We have just recited responses to the four children who ask questions at the Passover Seder: The Wise, the Wicked, the Foolish and the Simple. Just as these children are guided to understand and identify with their history, we, too, must place ourselves in the arc of Jewish history as community leaders. We are required to retell the Passover story as if we, ourselves, were slaves in Egypt—oppressed and diminished as human beings. Few of us have known any oppression or discrimination approaching slavery. We are privileged to enjoy secure and free lives as Jews in North America. Yet, we are required kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh, All Israel is responsible one for another.
From a position of security and privilege, It is all the more shocking when anti-Semitism spews from misguided extremists or hatred catapults into violence. We have seen this happen here on rare occasion and can recall the fear and anger it aroused. Yet, for the most part, we have been bystanders and our daily lives have not been impacted.
Today, across Europe and in communities in Latin America and other areas, Jews are living in fear and uncertainty. What are the roots of today’s Anti-Semitism? Are we on the precipice of another Holocaust?
On April 14th, JPRO will continue its series on The State of World Jewry: Implications for Jewish Community Professionals. We will host an important conference call with Ira N. Forman, Special U.S. Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism. Moderated by AJC’s NY Director, Michael Schmidt, Mr. Forman will address and answer questions such as roots and trends in anti-Semitism, how anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiments intersect, the role of Islam and how today’s anti-Semitism differs from the 1930s. You will want to listen and ask your own questions. There is no cost, but you must register at tinyurl.com/pobnayo.
We wish you a joyous conclusion to Passover and happiness in spring’s arrival.