The Prevalence of Antisemitism

Antisemitism is the canary in the coal mine of hatred. Throughout the years and in a unique manner, Jews have experienced prejudice, discrimination, critical stereotypes, exclusion, accusations of conspiracy theories, and extermination. Modern societies must reject the view, as the British education secretary said, that antisemitism is a less serious or more acceptable form of racism. In views of the resurgence of antisemitism in general and within the growing anti-vaccination movement, all should be aware of and not be complacent about the level of misinformation and falsehoods on social media and elsewhere about Jews.

Since language influences the way in which we view reality, it is desirable for purposes of clarification to make clear the subject of analysis. It is antisemitism, not anti-Semitism. The concepts were coined in the late 18th century to designate a number of oriental languages. The word "semitic" was used by the German theologian Johann Eichhorn in 1787 to link languages of Middle Eastern origin, including Arabic, Hebrew, Amharic, and Aramaic, that have linguistic similarities. The speakers of these languages do not have a common history or heritage, nor is there a "semitic peoplehood." Nor is there something called "Semitism" against which action should be taken. Interestingly, the speakers gave birth to the three great monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. However, this led to the false assumption that adherents of these religions constituted racial groups.

This assumption became central in attitudes of venom toward Jews. In 1879, the German journalist Wilhelm Marr focused on the supposed racial, as opposed to religious, characteristics of Jews. He warned his countrymen that the Jewish spirit and Jewish consciousness had overpowered the world and this foreign power must be resisted. Jews became "Semites." He coined the term "antisemitismus," a unique term, to mean hatred of Jews.

Ben Shapiro says that many Jews are not Jews.

What he means is that many ethnic Jews are not at all religious. Judaism plays no role in their lives at all, but they may identify as an ethnic group. Their actual religion is Leftism.

But from the article:

Wilhelm Marr focused on the supposed racial, as opposed to religious, characteristics of Jews.

So, the anti-Semites don’t care if you actively practice Judaism or if you are simply part of the ethnic group. For the Anti-Semites, it’s all the same.

So, I think it is foolish to support a strong central government which sees Group Identity as paramount, and individual rights as inconsequential. That’s how pogroms happen. That’s how your group gets branded as Outsiders who need to be rounded up and exterminated.

Being a good little socialist is no protection at all.
Supporting Limited Government, with an emphasis on right to self defense and property rights seems like the smart way to go – for everyone, I think, but especially for the Jews who have a long history of being victimized by strong governments that need to find an enemy to pick on.

So it is indeed a mystery: How can so many Jewish people vote for leftists?

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.