farmdoc's blog post number 237

Anti-semitism is prejudice against, or hostility towards, Jews as a group – usually via a combination of religious, racial, cultural and ethnic biases. Though there’s been anti-semitism for thousands of years, the term itself dates from 1873, and refers only to Jews, i.e. not other semites including Arabs. Anti-semitism is endemic at a reasonably constant level, apart from times of difficulty or crisis, when it increases. Now is a time of several crises – especially financial, but also water, food, climate. So it’s unsurprising that recently anti-semitism has risen above its endemic level. According to an official report, in Australia in the past year there were a record 652 anti-Semitic incidents, almost double the average of the previous 18 months. The online media reports I read have catalogued anti-semitic activities and incidents in our community and overseas. It’s all vile and disgusting. I know Iranian President Ahmadinejad has a loose screw upstairs, but the bleeding heart anti-semitism of a Christian church beggars belief. On second thoughts, no it doesn’t. Christian anti-semitism is long-standing and entrenched, which is ironic given that Christianity professes tolerance. Anti-semitism also reaches the global level by often being flaunted at the United Nations, including this week. That’s the problem. I don’t know all the solutions, but two of them are to publicise and oppose anti-semitism at every opportunity, and ensure Israel remains strong.