We must Abhor Anti-Semitism in all its Forms and Manifestations

We must Abhor Anti-Semitism in all its Forms and Manifestations

By E. Stanley Ukeni

I’d like to bring to the attention of those of us who are not already aware of a despicable phenomenon that seems to be occurring with unacceptable frequency. I am referring to the dramatic increase in the number of anti-Semitic incidents since last year—and continuing into this year. This worrying surge in anti-Semitism should be cause for concern for all people of good conscience.   

I was partially compelled to write this piece after recalling the quote by the Irish statesman, author and philosopher, Edmund Burke, that, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Well, I opted to do something—I say ‘no’ to anti-Semitism.

In this spirit of taking a firm and unequivocal stance against prejudice and bigotry in all its forms and manifestations, I stand to be counted as one of those raising a voice of alarm against this growing evil that is quietly festering across our world. I hope you too will equally assert firmly and resolutely that intimidation and intolerance, against anyone, are utterly unacceptable.   

Although I am not Jewish, my faith informs me that we are all part of the one human family. As such, I feel an obligation to stand side-by-side with my Jewish brothers and sisters—in solidarity, who this evil of prejudice has once again directed its viciousness.

In the recently release annual report https://www.adl.org/news/press-releases/us-anti-semitic-incidents-spike-86-percent-so-far-in-2017 on incidents of anti-Semitism, the United States based Anti-Defamation League (ADL) revealed an increase of thirty-four percent year over year, in 2016. The report also shows an eighty-six percent increase in the number of incidents, during the first quarter of 2017, when compared to the same period last year.

According to the report, anti-Semitic incidents of bomb threats against Jewish community centers and schools, desecration of Jewish cemeteries, bullying of schoolchildren and vandalism are some of the methods employed to intimidate and harass American Jews. There is no doubt that the Jewish community in the U.S. feels traumatized.

This annual ADL report is produced using data that was accumulated from various highly reliable sources; including first-hand accounts from victims of anti-Semitic attacks, and information provided by law enforcement agencies. The organization has been tracking incidents of anti-Semitic bigotry and attacks, in the United States, since 1979.

The more worrying aspect of the recently released report is that the 2016 spike in reported incidents is the highest that the Anti-Defamation League has recorded in the U.S. since 2008. If the current upwards trajectory of the anti-Semitic incidents during the first quarter of 2017 continues, then the number of incidents could easily surpass the 1994 records—the year with the highest number of incidents since the organization began keeping records. 

I am sure everyone would agree that this significant rise in the number of anti-Semitic incidents reported in the United States is indeed a troubling statistics. Unfortunately, while the report clearly indicates a surge in anti-Semitic incidents, it does not reveal why there is a dramatic increase in frequency of occurrence. This lack of data, on the ‘why’ of the surge in incidents, makes it a bit difficult to proffer an effective solution to stem this menace.

The United States’ President, Donald Trump, referred to these despicable acts as, “horrible….and a very sad reminder of the work needed to root out hate, prejudice and evil.”   

Then, once again addressing the rash of harassment and intimidation, President Trump—during a speech at the World Jewish Congress Plenary Assembly event in New York, was quoted as saying, “We must stamp out prejudice and anti-Semitism everywhere it is found.”

In a news interview, the CEO of the U.S. based Anti-Defamation League, Jonathan Greenblatt was quoted as saying, “What the data tells us is incontrovertible and why the Jewish community describes such heightened anxiety…”

He further affirmed, “There is no doubt that there is a high degree of anxiety.”

Just as those who harbor prejudice in their hearts have become more brazen in recent years…and are now emboldened to perpetrate acts of wickedness—in a bid to sow terror in the hearts of minority groups, people of good conscience, from all races and creeds, must join together, in one accord, and say no to anti-Semitism wherever it rears its ugly head.       

Authored by E. Stanley Ukeni, © 2017. All Rights Reserved. This material and other articles or stories posted on this blog site may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed, in whole or in part, without prior expressed written permission from the author, E. Stanley Ukeni.

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Charts: ADL