Quote of the Day: Anti-Semitism Will Never Die

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.