Anti-Semitism has become a problem on different levels in America. Repeated anti-Semitic tropes by Rep. Ilhan Omar, suggesting American Jews’ dual-loyalty to Israel and the US, prompted the US House resolutionthat denounces anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry. However, it will be a finger-in-the-dike fix until the Jewish people realize what is in our ability to do: to treat the core of the problem—a lack of unity among the Jewish people—and implement its solution—a method that can unite us above our differences, enabling the world at large to follow suit.
As I expressed in my previous article, “Anti-Semitism in Mainstream American Politics,” there is no fine line between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. Criticism against Israel is the new façade masking Jew hatred. Rep. Omar’s recent insinuation that Israel demands “allegiance” from American lawmakers is another link in a chain of accusations suggesting Jewish money is pulling the strings behind US politics, and that Israel has “hypnotized the world.”
How should we respond when we’re increasingly blamed for all kinds of problems in the world?
From Abraham’s Tent to the US House
The House resolution, which passed after an intense partisan debate, states that “accusing Jews of being more loyal to Israel or to the Jewish community than to the United States constitutes anti-Semitism because it suggests that Jewish citizens cannot be patriotic Americans and trusted neighbors.” It also condemns “anti-Semitism” and “anti-Muslim discrimination and bigotry against minorities.”
The problem with such statements is that they are useless and will fail to prevent any future flaring of hatred since they fail to address the root of the hatred. Moreover, such a resolution also lacks a model that can be followed in order to transform society into a place of acceptance and harmony. In short, there needs to be an accurate diagnosis of the root of anti-Semitism, and a realization of the method to solve it.
Where can we find such a diagnosis and method?
In ancient Babylon, a group gathered under Abraham’s tent to rise above their egoism, i.e. self concern on account of others. They build the foundation of the Jewish nation by studying and implementing a methodof connection upon themselves, bringing them to the attainment of unity above the egoistic division piercing society.
This nation also became the first and only nation in history built solely on the basis of love of others, instead of geographical proximity or biological affinity. This remains the uniqueness of the Jewish nation till today: a critical mass of people from all walks of life who attained and lived by unifying themselves above all forms of egoism and division that surfaced.
That is the kind of role model the world needs. Moreover, the world expects such an example from the Jewish people: world leaders, societies and nations, and literally every person on the planet, has a subconscious expectation on the Jewish people to bring a positive example of uniting above egoism.
Anti-Semitism is the world’s way of telling us to unite above our differences, to become a replicable model of unity for the world to follow, bringing about a peaceful and harmonious existence above hatred, bigotry and division. In the words of the sage King Solomon, “Hate stirs strife, and love covers all crimes” (Prov 10:12).
Today, we’re out of options. We live in a time of rapidly mounting pressure against Jews worldwide, and we can succeed only with the aid of a method that unites us over hatred. Otherwise, we will suffer the consequences of the increasing hatred swallowing us. The method of connection is our Jewish heritage, and it is our duty to bequeath it onto humanity. It is our role and the purpose of our existence as a people. Its implementation is our safety net, our insurance for a pleasant life and for the world’s embrace.
Featured in The Times of Israel