@AsleepAtTheWheel I’ve actually gone to a Jewish majority day school and a sixth form with a lot of Jewish students so my comments don’t come from a place of inexperience. While at school I just didn’t notice any real form of discrimination or bigotry towards other Jewish students. Even though the UK doesn’t have the most favorable view of Israel it still is amongst the most tolerant countries in the world.
I just find it hard to believe that in the United States of all places there would be any form of irrational hatred towards anyone based on race or religion. In addition to this, the U.S. is very pro-Israel and even has a more favorable view of Jews than Catholics. That is why I find it very frustrating when accusations of anti-Semitism are made and in this case I feel it isn’t a valid accusation. What the professor said was wrong but in her statements she was referring both to the United States and Israel as countries and not Jews as individuals. Her statements were false and inaccurate but are from paranoia and conspiracy theories than any real form of hatred. She simply stated a conspiracy theory which Israel seemed to fit into. She belongs in the same category of people who believe shape shifting lizards that live underground in California control the world.
I don’t understand why anti-Semitism has to turn into a complex issue when it really should be defined simply as a form of irrational hatred towards Jews fullstop. People who try to spread fear and anxiety in the Jewish community are the ones that are doing the most harm and resulting in these hate crime accusations either from paranoia about non-Jews or delusional beliefs not to say there aren’t genuine cases but they are very rare. What we need now is more peace and understanding among people of different racial, religious and cultural backgrounds NOT hate, fear and anxiety.
The truth is the vast majority is safe in the United States and that those who are spreading fear are just looking for something to worry about and trying to create hysteria. Who wants to live like this? In constant fear of being a victim? Viewing people as potential monsters that could strike at any moment? How does this help Jewish students or help improve their college experience at all? That is why you are part of the problem and preventing Jewish students from having peace of mind while in college.