Jewish Lives Matter
Anti-Semitism and discrimination against the Jewish population is as real and relevant of an issue as it was decades ago. The acts against them are unacceptable, as are any discriminatory attacks, and the community deserves the support and attention of all of us.
From December 10th to December 18th in 2020, Hanukkah was celebrated worldwide by the Jewish community. They were also faced by harmful attacks against their faith in this time, all of which inspired fear and discomfort where there should have been love and acceptance. For some people, it may be easier to live in ignorance rather than attempt to learn about the lives they’re actively affecting. But, this kind of behavior is too harmful to continue to allow.
During a Hanukkah celebration on Dec 12, a Kentucky man was run over by an assailant who was believed to be anti-Semitic, shouting anti-Jewish slurs before the attack. This was the third night of Hanukkah. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries, but he insisted that the menorah be lit before any first responders were notified. He did not want the very values of their celebration to be undermined, despite his state. He was hailed as a hero for his perseverance, but the reality of the situation is that the Jewish population has had to push through this kind of hatred for generations.
The Kentucky assault was one of a few anti-Semitic acts that occurred during Hanukkah, each just as, if not more vile than the last. These include (but are not limited to) the defacing of the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial in Boise, Idaho with Nazi propaganda, as well as a cyber attack on North Shore Hebrew Academy High School in New York, where their website was overrun with hateful messages and images.
There is no easy way to cover all of the negative effects that have come from anti-Semitism. Acts can cause insecurity, low self-esteem, and a variety of reactions from person to person. This goes for many other types of discriminations across religion, race, orientation, and more. Hatred in all forms is unfortunately still a huge, deep-rooted issue in our society today, but that doesn’t mean it should be treated as if it will never cease.
There are small steps that can be taken to increase the awareness of these sorts of attacks, and to offer our support to the communities that suffer this kind of injustice. We should never be afraid to speak up or ask questions, we should take the time to educate ourselves and others, and keep the conversation going.
Sources
3 https://www.insider.com/fbi-investigating-anti-semitic-hack-new-york-jewish-school-2020-12
Daniel Brouse is a student in 12th grade. He is president of the orchestra and a member of the GSA. He is interested in psychology, creative writing, cartoons,...
