ANTI-SEMITISM IN AMERICA AND EUROPE

INTERNATIONALCHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM Dear Tom,  If you had asked me some ten years ago if I thought anti-Semitism could become a big enough problem in the United States to endanger the Jewish community here, I would have said: “Absolutely not!” However, events over the last ten years have so changed the landscape of America that I can no longer respond as adamantly. My response to that question today is: “I certainly hope not!”   I am sure that some people in Europe feel the same about their country. After the horrific crimes against humanity—particularly the Jewish people—by the Nazi regime, many in Europe said: “Never again!” Germany outlawed Nazi symbols and what’s called Volksverhetzung—incitement of the people, or hate speech.   Of course, their history demanded such measures to be sure no remaining elements of the Nazi regime could regain influence in the country. America’s history is quite different. While we do have the stain of anti-Semitism in our past, it was limited to a degree of societal segregation and denying Jews entry into certain establishments. Our legal response was passing laws that did away with such discrimination based on race or religion.   We did not have a need for laws against Nazi symbols or incitement like Germany did. Our Constitution even protects them as freedom of speech. This is why we face the situation today where neo-Nazi protestors can march openly on campuses and in the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia while they would never be allowed to do so in Germany. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was not happy with this display from Nazi sympathizers and said, “… forceful action must be taken against it, regardless of where in the world it happens.”   ICEJ USA Deputy Director Daryl Hedding has an excellent article about the lessons we should draw from the Charlottesville demonstrations in this month’s Word From Jerusalem magazine. He explains the disturbing growth of not just one but three anti-Semitic movements in America that demand the church’s attention and reaction.     The European Problem   Please don’t think I am saying it is better in Europe—it is far worse. Some countries may have outlawed some aspects of Nazi anti-Semitism, but they have opened their doors to Muslim anti-Semitism which is expressed freely in the streets. Muslim immigrants are also destroying Europe’s way of life, and in response, there is an underground swell of far-right racism that is as anti-Semitic as any previous Nazi movement.   The situation in Spain is so bad that after the recent terrorist attack in Barcelona, the city’s chief Rabbi said that the Jews of Spain are doomed. He is encouraging them to leave.   The ICEJ’s Response   The ICEJ’s work of combatting anti-Semitism in Europe and around the world is critical. Our ground-breaking partnership with Yad Vashem allows us to provide top-notch education for Christian leaders about the sensitive issues surrounding the Holocaust and how to recognize anti-Semitism when it is expressed today. This month’s magazine contains a report on our partnerships with two Yad Vashem seminars.   Our branches in Europe are on the front lines of this growing epidemic and do everything they can to educate about its dangers. And we are preparing for the growing battle here in the United States. I used to think it could never happen here, and while I do still pray it never will, I believe we need to prepare just the same.   We need to provide more seminars in churches across America; host more Christian leaders at Yad Vashem seminars in Jerusalem; develop more tools for pastors, students, and lay-people alike; and grow our network from thousands to tens of thousands of pastors and Christian leaders ready to unite their voices against incidents as they arise—while we continue our ministry of love and blessing to the people of Israel. We cannot do this without your help. So, I ask you to please consider an extra gift this month, and together we can make a difference for the Jewish people. With your help, the ICEJ can withstand this evil tide in countries all around the world.    For Zion’s Sake,   Susan M. Michael US Directo