Unmasking the Alarming Surge of Antisemitism: A Global Perspective

This article was written for the Capitol Institute and can be found https://www.thecapitolinstitute.org/2023/12/12/unmasking-the-alarming-surge-of-antisemitism-a-global-perspective/

The alarming surge of antisemitism has cast a dark shadow over societies, echoing a historical trend that has persisted since time immemorial. In February 2020, the Gold Institute for Policy Research convened a crucial briefing in the U.S. Senate, shedding light on the disturbing idea that antisemitism might be the prevailing terrorism of our time.

The catalyst for renewed concern came from the heinous and barbaric acts committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians. The unintended consequences of these actions have unveiled the true extent of the antisemitic virus that has long lingered beneath the surface of global consciousness. Antisemitism, once debatable in its scope, now stands exposed as a systemic issue within various spheres of society.

Traditionally, antisemitism on college campuses was often attributed to a fringe minority of professors and what some deemed as "enlightened" students. However, recent congressional hearings with Ivy League university presidents have made it clear that antisemitism is deeply ingrained in our higher education system.

In response to Representative Elise Stefanik’s question to Harvard’s Claudine Gay, if “calling for the genocide of Jews violates Harvard's Code of Conduct.” “It depends on the context,” Gay said. This realization forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that this form of hate is not isolated but rather woven into the very fabric of institutions that shape future leaders.

The acknowledgment that some members of Congress harbor antisemitic sentiments is not new. Still, the shift from financial motivations to a desire for the destruction of the Jewish people is alarming. It is now clear as a climate utopian day this is no longer about the Benjamins; it's a manifestation of a deeply rooted hatred that transcends monetary concerns. Confronting this issue goes beyond symbolic gestures like purchasing carbon credits; it demands a meticulous dismantling of the systemic biases ingrained in our society.

Optimism in the face of adversity is a powerful perspective. In the aftermath of critical events like those on October 7th, the luxury of obliviousness has been stripped away, compelling individuals to choose between supporting the violent actions of groups like Hamas or advocating for peace. The deafening noise from the pro-Hamas faction on the left should not overshadow the positive momentum within pro-Jewish groups worldwide, which are becoming more emboldened and vocal.

An anecdote shared by this author provides a glimmer of hope amid the bleak landscape. A meeting with a state official and their advisor ended with a powerful statement: "I would take a bullet for you [and your people]." Such affirmations of solidarity underscore the importance of unity in combating antisemitism at the grassroots level.

The global political landscape is shifting, with European countries witnessing movements further to the right. Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, expressing concerns about Islamic migration, has seen success in recent elections, raising the possibility of becoming the next prime minister. In France, the rising prominence of Marine Le Pen signals a potential shift in leadership away from Emmanuel Macron. Meanwhile, in Argentina, the prospect of a pro-Jewish and pro-Israel leader, Javier Milei, being sworn in as president suggests a changing tide in South America.

The rise of antisemitism demands urgent attention and concerted efforts to combat its systemic roots. While the current scenario is disheartening, the emergence of solid pro-Jewish voices and shifts in political landscapes offer a ray of hope. It is crucial for individuals, communities, and nations to unite against antisemitism, recognizing that the fight against hatred requires collective action and unwavering commitment to a future free from discrimination.

Eli M. Gold is the president of the Gold Institute for International Strategy, a Washington, DC-based think-and-do tank.