The Advancement of Anti-Semitism

I remember a debate I had about four years ago with a friend of mine. I saw anti-Israel sentiments as being akin to anti-Semitism. He challenged me saying anti-Israel inclinations are a response to political affiliations and opinions. Conversely, anti-Semitism is flagrant bigotry. I understood his slant, but could not get myself to agree with him that anti-Israel sentiments are valid. To me, anti-Israel persuasions would inevitably lead to anti-Semitism, so how could I sanction his belief?

Recently, anti-Semitism and religious intolerance have become increasingly pervasive across the globe, infiltrating societies in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. According to the Anti-Defamation League’s survey, released 2/10/2009, nearly a third of the European population blames Jews for the global economic crisis. Currently topping China’s best-seller list is The Currency War, a book describing how the Jews are planning to take over the world by controlling and manipulating the global financial system. In Argentina, anti-Semitic incidences have increased by over 35% since 2006. Even the world’s leaders are promoting intolerance. Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, in today’s Washington Post, is being accused of advancing anti-Semitism in Venezuela by continuously singling out the Jews. On a government website, Venezuelans are even told to boycott Jewish owned businesses and seize Jewish-owned property. Former Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamed has said, “The Jews rule the world by proxy.” And just today, UK foreign office diplomat, Rowan Laxton, was arrested for his public anti-Semitic tirade, during which he was heard shouting, “F-king Israelis, f-king Jews.” Some witnesses have claimed that Laxton also lashed out, saying that Israeli soldiers should be wiped off the face of the earth.

I did not want to be right; I wish had I been proved wrong. But now, four years following our friendly debate, the unfolding of history has validated my postulation. Hugo Chavez has incited anti-Semitism through his anti-Israel propaganda. Chavez has assaulted Israel’s reputation with a barrage of incendiary statements, forcing the Israeli ambassador to Venezuela out of the country. The 1/30/2009 attack on the Tiferet Israel Synagogue in Caracas, is said to be a result of Chavez’ anti-Israel doctrine. Similarly, UK diplomat Laxton was incited by his abhorrence of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Hate is festering and proliferating under the guise of anti-Israel, political affiliations. And for the first time in my life, I fear for the safety of Jews throughout the world. As a hub of tolerance and a pillar of humanitarian consciousness, I encourage Americans to get involved and help fight the brewing anti-Semitism. Encourage your friends to look beyond the political climate in the Middle East, and recognize the challenges facing the Jews throughout the world.

In our recent landslide presidential elections, the American people showed that we are ready for change. In that vein, let us work together to change the way that Jews are perceived and treated. Let us affect the world’s conscience because we can!