On Oct. 27, Robert Bowers, 46, opened fire during Shabbat services at the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, killing 11 people. Bowers carried out the largest attack on the Jewish community in United States history. His actions have sparked questions and conversations about anti-Semitism in the United States.
Not only does this tragedy call for obvious gun control, background checks, and stricter regulations, the Tree of Life shooting raises concerns about active hate and anti-Semitism in American society. Often, we think of anti-Semitism as an issue in European states, like Viktor Orban, the right-wing leader in Hungary, who successfully ran for reelection on a platform that demonized the Jewish philanthropist George Soros. Rhetoric and malicious acts similar to Orban’s have prompted thousands of Jewish people to leave France, Spain, and Belgium. Some attempt to immigrate to the United States; however, as demonstrated in Pittsburgh, their hope of finding religious acceptance and refuge may not be fulfilled.
The tragedy in Pittsburgh prompts an overdue re-evaluation of our culture. As devastating and horrifying as this massacre is, it is not a shock. In 2017, anti-Semitic incidents have increased by 57 percent in the United States compared to the previous year, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). There have been cases reported in every single state for the first time in almost a decade. The general acceptance of populist rhetoric has resulted in a growth in anti-Semitism across American communities. Hate speech is more mainstream than ever and while some recognize the dangers, meaningful action is rarely taken.
There is a selective ignorance that comes with anti-Semitism. Individuals, especially in well-educated communities like ours, understand that anti-Semitism exists and probably disagree with it, yet have no personal connection to it. Not many people are Jewish, and if they are, those individuals often feel sheltered in bubbles like Hamilton, and consequently, they may not feel as concerned. Unfortunately, anti-Semitism is much more prominent than one may believe. Years before white supremacists marched at the University of Virginia shouting, “Jews will not replace us,” acts of anti-Semitism were already materializing in the United States.
In my hometown of suburban New Jersey, there was a swastika drawn on the playground of my elementary school. The response was pathetic. The school custodians painted over the hateful symbol and life in the small town carried on as normal. There was no discussion, there was no action. The elementary school could have used this incident for a lesson on acceptance; instead, the leaders of the community chose the cowardly route.
Keeping individuals hidden from horrors is an inadequate form of compliance. Ignorance is not a way to make the world a healthier and safer place to live. The kids that later learn what that symbol means and go to Hebrew school that Sunday, having had no adult facilitated discussion, will be confused. They may wonder: why do people at my school hate me, should I be scared to go to school? Young kids may not even know that it is a hateful sign and unknowingly doodle it. In this case, my town should have hosted a discussion or educated students about the incident in the classrooms. If no one addresses these acts of hate, they will continue.
After tragedies like the one at the Tree of Life Synagogue, people need to show up. It is easy to add the “we remember” filter to your Facebook profile picture or to post a heartfelt message on Instagram. But, the danger has heightened to a point where small acts of sympathy are just not enough anymore. Social media support does not change mindsets and behaviors, nor does it make individuals safer. We are lucky on the Hamilton College campus
to have intelligent professors and resources that bring experts in to talk. We are a group of highly-educated students. We should use our intelligence to educate ourselves, start conversations, and initiate far-reaching change.
Anti-Semitism is a serious problem on college campuses across the nation, which intensifies our responsibility at Hamilton. The ADL found that anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses have nearly doubled from 2016 to 2017, including fliers at Vassar College accusing Jews for the sexual-assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh.
Anti-Semitism needs to be taken more seriously in the United States. We must recognize its severity. Solving the problem starts with conversations with new people, different people. Meet someone outside of your bubble, someone of a different background. Ask questions and educate yourself. Ignorance is no excuse. Let’s stop the casual Jew jokes that are thrown around like nothing; they are not funny. This is not an issue we are learning in class, it is right outside our doorsteps. The dehumanization and discrimination is happening in our home.
Hate and horror are deeply embedded into our society and now feel comfortable enough to make an appearance. Nevertheless, hate can be stopped with kindness and love.
