“Eternal Prejudice: The Unbroken History of Jew Hate”

Tracing Jew Hate from Ancient Times to Modern Conflicts

An educational outline developed by Jerry Elman

Introduction

Jew hate, often referred to as the “oldest hatred,” has persisted through centuries, taking various forms and affecting millions of lives. This seminar delves into the origins, evolution, and manifestations of Jew hate from ancient times to the modern era. By examining this history, we aim to understand its roots, impact, and how society can work towards eradicating such bigotry.

Ancient Roots

The Birth of Prejudice

Origins in the Ancient World

  • Egypt: Jews in ancient Egypt faced prejudice due to their distinct religious practices. The biblical account of the Exodus reflects this tension, though historical evidence is sparse. Ancient Egyptian texts sometimes depict Semitic peoples in a negative light, hinting at early prejudices.
  • Greece and Rome: Greek and Roman writers often depicted Jews as outsiders. The Jewish refusal to worship multiple gods and their distinct customs led to suspicion and hostility. Historians like Tacitus and writers like Apion propagated negative stereotypes. Jews were seen as clannish and insular, leading to social and political marginalization.

Religious Tensions

  • Monotheism vs. Polytheism: Jewish monotheism was a stark contrast to the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding cultures, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. The exclusivity of Jewish worship was perceived as defiance against the religious norms of the time.
  • Judea’s Rebellions: The Jewish revolts against Roman rule (66-70 CE and 132-135 CE) intensified Roman animosity towards Jews, culminating in the destruction of the Second Temple and the expulsion of Jews from Jerusalem. These events solidified a legacy of Jewish resistance and Roman retribution.

Roman Renaming to Syria Palaestina

  • Aftermath of the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132-135 CE): In an effort to erase Jewish ties to the land, Emperor Hadrian renamed the province of Judea to Syria Palaestina. This act was intended to sever Jewish connections to the region and demoralize the Jewish population. The renaming also included the renaming of Jerusalem as a Roman city called Aelia Capitolina, where Jews were forbidden to enter.
  • Symbolic Significance: The renaming to Syria Palaestina was a profound act of symbolic violence aimed at eradicating Jewish identity and presence in the region. It marked a significant point in the historical narrative of Jewish displacement and diaspora.

Exile and Diaspora

Babylonian Captivity

  • Impact on Identity: The Babylonian exile (586 BCE) was a formative event, strengthening Jewish identity and religious practices in the face of displacement. The experience of exile and return shaped Jewish theology and communal life.
  • Cultural Integration: Jews in Babylon adapted to local customs while maintaining their religious identity, setting a precedent for future diaspora communities. The development of the synagogue and rabbinic leadership began during this period.

Diaspora Communities

  • Hellenistic Influence: In the Hellenistic period, Jews spread across the Mediterranean, establishing communities that balanced integration with cultural preservation. Jewish communities in places like Alexandria became centers of learning and cultural exchange.
  • Variations in Acceptance: Jewish communities faced varying degrees of acceptance, from flourishing in Alexandria to experiencing hostilities in other regions. In some areas, Jews achieved significant economic and social success, while in others, they were marginalized and persecuted.

Medieval Misery

Christian Jew Hate

Early Church Teachings

  • Church Fathers: Early Christian leaders like St. Augustine and St. John Chrysostom laid the groundwork for theological Jew hate, portraying Jews as Christ-killers and a cursed people. These teachings justified exclusion and violence against Jews.
  • Council of Nicaea: The council (325 CE) solidified the separation between Christianity and Judaism, fostering an environment of religious hostility. Anti-Jewish legislation and rhetoric became more institutionalized.

Blood Libel and Host Desecration

  • Myth Origins: The first blood libel, accusing Jews of using Christian blood for rituals, emerged in 12th-century England. These myths spread across Europe, leading to massacres and expulsions. Notable cases, such as the murder of William of Norwich, fueled these baseless accusations.
  • Host Desecration: Accusations that Jews desecrated the Eucharist added to the religious fervor against them, resulting in violence and persecution. Such accusations were often used to justify pogroms and legal restrictions.

The Crusades

  • First Crusade (1096): Crusaders massacred Jewish communities in the Rhineland, driven by religious zeal and the belief that Jews were enemies of Christianity. These attacks marked a significant escalation in anti-Jewish violence.
  • Subsequent Crusades: Continued violence against Jews during later Crusades highlighted the entrenched nature of Jew hate in medieval Christian society. Jews were seen as both religious and economic threats, exacerbating their persecution.

Economic and Social Factors

Usury and Economic Roles

  • Economic Niche: Jews often served as moneylenders due to restrictions on other professions. This role, coupled with Christian prohibitions on usury, made them targets of economic resentment. Jewish moneylenders were often depicted as greedy and exploitative.
  • Stereotypes: The association of Jews with money and financial exploitation reinforced negative stereotypes that persisted for centuries. This economic role was both a source of livelihood and a cause of vulnerability.

Ghettos and Restrictions

  • Segregation: Jews were confined to ghettos, isolated from the Christian populace. Venice established the first official ghetto in 1516. These segregated areas were often overcrowded and impoverished.
  • Legal Restrictions: Laws restricted Jewish economic activities, mobility, and social interactions, further entrenching their marginalized status. Jews were required to wear distinctive clothing or badges, marking them as separate and inferior.

Exiles

England

  • Expulsion of 1290: In 1290, King Edward I issued the Edict of Expulsion, banishing all Jews from England. The expulsion was motivated by religious and economic factors, including accusations of usury and blood libel. Jews were forced to leave their homes and properties behind, leading to centuries of exclusion until their readmission in 1656 under Oliver Cromwell.

Spanish Inquisition

  • Alhambra Decree (1492): The Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478, targeted Jews who had converted to Christianity (conversos) but were suspected of secretly practicing Judaism. The Alhambra Decree issued by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492 expelled all Jews from Spain unless they converted. The expulsion led to significant displacement, with many Jews fleeing to the Ottoman Empire, North Africa, and other parts of Europe.
  • Forced Conversions and Persecutions: Jews who remained in Spain and converted to Christianity were often scrutinized and persecuted by the Inquisition, leading to trials, torture, and executions. The trauma of forced conversion and persecution left a lasting impact on the Jewish community.

France

  • Multiple Expulsions: Jews faced multiple expulsions from France, including major expulsions in 1182, 1306, and 1394. Economic motives, religious intolerance, and political expediency often drove these expulsions. Each expulsion disrupted Jewish communities, leading to the loss of property and livelihoods.

Other European Countries

  • Germany and Austria: Various German and Austrian principalities expelled Jews at different times, including notable expulsions from Vienna in 1421 and Cologne in 1424. These expulsions were frequently motivated by accusations of ritual murder, economic envy, and religious prejudice.
  • Portugal: Following the expulsion from Spain, many Jews sought refuge in Portugal, only to face forced conversions and expulsion in 1497 under King Manuel I. The decree led to mass conversions, with many Jews practicing their faith in secret as “New Christians.”

Renaissance and Enlightenment

Changing Attitudes

Reformation and Counter-Reformation

  • Martin Luther: Initially sympathetic, Luther later wrote virulent Jew-hating tracts. His views influenced Protestant attitudes towards Jews. Luther’s writings, such as “On the Jews and Their Lies,” advocated for harsh treatment of Jews.
  • Counter-Reformation: The Catholic Church’s response to the Reformation included reinforcing negative views of Jews, although there were occasional attempts at betterment. The church’s stance remained largely hostile, emphasizing conversion over coexistence.

Enlightenment Thought

  • Philosophical Ambivalence: Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire criticized religious intolerance but often held prejudiced views of Jews, seeing them as backward or resistant to assimilation. A tension between ideals of universal equality and enduring prejudices marked this period.
  • Emancipation and Backlash: The push for Jewish emancipation in Western Europe met with resistance, leading to both legal advances and social backlash. The French Revolution and Napoleonic reforms granted Jews rights, but these gains were often contested.

Pogroms and Expulsions

Eastern Europe

  • Cossack Uprising (1648): The Khmelnytsky Uprising in Ukraine led to mass killings of Jews, one of the bloodiest episodes in Jewish history. Economic, religious, and social factors drove these pogroms.
  • Russian Pogroms: In the late 19th century, violent pogroms in Russia and Eastern Europe resulted in widespread death and displacement, driven by economic and political instability. Government policies often exacerbated these attacks with tacit or explicit support.

Russian Empire and the Pale of Settlement

Establishment of the Pale

  • Creation: In 1791, Catherine the Great of Russia established the Pale of Settlement, a region where Jews were legally permitted to reside. This area included parts of modern-day Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine.
  • Motivations: The creation of the Pale was intended to restrict Jewish economic and social influence, confining them to specific territories and preventing their integration into broader Russian society.

Life in the Pale

  • Economic Hardships: Jews in the Pale faced severe economic restrictions, including limitations on land ownership and certain professions. Many were forced into small trades, peddling, and crafts.
  • Social Isolation: The Pale of Settlement fostered a climate of social isolation and poverty, with Jewish communities largely cut off from the surrounding non-Jewish population. This isolation contributed to the perpetuation of negative stereotypes and further discrimination.

Pogroms and Persecution

  • Violence: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a wave of violent pogroms within the Pale, often encouraged or tacitly supported by local authorities. Notable pogroms include those in Odessa (1871, 1905) and Kishinev (1903).
  • Government Policies: Tsarist policies exacerbated Jewish suffering with discriminatory laws and periodic expulsions from certain areas within the Pale. These measures aimed to further marginalize and control the Jewish population.

Emigration

  • Mass Exodus: The dire conditions in the Pale prompted a mass emigration of Jews to Western Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This emigration significantly shaped the demographics of global Jewish communities.
  • Legacy: The Pale of Settlement’s legacy continues to influence Jewish history and identity, highlighting the enduring struggle against systemic oppression and violence.

Modern Manifestations

The Rise of Racial Jew Hate

19th Century Pseudoscience

  • Racial Theories: The development of racial science in the 19th century categorized Jews as a distinct and inferior race, fueling new forms of Jew hate. Influential figures like Houston Stewart Chamberlain propagated these ideas.
  • Publications: Influential works like Wilhelm Marr’s “The Victory of Jewry over Germandom” (1879) popularized the term “antisemitism” and spread racial hatred. These publications laid the groundwork for modern racist ideologies.

Dreyfus Affair

  • Political Scandal: The wrongful conviction of French Jewish officer Alfred Dreyfus (1894) for treason exposed deep-seated Jew hate in French society and polarized public opinion. The affair revealed the fragility of Jewish rights in the face of nationalist fervor.
  • Aftermath: The affair highlighted the dangers of institutional Jew hate and galvanized efforts for Jewish emancipation and defense. It also spurred the rise of Zionism as a response to persistent Jew hate.

The Protocols of the Elders of Zion

Origins and Impact

  • Fabrication: The Protocols of the Elders of Zion is a fabricated Jew-hating text that purports to describe a Jewish plan for global domination. It was first published in Russia in 1903 and quickly spread worldwide.
  • Influence: Despite being debunked as a hoax, the Protocols have been used to justify Jew hate and anti-Jewish policies by various regimes, including Nazi Germany. It has contributed significantly to modern conspiracy theories about Jews.

Contemporary Repercussions

  • Enduring Myth: The Protocols continue to be cited by Jew-hating groups and individuals, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and fostering hatred.
  • Countering the Lies: Efforts to combat the spread of the Protocols include education, public awareness campaigns, and legal actions against hate speech.

The Holocaust

Nazi Ideology

  • Racial Purity: Nazi ideology viewed Jews as a threat to Aryan purity, leading to their systematic extermination during the Holocaust. Adolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” articulated the virulent Jew hate that underpinned Nazi policies.
  • Nuremberg Laws: Enacted in 1935, these laws stripped Jews of citizenship and legal rights, laying the groundwork for the Holocaust. Jews were excluded from public life, professions, and education.

The Final Solution

  • Wannsee Conference: In January 1942, top Nazi officials met at the Wannsee Conference to formalize the plan for the “Final Solution,” which entailed the systematic extermination of the Jewish population. The conference marked a turning point from mass shootings to industrial-scale genocide.
  • Implementation: The Final Solution involved coordinated efforts across various Nazi governmental and military branches, including the SS, Gestapo, and local collaborators. This bureaucratic machine efficiently organized the transportation, confinement, and extermination of Jews.

Ghettos

  • Creation: Ghettos were established in occupied territories to segregate and control Jewish populations. Major ghettos included Warsaw, Łódź, and Kraków. These areas were overcrowded, with inadequate food, sanitation, and medical care.
  • Life in the Ghettos: Jews in ghettos faced starvation, disease, and brutal living conditions. Despite the hardships, many ghettos developed underground schools, cultural activities, and resistance organizations.
  • Liquidation: Ghettos were systematically “liquidated” by the Nazis, with inhabitants being deported to concentration and extermination camps. The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1943 was a notable act of resistance against these deportations.

Death Camps

  • Extermination Camps: Camps such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, Treblinka, Sobibor, and Belzec were built explicitly for mass murder. These camps utilized gas chambers and crematoria to kill and dispose of bodies efficiently.
  • Life and Death in the Camps: Jews and other victims were subjected to brutal selection processes upon arrival. Those deemed unfit for work were immediately sent to gas chambers, while others were forced into grueling labor under inhumane conditions.
  • Liberation: Allied forces liberated the camps in 1944-1945, revealing the extent of Nazi atrocities. Survivors faced a long and arduous process of recovery and reintegration into society.

Partisans

  • Resistance Movements: Jewish partisans and resistance fighters operated in forests and urban centers across Eastern Europe. They conducted sabotage operations, assassinations of Nazi collaborators, and guerrilla warfare.
  • Notable Groups: Groups like the Bielski partisans in Belarus, led by Tuvia Bielski, provided refuge and resistance against the Nazis. Their efforts saved many lives and disrupted Nazi operations.
  • Challenges: Partisans faced significant challenges, including lack of resources, harsh environmental conditions, and betrayal by local populations. Despite these obstacles, they played a crucial role in resisting Nazi oppression.

Pogroms

  • Pre-War Pogroms: Pogroms against Jews occurred sporadically in Eastern Europe before World War II, often incited by economic hardship, political instability, and deep-seated Jew hate.
  • Nazi-Era Pogroms: During the Holocaust, pogroms were orchestrated by Nazi forces and local collaborators. The most notorious was the Kielce pogrom in Poland in 1946, which targeted Holocaust survivors.
  • Impact: Pogroms resulted in the murder, rape, and displacement of thousands of Jews. They further deepened the trauma and devastation experienced by Jewish communities.

Jewish Refugees

  • Flight from Persecution: As Nazi policies became increasingly violent, many Jews sought refuge in other countries. However, restrictive immigration policies and widespread Jew hate limited their options.
  • Kindertransport: The Kindertransport was a rescue mission that brought thousands of Jewish children to the United Kingdom from Nazi-occupied territories. These children were placed in foster homes, hostels, and schools.
  • Post-War Displacement: After the war, millions of displaced Jews sought to rebuild their lives. Displaced Persons (DP) camps were established in Allied-occupied Germany, Austria, and Italy to provide temporary shelter and assistance.
  • Resettlement: Many Jewish refugees eventually emigrated to Israel, the United States, Canada, and other countries. The creation of the State of Israel in 1948 provided a new homeland for Jewish survivors.

Nazi Government and Industrial Focus on Killing Jews

  • Bureaucratic Efficiency: The Nazi regime meticulously organized the genocide through a complex bureaucracy involving multiple government agencies, including the SS, Gestapo, and local administrations. This efficiency was central to the industrial-scale murder of Jews.
  • Economic Exploitation: Jewish property and assets were systematically confiscated to fund the Nazi war effort and enrich the regime. Forced labor camps exploited Jewish prisoners for economic gain, contributing to Germany’s wartime economy.
  • Corporate Involvement: German companies like IG Farben, Siemens, and Volkswagen profited from the use of forced labor in concentration camps. These corporations were complicit in the exploitation and murder of Jewish laborers.
  • Technological Advancements: The Nazis employed advanced technology and logistics to maximize the efficiency of mass murder. Innovations in transportation, chemical engineering (Zyklon B gas), and construction of extermination facilities were integral to the Final Solution.

US and British Jew Hate During World War II

Restrictive Immigration Policies

  • U.S. Immigration Quotas: During the 1930s and 1940s, the United States maintained strict immigration quotas that severely limited the number of Jewish refugees who could escape Nazi persecution. The 1924 Immigration Act, with its restrictive quotas based on national origin, was used to justify turning away Jewish refugees.
  • The St. Louis Incident: In 1939, the MS St. Louis, carrying over 900 Jewish refugees, was denied entry to Cuba, the United States, and Canada. Forced to return to Europe, many of its passengers later perished in the Holocaust. This incident highlighted the deadly consequences of restrictive immigration policies and global indifference.

British Refugee Policies

  • White Paper of 1939: The British government’s White Paper limited Jewish immigration to Palestine to 75,000 over five years, with further immigration subject to Arab consent. This policy severely restricted the ability of Jews to seek refuge in Palestine during the Holocaust.
  • Internment Camps: During the war, Jewish refugees in Britain were sometimes interned as “enemy aliens,” facing harsh conditions and uncertainty about their future. This treatment reflected the broader ambivalence and suspicion towards Jewish refugees.

Refusal to Bomb or Disrupt the Killing of Jews

  • Allied Inaction: Despite having detailed knowledge of the Holocaust by 1942, the Allied powers, including the United States and Britain, decided against bombing the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp or the railways leading to it. Military leaders argued that resources were better used elsewhere, and there was a reluctance to divert from primary military objectives.
  • Moral Consequences: The refusal to take direct action to halt the extermination of Jews is a stark reminder of the limitations and moral failings of Allied policy during the war. Many historians and survivors have since criticized these decisions as missed opportunities to save lives.

Consequences of Refusing Jewish Emigration

Tragic Outcomes

  • Deportations and Death: The refusal to allow Jewish emigration and the subsequent deportations resulted in the deaths of countless Jews who might have otherwise found refuge. The restrictive immigration policies effectively sentenced many to death.
  • Psychological Impact: Survivors who faced rejection and witnessed the return of Jews to Europe experienced profound psychological trauma. The betrayal by countries that could have offered sanctuary added to their suffering and loss.

Post-War Reflection

  • Public Outcry: The revelation of the full extent of the Holocaust led to public outcry and a reevaluation of immigration and refugee policies. The failure to act against the Nazi genocide prompted debates about moral responsibility and the need for more humane policies.
  • Policy Changes: In the aftermath of World War II, both the United States and Britain made significant changes to their immigration policies, opening their doors to displaced persons and Holocaust survivors. The Displaced Persons Act of 1948 in the U.S. allowed for the resettlement of hundreds of thousands of European refugees, including Jews.

Jewish Persecution and Exile from Muslim and Arab Countries

Historical Context

Early Islamic Period

  • Initial Tolerance: During the early Islamic period, Jews were generally treated as “dhimmi,” protected but second-class citizens who paid a special tax (jizya) and had limited rights. This status afforded Jews a degree of protection and autonomy but also entrenched their subordinate position.
  • Cultural Flourishing: Jewish communities thrived intellectually and culturally in places like Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain) and Baghdad. Jewish scholars, poets, and merchants significantly contributed to the Islamic Golden Age, benefiting from the relatively tolerant and intellectually vibrant environment.

Medieval and Early Modern Periods

Increasing Restrictions and Violence

  • Persecution in North Africa: Jews in North Africa faced periods of severe persecution, including massacres and forced conversions, particularly during times of political instability or religious fervor. The Almohad dynasty (12th-13th centuries) was particularly brutal, forcing many Jews to convert to Islam or flee.
  • Ottoman Empire: While the Ottoman Empire generally provided a more stable environment for Jews compared to Christian Europe, Jews still faced restrictions and occasional outbreaks of violence. Jews were confined to certain quarters and had limited access to certain professions.

20th Century Turmoil

Rise of Nationalism and Antisemitism

  • Arab Nationalism: The rise of Arab nationalism in the 20th century often included rejecting Jewish communities, who were seen as outsiders and, increasingly, as associated with Zionism. This led to heightened tensions and violence against Jews in many Arab countries.
  • Nazi Influence: Nazi propaganda and ideology found some resonance in the Arab world, exacerbating Jew hate and contributing to violent incidents. The influence of figures like Haj Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, who collaborated with the Nazis, also fueled antisemitic sentiments.

Waves of Expulsion and Emigration

  • Iraq: The Farhud pogrom in Baghdad in 1941 saw the killing and looting of Jewish properties, marking a significant turning point for Iraqi Jews. Following the establishment of Israel, most Iraqi Jews were forced to emigrate under oppressive conditions.
  • Egypt: Egyptian Jews faced increasing persecution, especially after the Suez Crisis in 1956. Many were expelled, their property confiscated, and their citizenship revoked.
  • Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya: Jews in North African countries faced growing hostility and violence, particularly after the establishment of Israel. In Libya, anti-Jewish riots in 1945 and 1948 led to the departure of nearly the entire Jewish population.
  • Yemen: Operation Magic Carpet (1949-1950) airlifted most of Yemen’s Jewish community to Israel due to increasing persecution and violence.
  • Syria and Lebanon: Jewish communities in Syria and Lebanon faced severe restrictions, surveillance, and violence, leading to significant emigration.

Consequences and Legacy

Displacement and Loss

  • Cultural and Economic Contributions: The expulsion of Jews from Arab and Muslim countries resulted in the loss of vibrant communities that had contributed significantly to the cultural and economic life of these regions. Their departure marked the end of centuries-old Jewish presence in many countries.
  • Refugee Crisis: The mass exodus of Jews created a refugee crisis, with many settling in Israel, where they faced integration challenges, or in Western countries. These refugees often left behind substantial property and assets, leading to significant financial loss and hardship.

Modern Reflections

  • Reconciliation Efforts: Some efforts have been made to reconcile and recognize the injustices faced by Jews in Arab countries. These efforts include historical research, public acknowledgment, and compensation initiatives.
  • Preservation of Heritage: Historians and cultural organizations have become increasingly concerned about preserving Jewish heritage in Arab and Muslim countries. Efforts are being made to document and maintain synagogues, cemeteries, and other cultural sites.

Post-War and Contemporary Jew Hate

Post-War Europe and Beyond

Reconstruction and Memory

  • Rebuilding Communities: International aid often supported post-war efforts to rebuild Jewish communities in Europe. Jewish organizations and governments worked to restore cultural and religious life.
  • Holocaust Remembrance: The importance of Holocaust education and memorials in combating denial and preserving memory. Annual observances like Holocaust Memorial Day ensure that the atrocities are not forgotten.

New Forms of Hate

  • Neo-Nazism: The resurgence of neo-Nazi groups and ideologies in Europe and the United States. These groups often use modern technology to spread hate and recruit members.
  • Middle Eastern Jew Hate: The complex interplay of political, religious, and social factors contributing to Jew hate in the Middle East. Anti-Zionist rhetoric sometimes blends with traditional Jew-hating tropes.

The Internet Age

Online Hate Speech

  • Social Media: The rise of social media platforms has facilitated the spread of Jew-hating content and hate speech. Anonymous accounts and echo chambers amplify hate messages.
  • Countermeasures: Efforts by governments and organizations to combat online Jew hate through legislation and digital literacy programs. Tech companies face pressure to enforce stricter content moderation policies.

Global Perspectives

  • Europe: The persistence of Jew-hating incidents and the challenges faced by Jewish communities in countries like France and Germany. Incidents range from vandalism and harassment to violent attacks.
  • United States: The rise of Jew-hating incidents, including attacks on synagogues and Jewish institutions. High-profile events like the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting have highlighted the threat.
  • Other Regions: Jew hate in places like Latin America, Asia, and Africa is often influenced by local political and social dynamics. Each region presents unique challenges and contexts for Jewish communities.

Israel and Palestine

Historical Background

Zionist Movement

  • Origins: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of the Zionist movement, advocating for a Jewish homeland in response to widespread Jew hate in Europe.
  • Balfour Declaration: In 1917, the British government issued the Balfour Declaration, supporting the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine.

British Mandate

  • Mandate Period: The British Mandate for Palestine (1920-1948) saw increased Jewish immigration and tensions with the Arab population.
  • Violence and Riots: Clashes between Jews and Arabs, such as the 1929 Hebron massacre and the Arab Revolt (1936-1939), highlighted the growing conflict.

The Establishment of Israel

UN Partition Plan

  • Resolution 181: In 1947, the United Nations proposed partitioning Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem as an international city. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders.
  • Statehood: On May 14, 1948, Israel declared independence. The following day, neighboring Arab states invaded, leading to the first Arab-Israeli war.

Aftermath

  • 1948 War: The war resulted in a significant number of Palestinian refugees and set the stage for ongoing conflict. The armistice agreements left Israel with more territory than initially allocated by the UN plan.

Ongoing Conflict

Wars and Peace Efforts

  • Six-Day War (1967): Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights, significantly altering the regional landscape.
  • Peace Treaties: Efforts to resolve the conflict include the Camp David Accords (1978), which led to peace between Israel and Egypt, and the Oslo Accords (1993), which aimed to establish a framework for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Intifadas

  • First Intifada (1987-1993): A Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation marked by widespread civil disobedience and violence.
  • Second Intifada (2000-2005): A more violent uprising characterized by suicide bombings and military operations.

Modern Dynamics

Settlements and Borders

  • Israeli Settlements: The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank remains a contentious issue, viewed as illegal under international law by most countries but disputed by Israel.
  • Security Measures: The construction of the Israeli West Bank barrier, checkpoints, and military operations are justified by Israel as necessary for security but criticized for their impact on Palestinian lives.

Political Movements

  • Hamas: The rise of Hamas, an Islamist militant group governing Gaza, adds complexity to the peace process, with its charter calling for Israel’s destruction.
  • Two-State Solution: Efforts to achieve a two-state solution face significant obstacles, including political divisions, security concerns, and mutual distrust.

International Perspectives

Global Jew Hate and Anti-Zionism

  • Conflation: The distinction between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and Jew hate is often blurred, leading to accusations of bias and hate.
  • Diaspora Reactions: Jewish communities worldwide are affected by the Israel-Palestine conflict, facing increased Jew hate and the need to navigate complex identities.

Peace Initiatives

  • Diplomatic Efforts: International diplomatic efforts, including those by the United States, European Union, and United Nations, aim to mediate peace but often face setbacks.
  • Grassroots Movements: Initiatives by Israeli and Palestinian peace activists highlight the potential for coexistence and mutual understanding.

American Evangelical Christian Nationalism

The Rise of Evangelical Support

Historical Context

  • Religious Foundations: The rise of American evangelical nationalism has deep roots in the religious landscape of the United States. The belief in a uniquely American mission and destiny has often intertwined with support for Israel.
  • Theological Basis: Many evangelicals see the modern state of Israel as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. The idea of “Christian Zionism” has gained traction, with the belief that the return of Jews to the Holy Land is a precursor to the second coming of Christ. However, what happens to the Jews once that prophecy is a reality? History gives us that answer.

Political Influence

  • Lobbying and Advocacy: Evangelical groups have become influential lobbyists for pro-Israel policies in the U.S. government. Organizations like Christians United for Israel (CUFI) have significant political clout.
  • Support for Settlements: Many American evangelicals support Israeli settlements in the West Bank, viewing them as part of the biblical land promised to the Jews.

Evangelical Hatred of Jews in the U.S.

Historical Context

  • Early Prejudices: Jew-hate among American evangelicals has roots in the early colonial period, where Jews were often viewed with suspicion and contempt by Protestant settlers.
  • 20th Century: Throughout the 20th century, some evangelical leaders and groups perpetuated Jew-hating stereotypes, often viewing Jews as outsiders or Christ-killers.

Modern Dynamics

  • Conspiracy Theories: Certain evangelical circles have propagated conspiracy theories about Jewish control of the media, finance, and politics, echoing themes from the Protocols of the Elders of Zion.
  • Replacement Theology: A theological perspective held by some evangelicals that the Church has replaced Israel in God’s plan, often leading to a devaluation of Jewish people and their covenant with God.

Influential Figures and Groups

  • Gerald L.K. Smith: A prominent figure in mid-20th century evangelical circles, Smith was a vocal Jew hater who spread conspiratorial and hateful rhetoric about Jews.
  • Christian Identity Movement: This fringe evangelical movement combines racism, Jew hate, and biblical literalism, asserting that white Europeans are the true Israelites and Jews are impostors.

Evangelical Christian Nationalism

Definition and Origins

  • Ideology: Evangelical Christian nationalism combines elements of evangelical Christianity with a belief in America’s divine mission and destiny. It often emphasizes the role of Christianity in American identity and governance.
  • Historical Roots: This ideology has roots in the colonial period, where Puritan settlers believed in a covenant with God to establish a “city upon a hill.”

Political Influence

  • Moral Majority: Founded by Jerry Falwell in the late 1970s, the Moral Majority exemplified the rise of evangelical political power, advocating for conservative policies and influencing elections.
  • Contemporary Politics: Evangelical Christian nationalists have played a significant role in recent American politics, supporting candidates and policies that align with their religious and nationalistic beliefs.

Controversies and Criticisms

  • Intolerance: Critics argue that evangelical Christian nationalism promotes intolerance and undermines the separation of church and state. Its focus on a Christian-centric national identity can marginalize religious minorities, including Jews.
  • Jew-Hating Undertones: While some evangelical nationalists support Israel for theological reasons, their underlying beliefs often include Jew-hating undertones, such as viewing Jews as needing conversion or seeing Jewish influence as a threat to Christian America.

Broader Implications

  • Impact on U.S.-Israel Relations: Evangelical Christian nationalism influences U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding unwavering support for Israel, often for eschatological reasons rather than genuine support for Jewish people.
  • Domestic Policy: This ideology affects domestic policy, particularly in areas such as education, religious freedom, and the role of religion in public life. It often pushes for policies that reflect evangelical Christian values.

Combating Jew Hate

Legal and Social Efforts

Legislation and Policy

  • Hate Crime Laws: The development of laws targeting hate crimes and Jew-hating acts. Many countries have enacted specific legislation to address and penalize hate crimes.
  • International Cooperation: Efforts by international bodies like the United Nations and the European Union to address and combat Jew hate. Initiatives like the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) promote a unified definition of Jew hate.

Education and Awareness

  • History of Jew-Hate Education: Only by understanding the entire history of Jew-Hate and prejudice can we make any significant progress in promoting tolerance, respect and acceptance and prevent future genocides.
  • Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns aimed at educating the broader public about the history, dangers, and realities of Jew hate.

Jewish Resilience and Contributions

Cultural and Scientific Contributions

  • Prominent Figures: Highlighting Jewish contributions to science, culture, and society, from Albert Einstein to Jonas Salk. Jewish individuals have made significant advancements in various fields.
  • Cultural Revival: The resurgence of Jewish culture and traditions in the post-war era, including literature, music, and religious practices. Jewish festivals, music, and art continue to thrive and evolve.

Community Strength

  • Resilience: Jewish communities’ enduring strength and resilience in the face of ongoing prejudice and discrimination. Jewish organizations and networks provide support and advocacy.
  • Solidarity and Support: The importance of solidarity and support from allies in combating Jew hate and promoting inclusivity. Interfaith and intercultural dialogues foster mutual understanding and cooperation.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the Oldest Hate

Lessons Learned

  • Historical Insights: Understanding the persistence of Jew hate and the factors that fuel it. Analyzing past mistakes helps prevent future occurrences.
  • Future Vigilance: The importance of remaining vigilant against Jew hate and other forms of bigotry. Continued education and activism are essential.

A Call to Action

  • Combating Bigotry: Encourage participants to take active steps to combat Jewish hate and promote a more just and inclusive world. Advocacy, education, and community engagement are key.
  • Building Bridges: Building bridges between communities to foster understanding and cooperation. Collaborative efforts can break down barriers and create a more harmonious society.

This outline provides a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the history of Jew hate, tracing its roots, manifestations, and the ongoing struggle against this pernicious form of hatred. By understanding the past, we can better prepare to combat and prevent Jew hate in the future.