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“Mom, why are they protesting against Israel? Why do they hate us?” My young children asked as we passed a group of protesters who gather regularly on a corner near their school. After the sad sting of their question subsided I realized I did not have a good answer to give them.
The illogical hatred for the Jew has existed for thousands of years. A tiny minority, Jews have been and are currently libeled for crimes they do not commit. Sadly, anti-Semitism is growing at an alarming rate. The “old” hatred for the Jew is now the “new” hatred against the State of Israel. Israel is under constant fire for being the “evil occupiers.” But in fact hatred of Israel pre-dates occupation.
Jewish Voice for Peace, Boycott Divestment Sanction groups and the like are libeling Israel. These organizations as well as various speakers come to college campuses to spread lies against Israel and the Jewish people. Often, leadership in our Jewish organizations, leaders whom we would expect to be rallying and encouraging people to speak out against the lies are actually giving the opposite advice; just ignore it, you will just draw attention to it, you will only make it worse or better yet, just tell them your feelings are hurt! Yet, these same leaders will be the first to condemn a group spreading hate against African-Americans or women. These leaders will justly speak out against the injustice committed against these minorities and would certainly tell their students to speak up as well. Even in our elementary school system our children are taught not to be bystanders to hate. Instead, they are taught how to stand up for themselves and others when being bullied. Why then is it different when it comes to Israel? Why then are Jewish students on college campuses told to be silent and not defend their own people? Why when it comes to Israel does the moral imperative to confront the “bully” not apply?
