Anti-Semitism and World History

It is a blight upon world history that many countries have instituted policies of anti-Semitism. Besides Germany, the former Soviet Union was rife with pogroms and hostility towards Jews who openly practiced their faith. During World War II, both Canada and the United States instituted immigration policies that severely restricted the ability for Jews to immigrate and escape the death camps. As well, colleges and universities in North America instituted quotas upon the number of Jewish atudents allowed into programs.

Currently, anti-Semitism continues to rear its ugly head. Today, much anti-Semitism takes place under the guise of being against the policies of the Israeli government against the Palestinian people. Israeli scholars are being forbidden from speaking on campuses, just because they are Israeli. The actions of Israel are being used as an excuse to once again harass, attack, and desecrate. Please note that "the scapegoating of Israel" does not refer to criticising the Israeli government, or believing there should be two separate states, but rather, the virulent belief that Israel has no right to exist while at the same time pinning Israel's perceived sins upon all Israelis and the wider worldwide Jewish community.

As well, when a society is undergoing economic stress, there is a tendancy for the well-worn and false stereotype of Jews being in control of the banks and media to be spread.