Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Behind the Aegis

(53,975 posts)
Thu Dec 2, 2021, 05:59 PM Dec 2021

(Jewish Group) Be an ally of Jews against antisemitism, and here is how

THIS IS THE JEWISH GROUP!!! RESPECT!!!

For non-Jews like me, standing with Jews against antisemitism is a moral imperative.

Antisemitism is as old as Judaism, and eradicating it is not likely anytime soon, but we can fight it and hopefully reduce it. Dara Horn, the author of the book “People Love Dead Jews”, said in an interview with Yair Rosenberg of The Atlantic, “I don’t think that Jews can solve the problem of anti-Semitism. I don’t think it’s our problem to solve.” I agree with her. It is non-Jews who engage in antisemitism therefore it is for us to stop doing it, just as it is for men to fight the rape culture, it is for white people to fight anti-Black racism, and it is for straight people to fight homophobia. We don’t expect women, Blacks, and gays to solve the problem of hatred against them. We shouldn’t expect it from Jews either. As Efraim Inbar wrote in the Jerusalem Post, “It is the moral duty of non-Jews to cure themselves of this scourge”.

Some non-Jews might feel that they don’t hate Jews and therefore that their job is done. Well, it isn’t. That’s just the start. While we may not consciously hate Jews, many of our actions promote antisemitism and some may even be antisemitic.

The Financial Times reported in January 2020 that, “50 per cent of Europeans consider anti-Semitism a problem in their country, including majorities in Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Italy, Belgium and Austria”. Instead of decreasing, antisemitism has increased since then, reaching a peak during the latest Israel-Hamas war. During that war, antisemitic violence rose significantly in Europe, Canada, and the US, and that continues even after the war.

more...
5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
(Jewish Group) Be an ally of Jews against antisemitism, and here is how (Original Post) Behind the Aegis Dec 2021 OP
Let me spell it out for folks: JustAnotherGen Dec 2021 #1
You are so right. Behind the Aegis Dec 2021 #4
You are welcome - and thank you for JustAnotherGen Dec 2021 #5
K&R Solly Mack Dec 2021 #2
Absolutely, got it. Since a kid I've had Jewish classmates appalachiablue Dec 2021 #3

JustAnotherGen

(31,866 posts)
1. Let me spell it out for folks:
Thu Dec 2, 2021, 06:26 PM
Dec 2021

From the link:

Learn Jewish History and be Truthful About It

Recognize that Anti-Zionism is AntiSemitism. (bold is mine)

Don't judge Jews by a higher standard

Don't support or appease people who want to kill jews

Expose and neutralize antisemites

Listen to what Jews have to say and don't subvert their view. (bold is mine)

*******************************

None of these are difficult things to do or understand.

Behind the Aegis

(53,975 posts)
4. You are so right.
Sat Dec 4, 2021, 03:44 PM
Dec 2021

It is important for those of us in different groups to be allies for one another. As someone who is white and male, it is important for me to be an ally to POC and women, and when encountering whites and men who do not share that allyship to speak out, because it is coming from a similar place in power.

Sadly, I don't feel Jews have very many real allies here or in the world at large. I am thankful for the ones who really are allied with us and defend us, such as yourself.

JustAnotherGen

(31,866 posts)
5. You are welcome - and thank you for
Tue Dec 7, 2021, 12:18 PM
Dec 2021

Allowing me to weigh in. I still struggle with confronting it face to face - as my race and last name 'hides' my history. But I'm getting better at it.

appalachiablue

(41,168 posts)
3. Absolutely, got it. Since a kid I've had Jewish classmates
Thu Dec 2, 2021, 07:27 PM
Dec 2021

and friends. Antisemitism I find intolerable.

In my career I was fortunate to have had three excellent bosses, one from NY, Jewish and the child of a father who was brought to DC to work for the FDR admin.

One time at work I helped a client with health info. and afterwards she asked if I knew who he was. I didn't. It was Isadore, Izzy Stone, the journalist. Nice person.

Two of my oldest friends who were bridesmaids at my wedding are of Jewish heritage.

Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»Jewish Group»(Jewish Group) Be an ally...