When we decided to move to Germany for a few years, we were asked before, during and after our 4 year sojourn whether we weren’t bothered by the history of anti-Semitism. My response was, and is, that the history of anti-Semitism is of far less concern to me than its current reality. My (politically conservative American) in-laws constantly point out acts or events of anti-Semitism around the world. When I direct their attention to anti-Semitic graffiti on local homes, or arson attacks against synagogues in this country (Syracuse a few years back), or the attack on a Kindergarten in California, they fall silent.

Home truths I teach my kids, and tell anyone who will listen:
1. There are very few of us, and a great number of others who hate us
2. Hate is always louder, and more violent, than love
3. The US is not immune to anti-Semtism. It is a host country for Jews which just happens to be more hospitable than others - for the moment
4. Never outstay your welcome

Sad,but true. I would rather feel welcome, and secure and trust completely in the ongoing safety of the US. But history is a strict teacher, and reality a harsh master.

All the more reason, then, not to let it slide when politicians “joke” about killing disliked minorities.

I don’t want to hear anymore about the poor Gazans who are held “captive” by their evil brethren. You make choices in this world, to love or to hate. And they have made theirs.

[Link: www.jpost.com…]

And indeed, the murder of the Fogel children and their parents was greeted with jubilation in Gaza.

Carnivals were held in the streets as Hamas members handed out sweets.

re: #1 imp_62

All very true, but you do acknowledge, I assume, that when it comes to Palestinian/Israeli relations, it’s a whole different kind of animal. And this particular story, I mean the larger story (not just the one posted here), but the larger story of Arab anti-Semitism, has permeated other societies against us.

re: #4 marjoriemoon

Not only do I acknowledge what you have said, an agree with it, I meant it to be subsumed by my assertions above. When you are outnumbered, traditionally subject to horrendous vilification and have historically been scapegoated for everything from deicide to economic collapse, you should take no safe haven for granted.