This past week the New Jersey Legislature held a virtual hearing on S1292, a bill to accept the definition of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance of anti-Semitism, which includes “denying the Jewish people the right of self-determination.”
The preamble to this bill makes it clear that it was introduced as a result of pro-Palestinian demonstrations. There is a caveat that nothing should restrict rights under the First Amendment. But if you look carefully at the IHRA definition, it is fuzzy enough to do just that. What about supporting BDS, divestment from companies that invest in Israel, e.g., Caterpillar used to tear down Palestinian houses on the West Bank?
Without question, Anti-Semitism has had and continues to have dreadful consequences, but criticism of the Israeli government’s policies is not anti-Semitism. This is not the kind of response we need to anti-Semitism, which is part of White Christian nationalism. The racists in Charlottesville shouting “Jews will not replace us!” were not “very nice people.”
Prayer for the Day
Deliver us, O God, from people with good intentions,
Those who respond too quickly to events around them;
Save us from those who would limit our ability to think and act,
Especially in the face of unmitigated horror, such as in Gaza.
Help us develop a better approach, one that respects freedom,
One that takes on the real causes of anti-Semitism.
In the name of the One who always asked questions,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
This is a precarious moment for freedom of speech in our country, as we see protesters, students and professors thrown in jail for holding opinions out of sync with our political leaders.
Sadat Jaffer, former NJ legislator
Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities
IHRA definition adopted in 2016
Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over tem, so those who love your name ay exult in you
For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover them with favor as with a shield.
Psalm 5: 11-12