AntiSemitism In The United States Essay Research

Paper

‘The more things change, the more they stay the same’. This clich? has been used millions of times and never has it been more fitting than in this situation. The Holocaust was supposed to be a wake up call for the world, to let all nations know that racism and hatred must be abolished or at least contained in order for peace to exist. It seems that in this country, a nation founded on the principles of equality and freedom, the lessons of the Holocaust are being ignored. If you were to search the Internet and type in the phrase ‘white supremacy’ or ‘Nazi’, without a doubt you would find hundreds of organizations throughout the United States who still preach the teachings of Adolf Hitler. It’s almost terrifying to think that something like this could exist, but even here in the Bay Area you can find such Anti-Semitic groups. Anti-Semitism differs from the usual form of racism, it seems that it’s rooted much deeper in the psyche of people. Many cultures in the world have their own reason for disliking Jews, and that has carried over to the U.S. Those who hold strong religious beliefs dislike the Jews because of their unsubstantiated link to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Those of Arab descent also dislike Jews because of religious reasons and because of the founding of the state of Israel. It would be reasonable to say that Anti-Semitism is passed down from parents to their children. Although, parents may not teach the hatred of Jews, there is certainly some dislike of Jews expressed to their children. Just a few words like ” I hate those greedy Jews” may not seem too significant, but to an impressionable child it can have a crude effect. Every once and a while you hear news of a hate crime that was committed somewhere in this country. Sometimes, it is against an innocent Jew who’s only reason for being attacked is the religion he has chosen to practice. Even here in America, where we believe that everyone is treated with fairness and equality, the existence of Anti-Semitism is undeniable. In my opinion, I don’t think that will ever change. Mainly because it’s deeply routed in many cultures and because America is the land of many cultures, consequently Anti-Semitism becomes integrated into America.