As claims of antisemitism continue to distort our politics at home and abroad, it has become impossible to talk about constructively, even in private. Instead we find
ourselves in a storm of misinformation, political mudslinging and bad faith accusations. There is, however, a way to deliberate honestly. Looking beyond our polarising headlines and interrogating the reasons racism takes hold, OFF-WHITE offers urgent analysis of one of the most divisive issues of our time.

Exploring the contingency of whiteness, Judeo-Christian mythmaking, pro-Israel
antisemitism, and the Palestinian struggle against colonialism, Rachel lights a way forward for progressive politics. Picking apart the obscured and entangled histories of racism and antisemitism, Rachel shows that we don’t need to force antisemitism into competition with other axes of oppression. If we can recognise the complexity at the heart of all this, we might create more meaningful coalitions.

At a time of heightened sensitivity and amidst a global surge in antisemitism and the rise of
far-right parties across Europe, our understanding of this issue is all the more urgent and necessary.

OFF-WHITE provides an essential, humane investigation into the many faces of contemporary anti-semitism, demonstrating how the quagmire of confusion is often entirely by design and how we might build a better way forward.

Rachel will be in conversation with Michal Nahman (UWE) here at bookhaus. Tickets cost £6 and include a glass of wine or a soft drink and £2 off the book.


'Incisive, principled, engaging. With a generous spirit and a humane compass,
Rachel Shabi guides us through a minefield.' GARY YOUNGE

‘Wise, thoughtful and engaging, this is a great book, that navigates complexity with
sensitivity and intelligence. It's an invaluable guide for anyone who seeks to
understand issues over which we stumble far too often.’ GEORGE MONBIOT

'The rise in antisemitism in recent years should concern us all. In a necessary
exploration, Rachel Shabi asks the questions that few seem willing to address...
and how can progressives build more inclusive antiracist politics.' BILLY BRAGG

‘A masterpiece defined by moral clarity, humanity and insight, which injects what
seem like impossible nuances in one of the most fraught discussions of our time.
That rare book in the bleakest moment - one that educates,
and one that offers hope.’ OWEN JONES

‘Rachel Shabi… interweaves the personal and political with assurance, humour,
passion and love. This is a challenging and nuanced book; an urgent read but also
an enormously enjoyable one.’ ZOE WILLIAMS


‘Shabi rejects the “simplified, amplified story of ‘us’ and ‘them,’ heroes and villains, good
and evil.” (She) calls out antisemitism on the political right and left, and makes the case
that fighting antisemitism is, at heart, a progressive cause.'
KENNETH S. STERN, director of the Bard Center for the Study of Hate

'Off-White is essential reading for anyone who thinks our response to antisemitism
requires better thinking and a better politics.'
DAVID FELDMAN, Director of the Birkbeck Institute for the Study of Antisemitism

'There is no better guide than Rachel Shabi to this vital and widely misunderstood issue. A
thoughtful and compelling examination’
CHRIS DOYLE, Director of Caabu (Council for Arab-British Understanding) Presented by bookhaus.

Entry requirements: no age restrictions — Read more — Read less