch has previously emphasized that this pattern is not innate but can be countered through cultural shifts, particularly in societies that embrace individualism and reject group scapegoating.

The physicist's remarks come amidst ongoing global discussions about rising antisemitism and the challenges of combating it. His insights contribute to a broader understanding of the historical and psychological underpinnings of this persistent prejudice, urging a critical examination of how justifications for targeting Jewish communities are formed and perpetuated.