President Trump's envoy on anti-Semitism warns that corona incites hatred of Jews • He calls on states to unite "to condemn this heinous hate speech"

• Girls in Pittsburgh after the massacre in the synagogue // Photo: AP

"We assisted in the 9/11 attacks because we also assisted before them," said New York Secretary General John S. Raskey in 2001, reflecting on the level of commitment of the Association of Jewish Institutions and their functioning during the deadliest terrorist attacks in U.S. history. B. In a bitter paraphrase these days, we can say that we knew that the phenomenon of anti-Semitism would not disappear during the Corona period, to say the least - because we were there last year as well, and now the phenomenon is only intensifying.

As for the situation in the United States, the writing is on the wall with a series of harsh reports and data, not that they are really needed. The echoes of the series of severe attacks on Jewish concentrations are still in the air: things got more prominent in the massacre of Jews in the Pittsburgh synagogue in October 2018. At a supermarket in the ultra-Orthodox area of ​​Jersey City in December last year, and the stabbing attack in Monsey, New York at the end of that month.

Thousands of Chabad followers sing in memory of the victims in Pittsburgh // Photo: Shneur Schiff, Chabad Online COL

Despite the social isolation imposed by the virus, the United States was not miraculously healed by the characteristics of spiritual and ancient hatred, early signs of which appear in the Book of Esther and was officially defined as anti-Semitism in the 19th century. "By inventing this virus, by deliberately distributing it, by profiting from it as well as by using it as a tool for world domination," Ilan Carr, the US administration's special envoy to fight anti-Semitism, told Israel Today. "The only new thing here is the virus itself: blaming Jews for disease. The world has been a hallmark of anti-Semitism since its earliest days. "

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Carr describes the background to the melody of anti-Semitism familiar to us, unfortunately. It makes sure to make adjustments to the spirit of the time while "dressing up" for current events. "Hatred of the Jewish state is a perfect example; before the State of Israel, hatred of the Jews focused on the Jewish communities; and after the establishment of a Jewish-sovereign collective, hatred of the Jews often focused on it."

"After the end of this terrible epidemic the world will face the challenge of rebuilding our economies. Unfortunately, many people are suffering from deep economic difficulties because of the damage to the world economy." According to Carr, "You can be sure that anti-Semites will then accuse the Jews of destroying the economy or of any other malicious rhetoric of the kind we heard in Germany before World War II."

And how do we deal with the phenomenon? As a suggestion for a possible solution to the situation, Carr sees the need for as broad a cooperation as possible between states and governments "in unequivocally condemning this abominable hate discourse. Once such hate speech crosses the line to conduct that incites violence, harassment or discrimination, governments must act quickly and appropriately. With her, "he stressed.

With respect to the comprehensive action plan strategy against anti-Semitism, Carr distinguishes between two planes; On the defense front, "The main priorities of our policy include working with our allies to ensure physical security for Jewish communities; helping states allocate resources for investigation, prosecution and appropriate punishment for" hate crimes "and pushing states to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Convention (IHRA). Which is an important step in understanding the modern manifestations of this ancient disease. "

At the same time, Carr finds great importance in a number of active steps, including appointing anti-Semitic coordinators "to bring focus and resources to our vital struggle" and addresses online hate "which is the primary method used by the far right, radical left and militant Islamism to spread hatred around the world." At the educational, broader level, Carr favors the motivation of a philosophical narrative "especially through educational curricula, which instill respect and affection for Jewish values ​​and the tremendous contributions of Jews to the world."

Carr concludes optimistically. "Anti-Semitism is often called the oldest hatred in the world. It is a disease that exhibits exceptional resilience. But with the determination of goodwill leaders around the world, alongside a strong and secure state of Israel, and with the unprecedented commitment of the United States and President Trump to fight anti-Semitism and protect the Jewish people. I am optimistic that we will retreat this harm and pass on to our children and grandchildren the better, friendlier and fairer world they deserve. "