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We have barely settled the 2022 midterm election, but it seems that 2024 is already gearing up. So far there is nothing new. Donald Trump is once again stoking the flames of antisemitism, with help from his friend Kanye West and white supremacist Nick Fuentes.
Even though we have seen this before, it does not make it any less painful or frightening. We know what’s in store for us — antisemitic tropes upon more antisemitic tropes, eventually leading to more violence. The GOP will squirm with every comment, but undoubtedly the hate will be met by, at most, a lukewarm rebuke or even silence.
It took Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) a week to say anything about Trump, and when the he did he merely criticized Trump’s choice in dinner partners rather than strongly condemning antisemitism. If the purported GOP leader can’t speak out about hate, he certainly can’t expect the other members of his caucus to do so as well. Words matter.
The GOP even dragged one of the most respected House committee’s through the mud of hate. This week finally, the GOP House Judiciary Twitter account removed a a tweet that said: “Kanye. Elon. Trump.” Kanye has been on an antisemitic rampage for weeks, but nothing has been done.
Antisemitism can’t be condemned simply when it is politically feasible or as a last resort when public backlash becomes too strong. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-GA) can’t have it both ways. She can’t feign contempt for Fuentes while embracing Trump.
There is an alarming problem in America. According to the Anti-Defamation League, 2021 was the highest year on record for documented reports of harassment, vandalism, and violence directed against Jews.
A University of Arizona professor was killed by student who made numerous antisemitic threats and wrongly believed the professor was Jewish. The threats were previously known and reported, but not enough was done.
Less than a month ago, a majority of American voters chose democracy when it was on the ballot. However for democracy to grow for all, hate and intolerance cannot.
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