It has been said that antisemitism is the oldest form of hatred in the world. In the Torah, the Jewish people dealt with Amalek, the greatest enemy of the Jewish people who was cursed to pursue this hatred for the rest of human history, tormenting the Jewish people for all time. History has proven this to be true, as the Jewish community has had a number of oppressors and tormentors who sought total Jewish annihilation. Even today, there are many who harbor this old hatred. Let’s be clear that antisemitism doesn’t have any specific political orientation. It comes from all sides. However, this article will specifically discuss rising antisemitic patterns that are currently being seen from across the globe from the political far-right. This article will also discuss future predictions and solutions for? strategies for? What can be done about these alarming results?
Studies conducted in Europe and the U.S reveal that far-right extremism is increasing, often seen through violence, protests, and in online forums. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, terrorist attacks by far-right extremists in the U.S have increased in the past ten years. Of the targeted victims, 31% were Jewish or Muslim (4-CSIS). The perpetrators of these hateful acts are motivated by white supremacy and ultra-nationalism, and they use social media and global far-right networks to conduct themselves.
Politically, it seems right-wing ideology gets stronger with every election across the world. New parliamentary elections have brought right-wing governments in Italy, Poland, Sweden, and Hungary among countless others (2-usnews). Further, countries across the globe are experiencing a resurgence of strong right-wing movements even if they are not an ideological majority in government. Brazil, seen most recently with the destruction of the presidential palace, still has a significant pro-Bolsonaro and pro-right ideological persistence. Right-wing ideological proponents in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America all share similar views regarding social and religious issues. These issues often take the form of nationalist, populist, anti-immigrant, and anti-government attitudes. Recently we have seen political crises in the U.K, France, and Israel, countries where the balance of political ideology is jeopardized by populist sentiments. These political crises are going to increase in the future in conjunction with the rise of right-wing political ideals among the citizens of the world.
Today, Jews are experiencing a rise in anti-semitic attacks. The ADL has confirmed that 2021 and 2022 were the “highest years on record for documented reports of harassment, vandalism and violence directed against Jews” (1-NPR). Moreover, 2021 and 2022 saw the biggest increase in anti-semitic rhetoric and violence among the far-right (2-ADL). Clearly, these increases have to do with the rise of right-wing ideology. Right-wing populism and white supremacy embolden politicians and influencers, seen most recently with the rapper-turned antisemite Ye, formally known as Kanye West, whose friendship with online neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes garnered widespread or much social media attention. Furthermore, the new Republican congressional majority harbors infamous right-wing populists such as Marjory Taylor Greene, Paul Gosar, and Matt Gaetz who have greatly contributed to the violent rhetoric and hateful acts towards Jews.
Far-right antisemitism is one of the biggest dangers to the Jewish community today. Its rise is alarming and real, with no end in sight. Although it is shocking to many, these developments have been brewing for quite some time. Hate has always existed and the oldest form of hate is no exception. However, what was not expected was the outpour of support for Jewish communities across the globe. Many organizations, institutions, companies, and communities across the globe have all condemned anti-semitic and far-right terrorism recently. Yet sometimes condemnation is not enough. Advocacy and outspoken activism?s are some of the best things we can do right now. Speaking out against anti-semitism shows the world that Jews are not afraid and are not going to idly stand by while hateful rhetoric is being pushed into the mainstream. Fighting against this old hatred can allow all of us to become stronger and more united against it.
Sources:
1. Antisemitism is on the rise again. Here’s why : NPR
2. Far-Right Extremism Growing Across Europe, Survey Finds (usnews.com)
4. The Rise of Far-Right Extremism in the United States (csis.org)
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