Internet divided as Bill Maher shuts down Sandra Bernhard for saying antisemitism comes from the right

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bill Maher recently engaged in a lively exchange with Sandra Bernhard, a fellow comedian and actress known for her role in 'Roseanne,' during an episode of his 'Club Random' podcast.

Bernhard, who is Jewish, ventured to suggest that conservatives bore the brunt of responsibility for the recent surge in antisemitism in the United States. Maher, despite identifying as an atheist, has Jewish heritage through his mother and swiftly challenged Bernhard's assertion.

Sandra Bernhard and Maher on contemporary antisemitism

In the midst of their dialogue, Bernhard shared her perspective, stating, "I like being Jewish. I go to Shabbat, I do my thing. But everybody's suddenly like, 'I'm Jewish, and I'm being [persecuted].' I don't feel persecuted."

However, Maher acknowledged the unsettling reality of contemporary antisemitism, asserting, "There is an antisemitism afoot in this country which we haven't had in a very long time."

As Bernhard attempted to attribute the rise of antisemitism primarily to the conservative right, Maher interjected, asserting, "No, it doesn't. The right-wing has the 'Jews will not replace us' nonsense. The left wing is even worse."

Maher expanded on his position, criticizing what he saw as a simplistic perspective promoted by certain factions on the left.

He stated, "That is coming down from elite colleges who see everything only through a racial lens. They are stupid. They don't know history. They think everything is about colonizers and racists, and how awful America is."

Debate over Netanyahu's leadership

The conversation then shifted towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Bernhard voicing her disdain, stating, "But can we get on the same page and agree that Benjamin Netanyahu is a s**t disturber and needs to be yanked out of Israel? He is not good for Israel. He is not good for Jews."

However, Maher came to the defense of Netanyahu, arguing, "He is so not to blame for everything that's happening. That's the fault of the Palestinian people and the religion of Islam, which gets lost in all of this."

Bernhard persisted, suggesting Netanyahu's self-serving motivations, to which Maher responded, "He is working in the interest of only one person, himself because he doesn't want to go to prison." 

Social media reactions to Maher's podcast

Twitter users reacted to a tweet suggesting that the current surge in antisemitism is primarily from the radical left.

One user wrote, "There are fringe elements on 'both sides' but what we're seeing currently is heavily from the radical left."

One user commented, "Gotta love Bill Maher’s non-political podcast…"

One user replied, "This is not accurate. I listened to the whole podcast. He said it comes from both sides but at the moment the antisemites on the left are worse."

Another said, "Antisemitism started thousands of years ago, way before left or right."

One added, "I would love to sit down over a beer and debate with @billmaher."

One user wrote, "Good for @billmaher Push back against the lies from the loud left."

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