Wonderings 9 Antisemitism
I do not like to even think about Antisemitism. I certainly do not like to hear the news in the Jewish press pointing out how it is increasing exponentially in recent years.
A few things have influenced me to be Wondering about Antisemitism now. This week marked the third anniversary of the shootings and murders of 11 people who were worshiping in a synagogue in Pittsburgh. The killer said, "Jews need to die." We are told that it was the worst antisemitic attack in American history.
This weekend we begin what most people think is a fun, candy-filled Halloween weekend. When I was growing up, the night before Halloween was called "Gate Night." The synagogues had Brotherhood members taking shifts to watch over the buildings, because it was a night of mischief - except that for synagogues it was a night of vandalism. There were often rocks or bottles thrown through the windows, and other damage to the buildings.
Before I moved here I was expecting to experience a lot of hate against Jews - at that moment in history, David Duke looked like he might win as Governor of Louisiana. I did not want to move here. He lost, and to be honest, I do not experience the antisemitism I feared.
I have had experiences where people hated me because I was Jewish. I got punched - very hard - in the stomach when I was in Elementary School. The older boy came up to me and said that I had killed Jesus, and punched me. I promise that I did not kill Jesus.
This week I am wondering have you have experienced Anti-Semitism - either here or elsewhere? As a congregation, what do we do or should we do to combat it or help prevent it
Responses:
I think everyone of us, Jewish, has experienced anti-semitism. I'm certain my opinion, how to handle, address such events is different from most. Physical attacks should be dealt with swiftly. The perpetrators are usually easily identified. A small group of the faithful should enforce 'an arm for an arm' i.e., a few legs should be broken with no doubt as to who's doing the breaking. Word would travel quickly. Verbal and vandalism should be dealt with differently. Those caught and prosecuted should be sentenced to ONE WEEK at the WIESENTHAL CENTER in Los Angeles. They would return somewhat wiser. When our leaders say 'fight anti-semitism' they should follow through. Be militant. [J]
I have experienced Antisemitism here all my life - still do. It is important that we report it when it happens. I have some answers to antisemitic expressions, for example, if someone says he will try to "Jew-down my price" for something, I will say, that's fine, I will try to "Christian the price." [B]
The only time I experienced antisemitism was in high school when I met the mother of Christian boy that I had been dating for a while. She was very cold towards me, and I knew that it was because I was Jewish. It was interesting to me because in the small town where they lived Jews were very much leaders in the town and highly respected and a part of the society in that town. [S]
Strange you would ask about Antisemitism. In this month’s issue of Southern Newish Life I just read the article about confronting antisemitism In a Gorilla Suit on page 21. I still remember my mother talking about anti-Semitism when she was a little girl how people used to call her Jew baby and throw mud balls at her it’s really sad. [I]