ADL: Anti-Semitic incidents in U.S. up by 21 percent

[Behind the Aegis]

THIS IS THE JEWISH GROUP!


Anti-Semitic incidents in the United States rose by 21 percent in 2014, according to the Anti-Defamation League’s annual audit of anti-Semitism issued today (March 30).

The organization counted 912 anti-Semitic incidents last year, up from 751 in 2013, with the period surrounding last summer’s Gaza war seeing a surge of incidents. The tally included 36 cases of assault or other violence, 363 incidents of vandalism, and 513 cases of harassment, threats and events.

“2014 was a particularly violent year for Jews both overseas and in the United States,” Abraham Foxman, ADL’s national director, said in a statement. “Lethal anti-Semitism continues to pose a threat to American Jews and larger society as well.”

The count includes a wide variety of incidents, ranging from the shooting spree last April at a pair of Jewish institutions in Kansas that left three people dead to swastika graffiti, vandalized menorahs, personal spats involving anti-Semitic rants, offensive postings on social media and anti-Semitic letters to the editor.

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I am shocked! Oh wait, nope, not shocked. Given some of the things I have recently witnessed, it isn't surprising nor unexpected.

[marym625]

1. so sad.

And so wrong. And so much spurred on by the Republicans.

[Behind the Aegis]

2. Sadly, it isn't just spurred on by Republicans.

Anti-Semitism gets "a pass" by more than few people. It is one of the few prejudices some seem to have a difficult time understanding and are more than happy to create confusion in an effort to dilute it. The thing with the right is the love Israel, not the Jews, something most Jews already know.

[marym625]

3. I have to say, for me personally

I don't encounter it. I am not Jewish. I mean I don't see it or hear it personally. But then, I surround myself with like minded people. I was in my 20s the first time I ever heard one of the most used bigoted statements regarding Jewish people. I even had to ask it be repeated to make sure I heard it right.

Yes, the connection between Republicans and Israel, considering the bigotry of the party, is bizarre. But it's more about dissing the President than anything else. That and which religion to hate more.

Sad. Disgusting and sad

[MosheFeingold]

7. Maybe

I think the core of Republicans tend to be evangelical, and they take the Bible as true (as written), and that includes things like: (1) accepting G-d's covenant with the Jewish people as binding, (2) considering themselves "adopted" into the Jewish people through the Nazarine; and that (3) the Jews are "the apple of G-d's eye." etc.

So, I don't see a lot of hate for Jewish people there, or Judaism, just misguided concern. (My knowledge being based on conversations with Republican Congressmen when I was an aide/lawyer in Congress, many of whom annoyingly attempted to "witness" to me --- aka "convert me.&quot

They do, however, believe we are going to burn in Hell and are missing the boat and are sincerely concerned for our souls.

They also do get extremely frustrated when Jewish people reject the Nazarine as a false mosiach.

I've dealt with this my whole life, as I am Orthodox and clearly Jewish by my dress. I've had many an overly-long plane ride with Christians who insist on sharing their religious viewpoint. Initially I was angered, but now, in my old age, take it for what it is --- sincere, if misguided, concern --- and flattering in a weird way.

[marym625]

8. That's great you can see it that way

The misguided questions and unsolicited advice. I would not be so kind.

To me, anyone taking the bible as literal is just hogwash. And since there are so few, in the scheme of things, that actually follow the "word of god" to the letter, most are just hypocrites.

I'm sorry you have to put up with such things. I am an atheist and I truly believe that religion causes more harm and heartache than help and comfort. But I still respect the right of all people to worship whom they please, through whatever religion they choose

[MosheFeingold]

9. Meh

"To me, anyone taking the bible as literal is just hogwash."

Well, I am an Orthodox Jewish man, so that's the least of the problems. Reading said Bible without the Talmud (as do most Christians, which leads to absurd beliefs), and adding extra chapters to said Bible is where there is a rub.

I don't satisfy all the mitzvahs in the Bible, by any stretch. However, I attempt to, and leading a good moral life, loving your neighbor, is the primary function. The rest is commentary.

[marym625]

10. No doubt

I was referring mostly to the Christians that decide homosexuals are awful while they eat pork and shellfish, get tattoos, etc.

I admire your commitment

[MosheFeingold]

11. Not to distract from your point

But there is nothing wrong with non-Jewish people eating non-kosher food (e.g., pork, shellfish) or getting tattoos. Have at it.

Those restrictions are imposed on only Jewish people, and (unlike other religions --- Islam/Christianity), we generally don't push our religious beliefs on others. (There are some asshats who go overboard, like anywhere.)

Under mainstream Judaism, only the Laws of Noah apply to non-Jewish people, and the only food restriction relates to eating from a living animal/animal cruelty.

[MosheFeingold]

5. You clearly haven't read the Israel/Palistinian threads here on DU

Antisemitism goes across the political spectrum without differentiating one bit.

I've often read the political spectrum is a circle, with the far right and far left meeting and agreeing that they need to kill the Jewish people.

[marym625]

6. No, I haven't

And I won't. I realize I am losing in many ways by not doing so but I truly believe that this is something that will never be resolved. The people, on both sides, can't admit what they are doing that is wrong. That will be the only way there can ever be a path to healing.

So, I stay away.

I agree with your analysis of meeting at the 360 degree mark. But I think it applies to more than Jewish people

[ddembitz]

4. There is odd behavior in the US Civil Service

Maybe the ethnic prejudice has always been a strong constituent of the US Civil Service or maybe it is just an ingrained problem in the Boston Metro area? I am new to the group, but if possible, I would like to attach some files to my posts to illustrate the concerns. The US government has sponsored an "Idea Hub" which requests some changes or new ideas for the US civil service. One idea which was posted was to have management require federal employees to take diversity training. No action has been taken on that post. In the FAA, there is no mandatory diversity training, but there clearly is entrenched bigotry at the managements levels which leads directly to discrimination.

Is there a way to attach files to our posts?

Maybe this concern is not interesting to the group or maybe the discussion is being handled elsewhere? Pointers in the right direction would be appreciated.

Thanks.