The resurgence of antisemitism, coinciding with International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, casts a somber shadow over global affairs. Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s address to the United Nations underscored the alarming erosion of the UN’s moral authority, highlighting the institution’s failure to effectively combat the pervasive antisemitism flourishing within its own walls and beyond. Herzog’s pointed questions challenged the UN’s complicity in allowing antisemitic views to proliferate unchecked, even distorting the definition of genocide to target Israel and the Jewish people – a chilling reversal of the very principles upon which the UN was founded. This institutionalized apathy, he argued, enables the thriving of “antisemitism, barbarism, cruelty, and racism” within the international community.
The Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Global 100 survey paints a stark picture of deeply entrenched antisemitic attitudes held by a significant portion of the global adult population. The survey reveals a disturbingly high percentage of individuals who subscribe to negative stereotypes about Jews, ranging from a concerning 5% in some Western European nations to a staggering 97% in regions like Kuwait and the Palestinian territories. While the Americas, Western Europe, and Oceania exhibit lower levels of agreement with antisemitic tropes, the recent surge in violent antisemitic incidents in these areas underscores the pervasive nature of the problem. This data underscores the urgent need for concerted global action to address the root causes of antisemitism and combat its insidious spread.
The alarming rise in antisemitism within the United States has prompted some American Jews to seek safety and refuge elsewhere, with a notable increase in immigration to Israel. The fear of being trapped and unable to escape, reminiscent of the plight of European Jews during World War II, has motivated many to pursue alternative citizenship options. The increasing demand for citizenship through investment programs, particularly in Caribbean nations, reflects a growing sense of unease and a desire for an escape route should the situation further deteriorate. This exodus underscores the severity of the situation and the profound impact of antisemitism on the American Jewish community’s sense of security and belonging.
Rabbi Moshe Hauer, of the Orthodox Union, emphasizes the long-term challenge of correcting the distorted narratives and misinformation that have fueled antisemitism in recent years. He expresses the Jewish community’s yearning for peace and a return to constructive endeavors, highlighting their eagerness to contribute positively to society. However, the shadow of antisemitism continues to loom large, imposing significant security costs on Jewish communities worldwide. Hauer refers to this financial burden as the “antisemitism tax,” a stark reminder of the ongoing threat and the resources diverted from community-building initiatives to fortify synagogues and other Jewish institutions.
Despite the bleak landscape, Hauer finds a glimmer of hope in the apparent decline of mass antisemitic protests, attributing this positive shift to the “better nature” of leaders and responsible citizens. He expresses optimism in the existence of a “sometimes too-silent majority” that rejects hate and violence, emphasizing the need for this silent majority to become more vocal in their condemnation of antisemitism. Hauer also calls for America to “correct itself,” emphasizing the nation’s responsibility to actively combat prejudice and ensure the safety and security of all its citizens. This appeal for collective action underscores the importance of societal introspection and the need for a unified front against hate.
The ongoing hostage situation between Israel and Hamas, with only partial releases secured, adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught situation. Hauer’s mixed emotions reflect the bittersweet reality, expressing joy for the released hostages while acknowledging the continued suffering of those who remain captive. His gratitude towards both current and former administrations for their efforts to secure the hostages’ release is tempered by indignation at the international community’s delayed response. The call for accountability and the demand for “hell to pay” reflect the unresolved tension and the ongoing struggle for justice and resolution in a world grappling with the persistent scourge of antisemitism.
