Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Jewish Group

Showing Original Post only (View all)

Richard D

(10,007 posts)
Fri Apr 11, 2025, 01:13 PM Apr 11

A 3,500-Year-Old Story That Explains Antisemitism Today [View all]

I consider this an important essay:


Pharaoh’s propaganda campaign might seem distant, but look a little closer and you’ll see something chilling: The script hasn’t changed much in 3,500 years.

Here are three enduring lessons from the Exodus that can help us better understand the real nature of antisemitism — then and now.
1) Antisemitism isn’t about the stated reasons. It’s about the Jewish spiritual threat.

Pharaoh didn’t say, “We hate the Jews because they believe in one God.” or “They make us uncomfortable because they won’t assimilate.”
No, he claimed the Jews were a national security threat: “The Israelites are becoming too numerous. ... If war breaks out, they might join our enemies and fight against us.”1

Really? A group of shepherds and laborers, who had lived peacefully in Goshen2 for generations, were suddenly a military threat capable of starting a war? This excuse is as flimsy as it sounds. It was a lie. A pretext. And that’s the first insight: Antisemitism rarely presents itself honestly. It hides behind superficial grievances: economic anxiety, political conspiracy, military suspicion, even the idea that Jews are easy scapegoats. But these are fig leaves. The real issue is much deeper.


Much more: https://substack.com/home/post/p-161073452
8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Very timely message, thx. Mosby Apr 11 #1
It's more and more obvious to me . . . Richard D Apr 11 #2
Anti-semitic vishnura Apr 11 #3
It's a good question with a strong differentiation Richard D Apr 11 #4
Semitic vishnura Apr 11 #5
It is deeper than October 7th JustAnotherGen Apr 11 #7
Excellent read in the lead up to Passover JustAnotherGen Apr 11 #6
Kicking this up JustAnotherGen Apr 12 #8
Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»Jewish Group»A 3,500-Year-Old Story Th...»Reply #0