With Brexit fever still in play, the country is facing anti-Semitism furore especially in connection with the Labour Party led by Jeremy Corbin. 8 Labour MPs have resigned from the Labour party because of anti-Semitism prevailing in the party. This was, one of the main reason for their resignation and disaffection.
The Labour leadership has declared that they are dealing with the matter and do not support racism or anti-Semitism in shape or form. Some members have already been expelled and others suspended, pending investigation. There is some confusion among the people as to what exactly is anti-Semitism. It is important for people to know the background of it, in order to better understand why or how it is happening and to put a stop to it.
History has shown that at various times over the last 1,700 years the Jews have been expelled from over 80 different countries. Historians and experts have concluded there are at least six possible reasons:
• Racial Theory – the Jews are hated because they are an inferior race.
• Economic Theory – the Jews are hated because they possess too much wealth and power.
• Outsiders Theory – the Jews are hated because they are different from everyone else.
• Scapegoat Theory – the Jews are hated because they are the cause for all the world’s problems.
• Deicide Theory – the Jews are hated because they killed Jesus Christ.
• Chosen People Theory – the Jews are hated because they arrogantly declare they are the “chosen ones of God.” Is there any substance to these theories? With respect to the racial theory, the truth is that the Jews are not a race. Anyone in the world of any colour, creed or race can become a Jew.
The reason given are not valid in view of the changing modern world and people’s perception. The idea that the Jews deserve a land of their own is called Zionism and this has manifested itself into the modern version of anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism. Israel was founded in 1948 after 100 years of protest and patience. Since its creation, the state has been met with anti-Semitic attacks through literature, accusations, and U.N. resolutions. It is definitely the main cause of Jewish hatred in the modern world. There is strong need for better understanding by both the non-jewish and jewish people to get rid of these prejudices and to live in peace with each other. Hatred breed hatred and peace breed peace.
Baldev Sharma
Rayners Lane, Harrow
