Anti-Semitism in America

A few thoughts after reading Bari Weiss's book about fighting anti-Semitism (an excellent book).

I was not aware anti-Semitism was that strong in America. I know about Europe’s past and present anti-Semitism, but to learn about the anti-Semitism in America was indeed eye-opening. It was incredible to read that, for example, in 1939, around 20,000 people ’showed up at Madison Square Garden to rally for the Nazi cause.’[1]

I did not know about the many Jewish hate-crimes in America, the attacks of the Synagogues or the anti-Semitism in America’s politics and Universities. Nor was I aware of the Christian extremists in America.

I find most objectionable the way people from different backgrounds (left or right, Christian and non-Christian, from the academic circles or politics) are united by their anti-Semitic worldview. It is the ability of anti-Semitism to transcend any political party, University, Christian denomination, religion or group of people and instil hate that I believe is hard to comprehend. Of course, many anti-Semites will say they don’t hate or oppose the Jewish people, only the state of Israel, but I’m not buying into that anymore.

I am reminded of the Greek legend of King Midas, who possessed the supernatural power to transform everything he touched into gold. Likewise, anti-Semitism kills every soul it touches. Indeed, it is a sophisticated virus that mutates continually and becomes more deadly in time. It looks like the world becomes more like the proverbial frog who, put in tepid water, will not perceive danger and will be cooked to death. I believe hatred against the Jewish people is hate against humanity and the world.

Most valuable:

I like how Weiss defines anti-Semitism: ’a shape-shifting worldview that slithers away just as you think you have it pinned down.’[2] Or ’anti-Semitism successfully turns Jews into the symbol of whatever a given civilization defines as its most sinister and threatening qualities.’[3] Moreover, I enjoyed Weiss’s ’how to fight’ anti-Semitism—especially the ’call it out’ tip. However, I do not plan on applying the kippah test anywhere in the world but in Israel.

[1] Weiss, Bari, How to Fight Anti-Semitism, Kindle, loc. 280.

[2] Ibid., loc. 469.

[3] Ibid., loc. 514.