In 1984, Jesse Jackson made some blatant anti-Semitic remarks in conversation with a journalist, who then published them. Jackson, faced with criticism, first denied the remarks and then claimed that the Jews were out to get him. But later on he had numerous conversations with the then-head of the Antidefamation League Abe Foxman, and eventually made a public apology—steeped in religious language. Ever since he has enjoyed good relations with the Jewish community.
In conversation with Eli Lake, Foxman—drawing on his long career fighting anti-Semitism—discusses the value of apologies and of accepting them. The alternative, the two note, is seen in today’s “cancel culture,” which incentivizes not contrition but further outrageous behavior. (Audio, 33 minutes.)
Read more on Re-Education: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-re-education-with-eli-lake/id1619523910