With the October attack on Israel and subsequent public antisemitism, especially at universities, it is important to ask: What are the reasons for the hatred of Jews and Israel? This week, Rabbi David Woznica shares thoughts.
Why the Scapegoat Explanation Does Not Explain Antisemitism
One of the most common explanations for antisemitism, widely held by Jews and others, is that the Jews are the scapegoat. This theory posits the ills of a society need to be blamed on a group (deemed the “scapegoat”) and the Jews are a convenient target.
And yet, further consideration of this theory suggests it isn’t an explanation for antisemitism.
While many groups and nations are (or have been) hated, there is no hatred as enduring and deep as antisemitism. Have Jews been used as scapegoats? Most certainly. Yet, this does not explain antisemitism as it does not answer the question: Why are Jews so often chosen to be the scapegoats?
Today, in a world of some 200 countries, there is only one country targeted for destruction. Iran has publicly announced its wish to destroy the State of Israel and the Jewish People. Students on campus declaring “From the river to the sea, all of Palestine will be free” are announcing similar wishes.
In focusing on the scapegoat theory as the source of antisemitism, I suggest we miss the true source of the hatred of the Jewish people. Over the course of the next few days, I will posit what I believe are main and enduring causes.
Watch Rabbi Woznica’s latest sermon, Israel, Hamas, Palestinians and Their Supporters: Seven Vital Realizations