It was six years ago in August that a gathering called “Unite the Right” marched in Charlottesville, VA. The organizers claimed that the march was in response of the removal of two statues: Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, from a central location to different places. They also cited a number of other occurrences that were part of what they believed were attacks on their Legacy (their word for racial hatred) as southern whites. Dozens of hate groups were represented as the mostly white, male crowd marched in the streets shouting, “The Jews will not replace us.” President Trump, at first, condemned the event, but later said that there were “good people” on both sides. Much of America cringed at this statement, but equally as many continued to support him and his presidency. But this isn’t about him.
The Anti-Defamation League began keeping statistics on crimes against Jews in 1979, and 2022 saw the highest level of anti-Semitic acts since that first year. In fact, according to their study, there were 4 times as many reported crimes against Jews last year than in 2013, and the numbers have been growing every year. 2022 was not an anomaly. And while I realize that many of us are upset and disappointed with the way Israel has been conducting their affairs, this has nothing to do with this trend. These are our friends and neighbors; they have been in America longer than America has been a nation (Muslims too). Why are we okay with people hating others based on religion? Why do we think it’s okay to hate the Jews?
The anti-Semitic dog whistles are everywhere; I saw a recent advertisement for a livestream (it is attached instead of art) calling on Blacks and Whites to unite against their common enemy – the Jews. Every Holy Week, countless churches read the Gospel of John account of the end of Jesus’s life, which blames His crucifixion completely on – the Jews. Anti-Semites weep and moan, claiming that Jews control finance – Hollywood – education – you name it, the Jews are in charge. They are also bankrolling the Democratic party, in case you missed that one (George Soros, et al). “There’s a war on White Christianity!” they shout from pulpits and cable TV programs regularly. Why don’t we do something about this?
This American doesn’t think it’s okay to hate anyone. I’m pretty sure most of you feel the same way. Here is my suggestion; the next time you hear someone say something anti-Semitic, speak up. The next time you see something anti-Semitic, report it to the police. The more we keep silent, the more the powers of evil will speak words of hate and commit acts of violence. Silence in the face of evil is agreement. It’s not okay to hate the Jews. Or the Muslims. Or LGBTQ people. Or…
Prayer – Convict us, God, of our own compliance with evil, and give us the courage to speak out when that evil emerges. Amen.