As a Jew living in the 13 EU countries included in the recent poll on experiencing antisemitism, the findings didn’t come as a surprise. The staggering statistics, where 96% of Jewish respondents reported encountering antisemitism, resonate deeply with my own experiences and those of others within the community. What struck me the most from the poll results was the consistency across countries, all averaging above 90% in the prevalence of antisemitism. This universal issue highlights the systemic nature of hate and discrimination faced by Jews in Europe.
The survey results shed light on the different forms of antisemitism encountered by respondents.… Continue reading
The recent defacing of the statue of Anne Frank in Amsterdam, supposedly ‘for Gaza’, is a despicable and disgraceful act that has sparked outrage and rightfully so. The actions of those responsible for such vandalism are not only ignorant but also deeply insensitive and disrespectful. Anne Frank, a young girl who tragically died in a concentration camp before the founding of Israel, has become a symbol of the horrors of the Holocaust, and her memory should be respected and honored, not defiled in the name of political conflicts.
This senseless act of defacing the statue is not only an attack on the memory of Anne Frank but also a reflection of the toxic tunnel vision that can be formed through radicalization.… Continue reading
I am troubled by the recent news of Columbia University removing three deans from their positions due to what has been described as ‘very troubling’ antisemitic text messages. While the actual content of the messages has not been explicitly disclosed, the reaction from both sides of the debate has been intense.
The fact that the deans were not fired but rather removed from their posts and placed on leave raises questions about the severity of their actions. Some argue that the text messages were not explicitly antisemitic, but rather flippant and mildly inappropriate. It begs the question of what constitutes antisemitism in today’s society and whether critical discussions about Israel’s policies should be categorized as such.… Continue reading
In the wake of the horrific antisemitic rape of a 12-year-old girl in France, the recent arrest of boys aged 12, 13, and 14 for this heinous crime has sparked outrage and calls for action. How could children so young commit such a monstrous act? It begs the question of what kind of society breeds such hatred and violence in its youth.
The fact that this brutal attack was motivated by the victim’s religion, and that the perpetrators used anti-Semitic insults and violence, adds another layer of horror to an already appalling crime. The depth of their depravity is unfathomable, and it is sickening to think about the mindset that could lead children to commit such a vile act.… Continue reading
Blaming the Jews for government corruption seems to be a classic move in the dictator handbook. Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian president, recently made some disturbing comments insinuating a connection between Jews and theft in his government. He even went on to say that more than half of those involved in a corruption case were Jewish. The irony of denying antisemitism while making blatantly antisemitic remarks is not lost on anyone here.
It’s bewildering how the age-old scapegoating of Jews continues to rear its ugly head. Throughout history, Jews have faced discrimination, persecution, and blame for societal problems. Despite being a small minority, they seem to always be an easy target for those in power to shift blame onto.… Continue reading
As I reflect on the recent events at the Victorian Labor conference, I can’t help but feel a mix of disappointment and frustration. The accusations made by the Victorian premier against pro-Palestine protesters, alleging the presence of violence, homophobia, and antisemitism, paint a disturbing picture of the current state of political activism in our society. It is disheartening to see such important discussions being overshadowed by disruptive behavior and hateful rhetoric.
The idea of protesters bringing violence, homophobia, and antisemitism to a political event meant to address important issues is deeply concerning. Instead of fostering meaningful dialogue and promoting understanding, these protesters have chosen to spread hatred and discord.… Continue reading
As an Israeli-American, events like Ottawa canceling a public ceremony for Israeli flag-raising citing security concerns hit close to home. It’s disheartening to see such a blatant capitulation to threats and intimidation by those who seek to stifle any show of support for Israel. This decision raises questions about the state of our society and the values we hold dear. Do we continue to pander to those who harbor animosity towards others, allowing them to dictate our actions and decisions, or do we stand firm in our beliefs and principles?
The cancelation of the flag-raising ceremony not only sets a dangerous precedent but also sends a chilling message to the Jewish community and supporters of Israel in Canada.… Continue reading
I can’t help but feel a sense of disappointment and frustration when I hear about J.D. Vance’s recent statements regarding Trump and his association with individuals like Nick Fuentes. Vance’s defense of Trump, claiming that he isn’t antisemitic, despite sharing a dinner table with someone like Fuentes, is not only disingenuous but also raises serious questions about Vance’s own morals and values.
It’s clear that Vance is willing to throw basic decency and integrity out the window in order to curry favor with Trump and his followers. By downplaying Trump’s associations with individuals who espouse hateful ideologies, Vance is essentially turning a blind eye to the very real harm that is caused by normalizing and enabling such behavior.… Continue reading
As a staunch supporter of Bernie Sanders, I find solace in the fact that he isn’t afraid to speak uncomfortable truths, even when they challenge the status quo. Netanyahu’s attempt to shield himself from criticism by invoking the specter of antisemitism is nothing short of a desperate ploy to evade accountability for his government’s actions, actions that have led to the deaths of thousands of innocent Palestinians. It is not antisemitic to demand justice, to call out war crimes, or to hold leaders accountable for their decisions. The fact that Netanyahu, as a democratic leader, is attempting to silence protests on American university campuses is not only alarming but also a blatant disregard for the constitutional rights of American citizens.… Continue reading
Covering a Holocaust memorial in London has sparked outrage, as concerns over potential vandalism by an antisemitic mob have led to the decision to shield the memorial with a plastic cover. Many see this act as equivalent to vandalizing the memorial itself, arguing that memorials must be on display for their intended purpose to be fulfilled.
One argument against covering the memorial is that it merely serves as a symbolic gesture and does little to actually prevent determined vandals from defacing the site. The idea that covering up such a memorial denies its existence or significance is a valid point to consider.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker