by Ram ben Ze'ev
In an unsettling reflection of history, the current global climate of hostility towards Jews and Israel bears striking similarities to the early stages of anti-Semitism in Nazi Germany. Open threats of violence, public attempts to exclude Jews from institutions, and the defense of terrorism against Jews are becoming alarmingly normalised in many parts of the world.
Despite these ominous parallels, many Jews today, as in pre-Holocaust Germany, fail to recognise the growing danger. Recently, I've been thinking about the reasons behind this pattern, drawing from historical precedents to explore why Jews failed to act in the past and what prevents them from seeking refuge today, even with the existence of the nation of Israel as a safe haven.
Historical Precedents: Jewish Life in Pre-Holocaust Germany
Before the Holocaust, Jewish life in Germany thrived. Jews had assimilated into German society and contributed significantly to its intellectual, cultural, and economic fabric. Many Jews considered themselves more German than Jewish, seeing their country as an enlightened society where anti-Semitism, though present, was not an existential threat. They trusted in the rule of law, believed in the democratic institutions that had developed after World War I, and saw the Nazi rise as a temporary aberration that would pass.
However, as the Nazis gradually implemented increasingly hostile policies—first restricting Jewish rights, then excluding them from public life, and ultimately resorting to systemic violence—many German Jews failed to act. Part of this reluctance stemmed from disbelief: how could the country they called home, the birthplace of Goethe and Beethoven, turn so violently against them? Moreover, they feared that fleeing might mean losing everything they had worked for. By the time the full scope of the Nazi threat became clear, for many Jews, it was too late.
The Present Day: Rising Anti-Semitism Around the World
Today, we are witnessing a chilling rise in global anti-Semitism, reminiscent of the early stages of Nazi Germany. From university campuses to the political sphere, Jewish students and academics face increasing exclusion and harassment. In the aftermath of conflicts in the Middle East, attacks on Jews are often justified or minimised, with some going as far as to defend or excuse acts of terror against Israelis. The conflation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism has made it socially acceptable in many circles to express virulent hostility toward Jews under the guise of criticising the nation of Israel.
In parts of Europe, violent assaults on Jews and attacks on synagogues have become tragically frequent. The massacre at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue in 2018 and more recent incidents in the U.S. reveal that anti-Semitic violence is not confined to Europe or the Middle East; it is a global phenomenon. Despite this, many Jews seem reluctant to acknowledge the full extent of the threat or to take action to protect themselves.
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Psychological and Sociological Factors: Why Jews Fail to Leave
One question that looms large is: why do so many Jews fail to recognize or act on the signs of rising danger, especially in light of the clear lessons of history? Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, rooted in both psychological and sociological dimensions.
Denial and Optimism: As in pre-Holocaust Germany, many Jews today believe that the rule of law will protect them. They view anti-Semitic incidents as isolated and believe that the democratic institutions in their countries will prevail. This optimism often blinds them to the structural and widespread nature of the problem.
Social and Economic Ties: For many Jews, the idea of leaving their home countries, where they have built careers, families, and communities, is inconceivable. The act of uprooting one’s life and starting over, even in Israel, can feel like a drastic and unnecessary step until the danger is undeniable.
Fear of Being Seen as ‘Paranoid’: Another reason is the fear of overreacting. Jews in the Diaspora may worry that speaking too loudly about anti-Semitism will paint them as paranoid or disconnected from broader social justice causes. They may also downplay their own experiences in order to maintain social acceptance in progressive or academic circles, where anti-Zionism and, in some cases, veiled anti-Semitism can flourish.
A Belief in Universalism: Many Jews strongly identify with the values of universalism and human rights, believing that the moral arc of history bends toward justice. They are often hesitant to frame themselves as victims, preferring to focus on broader issues of social justice, which may cause them to downplay the specific threats facing their community.
The Role of Israel: A Haven Yet Unheeded
Israel offers a unique solution that did not exist in the 1930s: a homeland for Jews. Since its founding in 1948, Israel has been a safe haven for Jews from all over the world, offering refuge from persecution. Jews today have the right to make Aliyah and move to Israel, where they are guaranteed citizenship and protection. Yet, many Jews choose to remain in the diaspora, in countries where anti-Semitism is on the rise rather than relocate to Israel.
The reasons for this are complex. For some, Israel represents a difficult and unfamiliar place to live. Language barriers, cultural differences, and political instability make the transition daunting. Additionally, Israel itself faces threats, from terrorism to international isolation, which can make it seem like a risky alternative. For many Jews in the West, the idea of moving to Israel feels like an acknowledgment of defeat, a concession that they can no longer fight for their place in the countries where they have lived for generations.
Lessons from the Past, Warnings for the Future
History teaches us that the refusal to acknowledge danger until it is too late can have devastating consequences. The signs of rising anti-Semitism, exclusion, and violence today are reminiscent of those that preceded the Holocaust. While the existence of Israel offers a potential refuge, many Jews remain in countries where their safety is increasingly uncertain. The lessons of the 20th century should remind us that denial, however comfortable, can be perilous.
The challenge facing Jews today is to learn from history while navigating the complexities of the present. It is a difficult balance to strike: remaining vigilant without succumbing to fear, advocating for justice while protecting oneself and one's community. In the face of growing global anti-Semitism, Jews must recognise the warning signs and consider what steps are necessary to ensure their safety—before it is too late.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited, SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue