Tag Archives: Interfaith dialogue

Antisemitism: Old Prejudices in a Modern World

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This quote reflects the enduring nature of antisemitism. Despite social progress, old prejudices persist. Living in Jerusalem, surrounded by millennia of history, I see these struggles daily. Walking through the Old City, you feel the weight of centuries of conflict and reconciliation. Yet, the battle against antisemitism continues.

Navigating the Complexities of Criticism and Hate

Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, it’s important to differentiate between criticism of Israeli policies and antisemitism. This difference was evident in an incident at Harvard involving Yishai Rebo, a well-known Israeli singer famous for his interpretations of biblical texts and spiritual music. His concert, which aimed to promote culture and unity, was met with protests from pro-Palestinian groups. Unfortunately, the demonstrations quickly turned from political disagreement to antisemitic rhetoric.¹

Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet has noted that criticism of Israel can sometimes blend into antisemitism, a sentiment that is evident in this case. It’s crucial to find a balance between valid critique and harmful bias. Discussions about the Israel-Hamas conflict often demonstrate how quickly constructive dialogue can turn into hostility.

This incident is an example of a larger issue: the overlap between anti-Israel protests and antisemitism. While many demonstrations focus on political issues, some deteriorate into broader intolerance towards Jews. This mixing of politics with prejudice requires careful attention in discussions about Israel and the broader Middle East.

The Thin Line Between Activism and Antisemitism

Beyond individual incidents, there’s a larger societal challenge. While many advocates for Palestinian rights genuinely seek peace, there are instances where calls for human rights conceal deeper biases. Nonie Darwish’s story is a powerful example of transformation. Growing up in Gaza amidst hostility toward Israel, she initially embraced anti-Israel rhetoric. It wasn’t until she moved to the United States and began interacting with Jews that she began to question her long-held biases².

Darwish’s journey from animosity to advocacy for peace reminds us that deeply ingrained beliefs can be unlearned. Her daughter, Shireen Said, continues this legacy by promoting dialogue and understanding. Shireen’s efforts show empathy and shared humanity can break long-standing community barriers.

The Battle of College Campuses

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has caused tensions on college campuses, often leading to a rise in antisemitic incidents alongside pro-Palestinian activism. A 2014 YouTube video showcased Jewish students sharing their encounters with antisemitism from pro-Palestinian groups, including hate speech, vandalism, and social exclusion across the U.S., Canada, and Europe³.

The recent Israel-Hamas conflict has further escalated these tensions. Anti-Israel rhetoric during protests has sometimes crossed into antisemitism. Lawmakers have criticized universities for not adequately addressing the concerns of Jewish students, leading some schools to boost security measures⁴.

These incidents shed light on the broader ideological battles in academia, where funding and political pressures influence campus environments. For instance, a study in the Journal of Higher Education illustrates how external funding can impact the curriculum, faculty decisions, and ideological positions in university programs⁵. This raises questions about academic autonomy and the balance between free speech and student safety.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Statistics from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reveal a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents, particularly during times of Middle Eastern conflict. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “This data confirms what Jewish communities across the country have felt and seen firsthand—and corresponds with the rise in antisemitic attitudes”⁶. These statistics are not just numbers; they reflect the real pain and suffering experienced by Jewish communities.

Greenblatt’s call for collective action underscores the importance of addressing antisemitism on multiple fronts, from education to advocacy. The ADL’s report can be viewed here for a deeper understanding of its findings.

Finding Guidance in Sacred Texts

I often turn to sacred texts for comfort and guidance. One of my favourite teachings from Pirkei Avot states, “In a place where there are no humans, strive to be human.” Judith Klitzner expands on this idea in her book In Your Brother’s Blood is Crying: Biblical Origins of Our Divided Society. Her exploration of biblical sibling conflicts provides insight into contemporary societal divisions, reminding us that ancient wisdom can help us navigate modern challenges⁷.

A Path Forward: Combating Antisemitism

Addressing antisemitism requires a thoughtful and multi-faceted approach:

  • Education: Advocate for accurate and nuanced discussions about Jewish history and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As Dr. Morgentaler once said, “Hatred thrives in ignorance.” Institutions like the Jewish Public Library are crucial in preserving and sharing this history.
  • Interfaith Dialogue: As Nonie Darwish has demonstrated, building bridges is vital. Her journey of transformation shows that meaningful dialogue can foster peace and understanding.
  • Supporting Organizations: Groups like the ADL work tirelessly to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish communities. Supporting their efforts can make a real difference.

As I reflect on my own journey, I’m reminded of the complexities of fighting antisemitism. It requires knowledge, empathy, and action. What steps can you take in your community to combat hate and foster understanding? Please reflect on this question and find ways to contribute to a more tolerant and compassionate world.

Footnotes:

  1. Karr, Jean-Baptiste Alphonse. Les Guêpes. 1849.
  2. Darwish, Nonie. Now They Call Me Infidel: Why I Renounced Jihad for America, Israel, and the War on Terror. St. Martin’s Press, 2006.
  3. The New York Times. “Concerns Over Antisemitism on College Campuses.” The New York Times, 2024, www.nytimes.com.
  4. The Washington Post. “Surge in Antisemitic Incidents Amid Conflict.” The Washington Post, 2024, www.washingtonpost.com.
  5. Inside Higher Ed. Journal of Higher Education, 2024, www.insidehighered.com.
  6. Greenblatt, Jonathan. “ADL Report on Antisemitic Incidents.” Anti-Defamation League, 2024, www.adl.org/news/press-releases/adl-report-on-antisemitic-incidents.
  7. Klitzner, Judith. In Your Brother’s Blood is Crying: Biblical Origins of Our Divided Society. Jewish Publication Society, 2007.

 

Redemption in Our Time: The Power of Education

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In the quiet moments following International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I find myself reflecting on the profound journey of redemption that the Jewish people have traversed since the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945. This period of reflection brings to light two significant movements from the past seventy years: the establishment of the State of Israel and, perhaps less visibly but equally impactful, the rise of Jewish education.

As I delve into the transformative power of education, I am reminded of the personal stories that transcend borders and beliefs. These stories demonstrate the profound impact that learning can have on our lives. One such story is that of a dear friend from Montreal. Raised Catholic in Quebec, she found a new layer of meaning in her life through weekly Torah study online with a French-speaking Rabbi in Jerusalem. I vividly recall the day she shared with me the joy and anticipation she felt before walking into a synagogue for the first time, eager to connect with Jewish individuals face-to-face. Although she hasn’t converted, this experience has profoundly enriched her life, offering her a spiritual connection she hadn’t expected.

Historical Parallels

Her journey is not just an isolated story of personal growth; it echoes the historical “convivencia” of ninth and tenth-century Spain, a golden era where Judaism, Christianity, and Islam intersected in remarkable harmony. Alton Brooks, a Professor of Religion at USC, describes this period as an extraordinary time when these three religions coexisted with mutual respect. Today, as we witness the growing interest in Jewish texts among diverse communities, it feels like a modern echo of that intellectual and cultural convergence.

This growing engagement with Jewish texts across various communities is not just a Jewish endeavour; it’s a potential pathway to broader redemption in our contemporary world. Just as the convivencia fostered a rich exchange of ideas and cultural enrichment, our modern exploration of Jewish thought can contribute to a deeper understanding and unity among people of different faiths and backgrounds.

Recently, I read Thomas Cahill’s “The Gifts of the Jews: How a Tribe of Desert Nomads Changed the Way Everyone Thinks and Feels.” Cahill, a Roman Catholic scholar, explores the transformative influence of Jewish thought on world history. His comparison of Israel with Greek and Roman civilizations highlights how these interactions led to significant advancements. Despite later claims of ideological superiority, Cahill points to historical periods of peaceful coexistence, such as the Islamic “convivencia” in Spain and the Renaissance.

“The Jews gave us the ‘outside and the inside’—our outlook and inner life. We can hardly get up in the morning or cross the street without being Jewish. We dream dreams and hope Jewish hopes. Most of our best words—in fact, new, adventure, time, history, future, freedom, progress, spirit, faith, hope, justice—are the gifts of the Jews…

Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone. That accomplishment is intergenerational may be the deepest of all Hebrew insights.”²

Cahill’s insights emphasize the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and recognizing the contributions of Jewish thought to our collective intellectual heritage. In an age where division and misunderstanding often prevail, studying Jewish texts provides a vital opportunity for redemption and intellectual enrichment for all.

My Educational Journey

Reflecting on my educational path, I recall a blend of experiences that shaped my identity. Growing up in a religious household, I attended an English Protestant school in Quebec due to the limitations of the education system. Ironically, Protestant schools were more inclusive of all students, while Catholic schools did not accept non-Christian Jewish children.

This dual existence often left me feeling like an outsider. While I spoke English and engaged with English-speaking teachers, my social circle was predominantly Hungarian-Jewish immigrants. The anomaly in my school was the Christian child. My most meaningful connection with an English Protestant was my high school art teacher, Helen Mackey, whose influence lingered with me throughout her life in Montreal.

After graduating early from high school, I briefly attended McGill University but felt disconnected. My dream was to study in Lausanne, Switzerland, but my mother’s insistence on studying in Israel led me to earn my BA from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

My Jewish education, woven from various threads—home teachings, synagogue rituals, Sabbath youth groups, Jewish summer camps, and Hebrew afternoon school—has been a journey of discovery. Only recently have I engaged in consistent Hebrew text study through Shiviti, a new Yeshiva for adult women in Jerusalem.

Through my studies, I’ve appreciated the vast range of topics our rabbis explored. Professor Yoram Hazony’s seminar on ‘The Big Questions About Judaism’ highlighted the often-overlooked value of the Hebrew Bible in today’s intellectual climate. This ancient text, rich in metaphors and literary devices, is a treasure trove of ideas.

Education as a Unifying Force

Our canonical texts, examined alongside commentators like Rashi and Maimonides, reveal profound wisdom. Watching the documentary series “Searching for Maimonides, The Great Eagle” deepened my appreciation for this philosopher, revered by multiple faiths, and illustrated the interplay between past and present, text and context.

Education is a unifying force in all its forms—whether through schools, libraries, concerts, or the Internet. It offers opportunities for engagement in the extraordinary tapestry of life. Yet, we must also acknowledge that education alone cannot solve all the world’s problems. Challenges such as inequality, prejudice, and ignorance still persist. However, education remains a crucial foundation for understanding, empathy, and cooperation among diverse communities.

This shared pursuit of knowledge is critical to fostering peace and harmony. Whether within academic institutions or in our homes, pursuing knowledge provides a pathway to redemption and unity. As we confront the challenges of our modern world, let us recognize the transformative power of education—not as a solitary solution but as a vital tool in our collective journey towards a more just and harmonious society.

Walking the Path of Wisdom

As you reflect on the role of education in your own life, consider how you can contribute to this ongoing journey of redemption. Whether through formal study, engaging in dialogue with those from different backgrounds, or simply nurturing a curiosity for the wisdom of the past, we can play a part in building a more connected and understanding world. The path to redemption is not walked alone; it is a shared journey that spans generations and cultures, guided by the light of knowledge and the spirit of learning.

Footnotes

  1. “Convivencia” refers to the coexistence of various religious and cultural groups in medieval Spain. For more information, see Wikipedia, Wikipedia, 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convivencia.
  2. Cahill, Thomas. The Gifts of the Jews: How a Tribe of Desert Nomads Changed the Way Everyone Thinks and Feels. Nan A. Talese, 1998.
  3. SHIVITI. “SHIVITI: International Women’s Learning Community.” shiviti.org.il, SHIVITI, 2024, shiviti.org.il.
  4. Hazony, Yoram. The Really Big Questions About Judaism. Zoom Seminar Series, 2024.

Reconciliation and Healing: The Pope’s visit to Canada

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The Pope’s recent visit to Canada marked a historic milestone in the ongoing journey toward reconciliation and healing for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. As I watched the events unfold, I felt an intense connection to the pain and resilience of the Aboriginal communities. Their stories of suffering, survival, and the pursuit of justice resonated deeply with the intergenerational trauma my own family has endured.

The Pope’s heartfelt apology for the horrors inflicted through the residential school system was a crucial moment of collective reflection on a dark chapter of our shared history. These schools, which operated from the 19th century until as recently as 1996, were not merely institutions of forced assimilation; they were tools of cultural erasure. Approximately 150,000 Inuit and Métis children were stripped of their identities, many enduring unimaginable suffering—physical and sexual abuse—and some never returning home; their final resting places remain unmarked graves.

Personal Reflections on Trauma

Listening to these stories echoes the painful history my own people have faced. As a child of Jewish parents who were persecuted in Hungary during World War II, I have always carried the weight of intergenerational trauma. My parents bore the loss of family members—parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins—as an invisible burden that shaped our lives. Their stories of survival, of navigating a world that turned hostile and deadly, are ingrained in my identity. The Pope’s apology made me reflect on how acknowledgment and apology, while not erasing the pain, are crucial steps toward healing.

The Power of Indigenous Voices

Over the past twenty-five years, Canada has made strides in confronting this grievous past. I’ve been deeply moved by the personal narratives of First Nation communities shared on national radio and TV. Each story has deepened my appreciation for their resilience and the richness of their cultural heritage. Listening to these stories has also sparked a longing for a similar platform within our media for the Jewish community—where more Canadians could celebrate and understand our traditions, history, and vibrant cultural tapestry.

Indigenous communities have been at the forefront of reclaiming their history, art, and languages. Programs like CBC’s Unreserved have been a powerful testament to their resilience. These writers, chefs, activists, and artists are not just preserving their culture—they’re revitalizing it, using their creativity to challenge stereotypes and assert their identity. Through poetry, food, and art, they reclaim, repair, and reflect on their Indigenous selves, reminding us of the power of cultural renewal.

Shared Trauma: A Jewish Perspective on Reconciliation

As a Jew, I feel a deep connection to the struggles of the First Nations. The trauma they face echoes the pain my family endured. The Jewish community, too, has suffered under colonial policies imposed by Christian rulers. A stark example is the Czarist decree of August 26, 1827, which conscripted Jewish boys as young as eight into Russian Cantonist schools, forcing them into twenty-five years of military service. These boys, often underfed and mistreated, were pressured to convert to Orthodox Christianity.

The Pope’s apology to the Indigenous community has prompted me to reflect on the meaning of apologies for unspeakable horrors. In Jewish tradition, the injured party has the prerogative to accept or reject an apology, yet acknowledging wrongs and offering reparations are crucial steps toward healing.

In my lifetime, I have witnessed the Catholic Church begin to take responsibility for its role in persecuting Jews. This acknowledgment culminated in Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Nostra Aetate on October 28, 1965, which renounced centuries of antisemitism. This declaration, which decried hatred and persecution of Jews, was a pivotal step toward reconciliation, further deepened by Pope Francis’s visit to Israel in 2014. True reconciliation requires ongoing dialogue and grassroots interactions to dispel stereotypes and foster mutual understanding.

“…the Church, mindful of the patrimony she shared with the Jews and moved not by political reasons but by the Gospel’s spiritual love, decries hatred, persecutions, and displays of antisemitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.”

One of the most potent examples of reconciliation I have witnessed occurred during a church service in Winnipeg. This event, organized by Pastor Rudy Fidel of Faith Church, brought together Cantor Moshe Kraus, a Holocaust survivor, two First Nations Chiefs, and a Klezmer band for a Sunday morning service. I had the honour of documenting this event, which included powerful speeches and performances that bridged our communities.

  • Two First Nations Chiefs: From 1:01 to 2:11 minutes, Jim Baird, Chief of Leech Lake of the Ojibwe Nation, introduced Grand Chief Jerry, recently elected as the Grand Chief of Thirty-two Nations. From 2:11 to 7:42 minutes, Grand Chief Jerry shared insights into his community’s current affairs.
  • Hazzan Moshe Kraus: At 10:32-20:58 min, Cantor Kraus recounted a poignant incident from 1942 in Budapest. At the request of a Hungarian Bishop from Potok, Moshe assisted in securing the release of the Bishop’s colleague and Moshe’s cousin, a Rabbi in Potok, who was incarcerated in Budapest.

We must all journey toward reconciliation and healing in a world marked by historical injustices. The scars of the past have been passed down through generations, and it is only by coming together—acknowledging the past, promoting empathy, and dismantling oppressive systems—that we can hope to heal. This involves creating safe spaces for dialogue, supporting cultural revitalization, and investing in mental health resources.

A Call to Action

Reconciliation isn’t just about words; it requires action. Here are some ways we can all contribute to this ongoing process:

  • Support Indigenous-led initiatives: Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply amplifying their voices, we can all play a part in supporting the work of Indigenous communities.
  • Learn and educate: Take the time to learn about the history and cultures of Indigenous peoples and other marginalized communities. Share this knowledge with others to foster a more inclusive society.
  • Advocate for policy changes: Push for reforms in education, healthcare, and other areas to better serve the needs of Indigenous communities and ensure that historical injustices are not repeated.
  • Engage in grassroots efforts: Participate in or support local initiatives promoting dialogue and understanding between communities. These interactions are vital for building a more compassionate and just society.

The journey of reconciliation and healing is long and complex, but every step taken brings us closer to a world where all can thrive in dignity and peace.