October 7th, 2023, gave license to all anti-Semites, especially those on the left, to have a field day. It is funny how some blame Israel/Netanyahu for the increase in anti-Semitism, when they secretly are relieved because know they can operate in the open. Their "kitchen table" anti-Semitism no longer is relegated to hushed whispers in the house but now can be shouted on the streets and in once respected newspapers, which have now turned to "yellow journalism" when Israel or Jews are involved.
Anti-Semitism is mocked, ridiculed, and redefined to exclude Jews, and it is only one of the many words which have been redefined in order to cast aspersions on Israel, Zionism, and Jews. We are spoken over and around, at the same time we are instructed to "speak out". If they don't like what we have to say we are ignored, at best, and vilified, at worst.
We are screamed at as a society to be "woke" and understand diversity, but when it comes to Jews, the same people balk, if not punch down with gusto. Within hours of October 7th, it was called "genocide" (against the Palestinians), anti-Israel protests sprang up all over the world, almost as quick as the actual October 7th attack, the attacks were called "justifiable", the Hamas terrorists were PRAISED as brave and lauded as "Mandela-like." The violence against Israeli women, including rape, was mocked and they were called liars. Attacks against Jews worldwide were blamed, not on the anti-Semitic perpetrators, but on Israel! "Whataboutism" became a favorite pastime for many. We were and continue to be inundated with comments, stories, and "truths" from people who couldn't pick out Israel on a map, and they act as if they understand the complicated history of the area and situation because they read something on Instagram or X or some random website no one has ever heard of. They speak with underserved expertise because they see themselves as proud graduates with a degree in Ahistorical Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies from TikTok University.
The whole world was standing there, suppressing antisemitism, and when Oct. 7 happened, it said, ‘Oh, look. It happened. So we can do it, too.’ ”
A terrorist attack just happened in Israel several hours ago. Already, they are those defending it, excusing it, and making light of it. Any attack on Israel and/or Jews always has a chorus that immediately sings out: YOU DESERVED IT!
Anti-Semitism, though it has changed in guise depending on the need of the current society, is an example of a hate that permeates at all levels of society and, given the opportunity, raises its head and gets to work destroying Jews and Jewish lives.
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