I agree completely with the author. The double standard applied to Israel is hard to explain without acknowledging the role of antisemitism. Israel is not unique in how it was formed or in the conflicts it faces, yet it is judged by standards no other country is expected to meet.
Part of the reason Jews have always been such convenient scapegoats is that we fit the profile perfectly. Jews are highly visible and often successful, which breeds resentment. At the same time, especially in the diaspora, we are generally a peaceful and non-confrontational people. That combination — visibility, success, and passivity — has historically made Jews the easiest target for societies looking for someone to blame for their problems.
Israel changed one part of that equation because Israelis are fighters and refuse to remain victims. But the deeper pattern remains. When nations or movements want to explain their failures, Jews — and now Israel — often become the most convenient target.
I attended a sporting event recently. The woman in the seat in front of me was wearing a T-shirt with a quote printed on the back supposedly from Roman Emperor Caligula (a poor example of decency and humanity, I know, but bear with me). "It is not necessary that they love us, only that they fear us." Sometimes, one must embrace the hatred to survive.
The irony is that Zionism, particularly from Herzl on, aimed for " normalization", not exceptionality, for the Jewish people. A people in its country. As "normal", for better or worse, as everyone else.
But...and here is the tender point, as per the Torah, Israel is taxed, or blessed, with being also "a light unto the nations". Exceptional, a model, an example, an enlightenment.
This is where the resentment comes from, including the "chosen" status Israel believed in. Such envy and contempt props Israel to the impossible double standard. The obligation of others to achieve such standard, too difficult in their consideration, creates the cognitive dissonance and the demonization of those still aware of such standards, even as they, the Jews, as always, struggled with their human natures and sought to perfect them.
To be both normal and exceptional will always be an impossible proposition, and thus the unending struggle.
I agree completely with the author. The double standard applied to Israel is hard to explain without acknowledging the role of antisemitism. Israel is not unique in how it was formed or in the conflicts it faces, yet it is judged by standards no other country is expected to meet.
Part of the reason Jews have always been such convenient scapegoats is that we fit the profile perfectly. Jews are highly visible and often successful, which breeds resentment. At the same time, especially in the diaspora, we are generally a peaceful and non-confrontational people. That combination — visibility, success, and passivity — has historically made Jews the easiest target for societies looking for someone to blame for their problems.
Israel changed one part of that equation because Israelis are fighters and refuse to remain victims. But the deeper pattern remains. When nations or movements want to explain their failures, Jews — and now Israel — often become the most convenient target.
100%.
With exceptional in addition to Jew hatred, is making the Jew pay for his land.
I attended a sporting event recently. The woman in the seat in front of me was wearing a T-shirt with a quote printed on the back supposedly from Roman Emperor Caligula (a poor example of decency and humanity, I know, but bear with me). "It is not necessary that they love us, only that they fear us." Sometimes, one must embrace the hatred to survive.
The irony is that Zionism, particularly from Herzl on, aimed for " normalization", not exceptionality, for the Jewish people. A people in its country. As "normal", for better or worse, as everyone else.
But...and here is the tender point, as per the Torah, Israel is taxed, or blessed, with being also "a light unto the nations". Exceptional, a model, an example, an enlightenment.
This is where the resentment comes from, including the "chosen" status Israel believed in. Such envy and contempt props Israel to the impossible double standard. The obligation of others to achieve such standard, too difficult in their consideration, creates the cognitive dissonance and the demonization of those still aware of such standards, even as they, the Jews, as always, struggled with their human natures and sought to perfect them.
To be both normal and exceptional will always be an impossible proposition, and thus the unending struggle.
A light to the nations?
Jealousy?
Jews that fight back scares them?
Conspiracy theories are easier to explain to the multitudes.
Seeking justifications to cleans their conscience?
Jewish refusal to convert and accept Christianity and Islam?
You keep doing you. We will catch up one day🙏