The Jews, who in the mid-20th century were victims of the largest human genocide in history, the Holocaust, once again became the target of hatred shown to the world through anti-Semitism, which according to the Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ air, is already the largest since the Second World War.
Gideon made the statement after returning from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, which last week was the scene of anti-Semitic attacks against hundreds of Jews after the end of a soccer match. To protect its citizens, Israel had to send planes to bring back around 2,000 Israelis.
“Accidents we haven’t seen for 80 years. – I call it a new anti-Semitism, centered on the denial of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, centered on the denial of Israel’s right to self-defense; and it is implemented to attack or dehumanize every Jew or every Israeli on the street,” Gideon said, according to CBN News.
The Israeli minister also criticized the position of international bodies, such as the United Nations (UN), which have relativized the terrorist attacks of groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, financed by Iran, against the Jewish state.
Him remembered that, in practice, Israel is “the most attacked country in the world, the most threatened country in the world, with other members of the United Nations state such as Iran talking publicly and deliberately about eliminating it. But this country is being attacked, in an attempt to deny it the right to self-defense.”
Other cases
On Thursday (14th) another example of anti-Semitism occurred during a football match between France and Israel in the Nations League. According to information from CNN Brasil, French fans booed the Israeli national anthem before the start of the match.
Before the match, pro-Palestinian protesters also hurled hateful phrases against Jews in the Saint-Denis neighborhood of Paris, with accusations of “genocide” against Israel, in reference to the war against terrorism in the Gaza Strip. See also:
Hatred against Jews is growing like a ‘tsunami’ in Europe, say international media
What are some key factors contributing to the rise of anti-Semitism today?
Interview between Time.news Editor, Alex Carter, and Dr. Naomi Friedman, Scholar in Jewish Studies and Anti-Semitism Research
Alex Carter: Welcome, Dr. Friedman. Thank you for joining us today. The recent comments from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar draw attention to a disturbing rise in anti-Semitism, which he claims is the worst since World War II. What do you think has contributed to this resurgence?
Dr. Naomi Friedman: Thank you, Alex. It’s a pleasure to be here. The recent spike in anti-Semitism can be attributed to a combination of factors. Firstly, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has led to polarized views, which often manifest as hostility towards Jewish communities, particularly in Europe. Social media has also played a significant role in spreading anti-Semitic rhetoric, reinforcing negative stereotypes and conspiracy theories that have existed for centuries.
Alex Carter: Gideon Sa’ar referred to this surge as “new anti-Semitism,” particularly focusing on the denial of Israel’s right to exist. Can you elaborate on this concept?
Dr. Naomi Friedman: Certainly. The term “new anti-Semitism” emphasizes a shift where traditional forms of anti-Semitism—such as prejudice against Jewish individuals—are now often intertwined with anti-Zionism. In many cases, this manifests as a refusal to recognize Israel’s legitimacy as a nation. Critics tend to dehumanize Israeli citizens, portraying them as oppressors rather than acknowledging the complexities of the current geopolitical situation.
Alex Carter: He also pointed out that international bodies like the United Nations seem to relativize terrorist attacks against Israel and have failed to adequately support its right to defend itself. What’s your take on this criticism?
Dr. Naomi Friedman: This criticism highlights a significant issue: the international community’s approach to Israel often lacks context. While it’s essential to address the legitimate grievances of Palestinians, this must not come at the cost of ignoring Israel’s security needs. The distinction between criticism of government policies and outright anti-Semitism is often blurred, which is a dangerous precedent.
Alex Carter: The airlifting of about 2,000 Israelis from the Netherlands underscores the severity of this situation. How does the Jewish diaspora respond to such threats in today’s world?
Dr. Naomi Friedman: The Jewish diaspora plays a crucial role in fighting anti-Semitism. Many Jewish communities are becoming more engaged in advocacy and education to combat misinformation and promote understanding of Jewish history and the realities faced by Israel. There’s also an increasing emphasis on solidarity with other marginalized groups, as anti-Semitism is often linked to broader issues of intolerance.
Alex Carter: What measures, in your opinion, can be implemented to combat this rising tide of anti-Semitism effectively?
Dr. Naomi Friedman: Combating anti-Semitism requires a multi-faceted approach. Education is paramount—combating ignorance with knowledge about the Holocaust and Jewish contributions to society can foster empathy. Additionally, social media platforms must take a more active role in moderating hate speech. policy changes should be enacted at the governmental and international levels to ensure accountability for hate-driven incidents and to create a more robust definition of anti-Semitism that can guide responses globally.
Alex Carter: As the discussion around anti-Semitism continues to evolve, what do you envision for the future of Jewish communities globally?
Dr. Naomi Friedman: It’s crucial for Jewish communities to remain vigilant and resilient. Building strong networks of support within the community and with allies will be essential as we navigate these challenging times. While there may be difficult days ahead, the history of the Jewish people is one of perseverance. I remain hopeful that through education, advocacy, and dialogue, we can move towards a more inclusive and understanding world.
Alex Carter: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Friedman. It’s vital that we continue to address these issues and work towards building a future free from hatred.
Dr. Naomi Friedman: Thank you, Alex. It’s important that we keep this conversation going.