The Rise of Antisemitism: A Consequence of Progressive Politics
By J. Peder Zane for RealClearWire
The recent wave of antisemitic rhetoric and behavior is shocking to many liberals, who are now seeing the consequences of allowing left-wing ideologues to hijack their politics and their children. The issue of antisemitism has been allowed to simmer and boil over on many college campuses and on the streets of major cities, and it is directly related to the division and hatred fostered by progressive politics.
The Democratic Party has embraced identity politics in recent years, assigning Americans to specific groups and pitting them against each other. The result has been a spread of false narratives, demonizing America as a hotbed of hatred, white supremacy, and Christian nationalism. This has contributed to the rise of antisemitism, with the focus shifting to Jews as “the bad guys.”
In addition to the false narratives, fearmongering publications such as the Washington Post, the Atlantic, and the New York Times have routinely compared Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler and have warned of his supposed plans to rule as a dictator if he wins in 2024. This kind of rhetoric has fueled divisiveness and hatred, further contributing to the rise of antisemitism.
Furthermore, the Democratic Party has supported efforts to criminalize and vilify the former president, Donald Trump, including filing numerous felony charges against him, most of which are flimsy and absurd. They have also supported investigations that were based on false claims, such as the belief that Trump colluded with Russia. These efforts have only served to deepen the divide in the country and to promote a culture of hatred and division.
The rise of antisemitism is not a standalone issue. It is deeply entwined with the left’s weaponization of the criminal justice system, censoring of speech they don’t like, and silencing of dissenting voices. It is also closely linked to the rise of cancel culture, the bullying of conservative speakers on college campuses, and the inability to engage in open dialogue and tolerance.
The left’s willingness to suspend traditional values in the name of defeating their political adversaries has led to a dangerous alliance that is now coming back to haunt them. By allowing the left to seize control of powerful forces in American politics and culture, including academia, corporate media, and the government’s permanent bureaucracy, liberals have enabled the forces corrupting our culture and have now found themselves in a situation where they fear speaking out against the injustice they see around them.
But all is not lost. Despite the daunting challenges, small actions can lead to bigger things. The approach of a new year and the spiritual season should inspire hope and action. For liberals who are appalled by the rise of antisemitism and other injustices, the time to speak up and stand against the forces corrupting our culture is now. The Old Testament advises us to speak out on behalf of the oppressed, even if they may sometimes vote Republican. It’s time for liberals to reclaim their values and make themselves heard.
As we head into a new year, the challenge is clear: it’s time for all Americans to stand up against hatred and divisiveness, no matter the political affiliations. It’s time to reject the narratives of fear and division and work towards building a society that embraces dialogue, tolerance, and justice for all. The rise of antisemitism is a wake-up call for all of us, and we must not let it go unheeded.
This article has been syndicated with permission from RealClearWire.
