Blasts from the past

Can history repeat itself, and is it happening these days in front of our eyes?

Without a shadow of a doubt, the answer is in the affirmative.

Can we avoid making the same mistakes in response?

Yes, but only if we are prepared to change course and act proactively.

A first step is recognising that there are indeed problems threatening us personally as Jews and collectively as communities in the Diaspora. This needs to replace any sort of denial that there is any problem. Wishful thinking that “things will blow over” given time and a low profile needs to be abandoned as quickly as possible.

Finally, whether one likes it or not, solidarity with Israel must be paramount. This does not mean blind agreement with all policies and actions. It does, however, require an unqualified affirmation that a restored Jewish sovereignty is not only legitimate but also historically mandated.

The inevitable by-product of slogans articulated daily, such as “globalise the intifada” and “from the river to the sea”, can now be seen in an increasing number of countries. An endless stream of ill-informed invective issuing forth from political leaders is culminating in a mass demonisation of Israel. Actual facts are ignored in the race to embrace the web of lies spun by Hamas and their willing accomplices.

In a direct blast from the past, Israel and Jews are tarred with the most outrageous accusations. The mud sticks even when it is proven that claims of genocide and mass murder are figments of deliberate disinformation. As in the past, no amount of logic and rebuttal can undo the damage already caused. Those infected with the Jew hate virus are beyond any sort of redemption.

The common denominator, whether past or current, is that the murder or attempted murder of Jews is always preceded by inflammatory rhetoric and incitement.

It makes no difference if the lies emanate from individuals or groups; the end result is always the same. Physical attacks are the inevitable corollary as can be witnessed on all continents. Once the genie of hate is unleashed, it is impossible to contain.

Ritualistic expressions of horror recycled after each physical assault and act of vandalism are worthless and merely window dressing designed to lull gullible Jews into believing that something is being done.

More often than not, one can predict likely events that are bound to occur. The signs and omens are clearly indicated.

A German Jewish student leader admitted that “antisemitic hate is part of our daily lives.”

The German Chancellor claims that Israel is no longer “justified” in its Gaza campaign. Presumably, this means that Hamas is entirely justified in still holding kidnapped Israelis.

Is it any wonder, therefore, that Jewish students are under attack and Jews in Germany are once again afraid to be identified with life becoming reminiscent of pre-World War conditions?

Macron of France pretends to be a “friend.” He presides over a country that is rapidly becoming a host to groups hostile to fraternity, equality, and liberty. Riots and vandalism against Jewish buildings, as well as violence, murder and mayhem, are now a normal part of French Jewish life. Macron’s embrace of the murderous “Palestinian” cause is another indicator of what Jews in that country can expect in the days ahead.

A commentator mentioned that he needs a slap of reality. Apart from his wife, it seems that nobody else is willing to do so.

France has decided to posthumously promote Alfred Dreyfus one hundred and thirty years after he was cashiered from the army. That sums up how seriously French Governments tackle Jew hate.

A recent survey in the United Kingdom found that over 80% of British Jews are afraid to display their identity. The UK Labour Government is now pandering to the anti-Israel wing of the party. Daily pontifications by the PM and Foreign Secretary, fuelled by a hostile media, contribute to the most toxic atmosphere experienced in years. Universities are hotbeds of hate, and a seething cauldron of violence lurks.

In a recent survey conducted by the European Jewish Association, 82% of Europeans do not view the fight against antisemitism as a policy priority.

In the USA, the results of jihadist indoctrination, gun violence, illegal infiltration and left-wing progressive anti-Israel demonisation can already be seen. Terror attacks are becoming common and, as elsewhere, are attaining uncontrollable levels.

The same pattern is discernible everywhere, including the antipodes, which once were havens of relative sanity and tolerance. Phil Goff, a former NZ Foreign Minister and High Commissioner to the UK (since sacked) proclaimed that “Israel doesn’t care how many innocent people it is killing.” His ignorant claims add fuel to the fire.

Did anyone notice a news item hidden away in an inside column that reported that Stalin is making a reappearance in Russia again? His resurrection takes the form of new statues and paintings appearing in various parts of the country. Hailed by many Russians as a saint and reviled by others as a murderer, his gradual return should be ringing loud warning bells for Jews.

An emerging alliance between Pakistan, Turkey and Iran should be raising red flags. Instead, it sinks from sight.

How long will it take for Jews in countries where they are already under constant threat or where the signs flash danger, to get the message?

Why do we always leave it too late and ignore the early warning messages?

Take the so-called “peace agreements” with Egypt and Jordan as examples of how easily one can be duped into believing that a new Middle East has been born.

Unlike the Abrahamic Accords, the relationship with Egypt and Jordan is cold and getting colder.

The Accords state: We support science, art, medicine, and commerce to inspire humankind, maximise human potential and bring nations closer together. We seek to end radicalisation and conflict to provide all children a better future. We pursue a vision of peace, security, and prosperity in the Middle East and around the world.

In direct contrast, no such ideals and objectives have motivated the treaties with Egypt and Jordan. Neither country has fostered and encouraged warm relationships. Apart from a lack of armed conflict and an occasional trade deal, any sort of people-to-people relationship and eradication of hate education is completely absent. Instead, there is an atmosphere of hostility. No vestige of tolerance of Israel, Zionism, Jews or Judaism is to be found.

Take Jordanian textbooks as an example of how the next generation is being radicalised.

An international study found that they justify the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led massacre, promote Jew hate and violent jihad. The text frames the destruction of “Israeli colonies” inhabited by “settlers” as a response to Israeli oppression, implicitly suggesting that the civilians who were attacked, murdered and kidnapped were legitimate targets.

The report also highlights that textbooks referencing Jews in Islamic history perpetuate harmful stereotypes, portraying deceit, treachery and hostility towards Islam as inherent characteristics of the Jewish People. A Grade 10 Islamic education textbook cited in the study teaches that jihad includes fighting enemies and defending the nation, with martyrdom presented as a religious ideal.

Concurrently, Jordanian textbooks largely omit mention of the landmark 1994 peace treaty with Israel. When referenced, it is often portrayed as a reluctant concession to the “Israeli occupation State.”

Jordan loves to convey the impression that it is the guardian of religious tolerance on the Temple Mount and has successfully sold the narrative that it alone safeguards Islamic holy sites in “occupied” Jerusalem.

The fact that most of the rest of the world has bought into this charade and continues to ignore blatant incitement highlights the failure of successive Israeli Governments and Diaspora Jewish leaders to expose these continuing scandals.

With both Egypt and Jordan promoting “Palestinian” statehood and continuing to inculcate hate in the next generation any sort of peace, security and tolerance is a mirage.

The blasts from the past will become ever more lethal unless we learn from the failures to confront danger in time.