What's on Our Mind 1-13-2023
Submitted by holliswein on Fri, 01/13/2023 - 4:04pm
This week's report from the ADL showing a “sizable share of Americans believe anti-Jewish stereotypes” is concerning and alarming to the Jewish community and to our democracy.
U.S. Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lisptadt, who has briefed JAC members on antisemitism on numerous occasions, has said that antisemitism “morphs into other hatred.” She has said “this panoply of hatreds” comprises a national security threat here at home and to foreign countries, as well.
Antisemitism is becoming part of our culture in ways that we have never seen before. A recent study found a dramatic rise antisemitic incidents directed at Jewish children in schools.
A majority of U.S. states don't even have laws requiring public school students to learn about the horrors of the Holocaust. Only 18 states have passed bills specifically requiring Holocaust and genocide education, the National Conference of State Legislature said.
The Biden administration has shown an unprecedented commitment to combating antisemitism on all levels. This issue has been further elevated by Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who has made this his top priority.
JAC-supported candidate Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Kathy Manning (D-NC), who is also a JAC member, urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to increase the funding for Lipstadt’s office.
Jewish communities across the world are also facing threats. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has embraced the far right extremists in his country. His supporters, who stormed Brazil’s capitol this week as they deny election results, have appeared at past rallies for him giving the Nazi salute. Bolsanaro is known to have made remarks that have trivialized the Holocaust.
A year ago Saturday, in Colleyville, TX, worshipers at Congregation Beth Israel were held hostage at gun point. Since that morning hate has continued to grow in our country, threatening our society. On Monday, as we honor the memory and life of Martin Luther King, we remember his words: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Elections have consequences. We must continue to elect candidates on every level of government that will stamp out hate with both their words and deeds.
