Dec. 2, 2022

Anti-Semitism

Show Notes

Steve Hunegs, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Minnesota and the Dakotas, joins Stan and Clarence to chat about anti-Semitism. When asked where to start on such a complex issue, Steve said it best, "We start with today."

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships. More about their work can be found at http://huemanpartnership.org/

Pre-Show Research

Antisemitism

“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance)
The term “antisemitism” was coined by Wilhelm Marr in 1873

A german political agitator who posited that jewish people were conspiring to run the state and should be excluded from citizenship

A Brief History

Biblical times

Jewish peoples’ refusal to worship idols was seen as stubborn and was resented by others
Anti-judaism evolved as christianity became the sole religion of the roman empire

The middle ages

Institutionalized discrimination against jewish people (i.e. forbidden to marry christians, prohibited from holding positions in government, prevented as appearing as witness against christians in court, etc.)
Jewish people were a scapegoat for bubonic plague in 14th century
Martin Luther and the transition from anti-judaism to antisemitism
Jewish people were required to wear a distinctive symbol so they were immediately recognized (13th century)

Modern times

France, England, and Russia all had histories of antisemitism
Germany was a deeply troubled country after losing WWI and obedience to authority was a strong cultural norm within the country
WWII and the Holocaust

Contemporary antisemitism

Antisemitism did not completely disappear after the Holocaust, but it became far less accepted
Upsurge of antisemitism in recent years

Criticisms of Israel
Belief that jewish people have a disproportionate amount of political and economic power

Antisemitism in 2022

In 2019, the ADL tracked 2,107 incidents of vandalism, harassment, and violence toward jewish people in the United States
Tree of Life Synagogue (Pittsburgh, 2018)

11 people died, at least 6 people were seriously injured

Normalization of antisemitic ideas and rhetoric

Donald Trump, Kanye West, and Kyrie Irving

Antisemitism & Public Health

Literature suggests we should treat antisemitism like other public health crises (i.e. smoking) and make it taboo
Long-term effects on physical and mental health for those who are victims of discrimination and hatred