(Jewish Group) We can't sweep anti-Semitism under the rug

(THIS IS THE JEWISH GROUP! RESPECT!!)

This past August, the infamous Holocaust denier, Ursula Haverbeck, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for her insistent anti-Semitic ideals and public Holocaust denial. Anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial, the German courted ruled, do not fall under their law of free speech, as detailed in The Telegraph. Recently, President Donald Trump proclaimed that "Jews today continue to face many different forms of violence, hatred, and bigotry around the globe" in his Hanukkah message this past Sunday, Dec. 2 as released on the official White House government website. In his speech to the country, he addressed a growing problem in the world — an increase in anti-Semitism. This is a problem that even our president can't ignore. In spite of this, his previous actions have only served to exacerbate the issue.

Anti-Semitism is defined as hostility or discrimination against Jews according to the Merriam Webster dictionary. For centuries, varying political groups have had anti-Semitism at the core of their beliefs. Anti-Semitics believe Jews to be a "separate and dangerous 'race'" as The Holocaust Encyclopedia describes. During the Holocaust, nearly six million Jewish men, women and children were killed by the Nazis. The Holocaust Encyclopedia cites the beginnings of anti-Semitism having roots in the Middle Ages, when legislation was enacted in Europe to segregate Jews from the rest of population and prohibit them from owning land. Anti-Semitism is a racist and hateful belief that refuses to fade into the shameful framework of the past.

Previous to his Hanukkah message, President Donald Trump has demonstrated a hesitance to condemn anti-Semites through various previous actions. Dr. Margarete Feinstein, a lecturer in the Jewish Studies Program of BCLA, detailed President Trump's hesitance to condemn anti-Semitism, stating that "There are white supremacists who have supported the President. It appears that in order not to alienate them, the President has chosen to downplay events in Charlottesville and elsewhere," Feinstein said. In addition, she cited that President Trump's reluctance to lose this supporter base began when he "accepted the endorsement of the former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke," an action that Dr. Feinstein describes as evidence of his admission and tolerance of anti-Semites.

Anti-Semitism is, at its most basic form, the hatred of people believed to be dangerous. It's a centuries-old tradition, one that each generation sees a rise of, and hopes to see the fall of. Unfortunately, anti-Semites still hold a strong grasp on our society today. As expert Dr. Margarete Feinstein puts it, anti-Semites "are opposed to what they think Jews represent, whether it’s communism, capitalism, liberalism, or anything else." On Oct. 21st, Robert Bowers opened fire on the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, Pa. In just 20 minutes he had killed 11 worshipers, injured two more, as well as four police officers, as USA Today reports. He is being charged with 11 hate-crime penalties, and more charges relating to using and carrying a firearm. Prosecutors in the case are seeking the death penalty.

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Sadly, when it comes to anti-Semitism, the first thing many people seem to do is pick up a broom, assuming they have a hand free from an unrelated protest sign that they also use to swat away discussions/claims/accusations of anti-Semitism.