By Rabbi David Fox Sandmel, Ph.D. Director of Interreligious Engagement, ADL
News media, including the Jewish media, are filled with headlines about the increase in anti-Semitism around the world. Examples include synagogue shootings in the United States, the continuing controversy surrounding Jeremy Corbyn and the British Labour Party, cemetery and synagogue desecrations, and a deluge of online hate.
Research by NGOs and media outlets including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the European Union Agency for Fundamental Human Rights, the DAIA in Argentina and CNN confirms a rise anti-Semitic incidents (murders, assaults, vandalisms, hate speech, threats) in many parts of the world. ADL’s 2014 Global 100 survey, shows that old anti-Semitic attitudes continue to be part of the popular imagination, with more than a quarter of the world’s population harboring anti-Semitic attitudes. Jews in certain countries like France feel particularly threatened and wonder if they will need to emigrate in order to stay safe.
Where does this anti-Semitism originate? There are three primary sources. The first is white supremacy, which most experts today consider to the most violently dangerous extremist threat. White supremacy has become more visible and vocal, with its proponents arguing that it’s racist worldview should be considered a legitimate political perspective. And, as documented in a recent ADL report, there has been increasing coordination between white supremacists groups around the world.
The second source of extremism comes from elements within the Muslim community, something that is prevalent in parts of Europe, where it is sometimes interwoven in anti-Israel sentiment.
The third source is from extremists on the left, also often closely connected to anti-Israel activity and the BDS movement.
Taken as a whole, we see a global environment in which anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred are becoming “mainstreamed.” Unlike in the past, anti-Semitism does not always provoke the kind of public opprobrium that it used to with some bigots now wearing the label “anti-Semite” proudly.
How serious is the situation? It is true that most anti-Semitic assaults come from those on the political margins – extremists. And we should not forget that the vast majority of political and civic leaders reject such hatred and denounce it unequivocally. However, as we have seen, a lone wolf extremist can inflict horrendous carnage, provoke terror, and – in an age of social media – inspire others to follow in their violent footsteps.
The need for vigilance remains. We must ensure our communal institutions are secure. We must continue collecting data on extremist groups and incidents, ensuring government agencies have the information and the resources they need to counteract violent extremism. In this regard, the most important thing we as individuals can do is to report hate incidents to the appropriate authorities and educate ourselves and others about diversity and respect at all levels of society.
Anti-Semitism does not exist in a vacuum. Those who traffic in Jew-hatred hate others as well. And that’s why it is vital that we, as a community, join together with other targeted communities and groups to work for the safety and security we all deserve.
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