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Quote of the Day: Anti-Semitism Will Never Die

Susan Quinn
@SusanQuinn
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Jews survived all the defeats, expulsions, persecutions and pogroms, the centuries in which they were regarded as a pariah people, even the Holocaust itself, because they never gave up the faith that one day they would be free to live as Jews without fear. ---Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

When Jews immigrated to America, I think they hoped that the worst discrimination they had experienced throughout the world was behind them. George Washington welcomed them to their new country; they could own land and prosper without limits. The future looked hopeful and bright. Even those who had small businesses were optimistic.

But in spite of our economic successes, or maybe because of them, we are once again in the sights of an angry population. That population of hate probably has all kinds of profiles: people who have always hated Jews; people who are inspired to hate Jews by believing the propaganda of those conducting the anti-Semitic attacks as a result of the Gaza War; and some people who just need someone to hate.

I’ve thought a lot about anti-Semitism, and I try to make sure it’s not central to my life. I have too many positive aspects of my life to allow myself to be sidelined by acts of hatred. At the same time, the topic is much more in my consciousness than it used to be.

I have also come to a significant conclusion for me: anti-Semitism, the hatred of Jews, will always be with us. Always. The tradition of Jew-hatred is too resilient, too persistent, too convenient, for it ever to completely disappear. I’m quite certain of that now.

The key for me is to find the balance of being attentive to the phenomenon, to notice when it shows up, where it shows up, and to speak out loudly when it does. To regularly note how many loving and supportive people I have in my life, Jewish and non-Jewish, and to cherish those relationships. Still, when the curse of anti-Semitism is on the rise, I will never assume that it is temporary. Although there are those who will prefer to silence me, I would not let their fear shout me down.

Never.

* * * *

I wrote this post several days ago before Kamala Harris chose her candidate for vice president. Her choice didn’t surprise me; she was determined to not only cater to the radical Left, but also didn’t approve of Josh Shapiro’s support of Israel. In fact, Tim Walz is a kindred spirit, since he approved burning down businesses during the BLM riots and Kamala helped him out by bailing out the perpetrators.

I guess you could say they’re a good match.

This post was promoted to the Main Feed at the recommendation of Ricochet's members.

Discussion (33)

  • Rodin@Rodin

    Anti-semitism will exist as long as envy and the Jewish people exist. The human heart is always looking to blame someone else for its own failures. Failure is inevitable; a healthy response is not. Jews are not the target of all envy; just more convenient in some parts of the world than others. Even the end of successful Jews would not eradicate blame. We eliminated legal slavery in this country and yet claims of “legacy” effects abound. In that way anti-semitism is but one expression of evil and will be expressed when deemed the most useful.

  • Susan Quinn@SusanQuinn

    I was thinking that it's like an invasive growth or an incurable disease. You can pluck out the growth, but it always comes back. And we always think there's a cure around the corner, even for the common cold, but it never is found.

  • Banned Member@BryanGStephens
    Susan Quinn (View Post):
    I have also come to a significant conclusion for me: anti-Semitism, the hatred of Jews, will always be with us. Always. The tradition of Jew-hatred is too resilient, too persistent, too convenient, for it ever to completely disappear. I’m quite certain of that now.

    I take a somewhat different view.

    Jew Hatred is because the Jews are the Chosen People of God. I believe there is the Enemy. The Enemy delights in the persecution of God's Chosen.

  • Susan Quinn@SusanQuinn
    ReplyingtoBryan G. Stephens

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Post):

    Susan Quinn (View Post):
    I have also come to a significant conclusion for me: anti-Semitism, the hatred of Jews, will always be with us. Always. The tradition of Jew-hatred is too resilient, too persistent, too convenient, for it ever to completely disappear. I’m quite certain of that now.

    I take a somewhat different view.

    Jew Hatred is because the Jews are the Chosen People of God. I believe there is the Enemy. The Enemy delights in the persecution of God’s Chosen.

    I think you've expanded on my propositions in a good way. But secular folks will embrace mine; disturbed Christians will embrace yours.

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