To the Editor,
Never Again. Enough is Enough.
The attack on innocent Israeli children, women, elderly and families that occurred on October 7, 2023 was the deadliest attack on Jewish civilians since the Holocaust.
In the wake of this brutal attack one would assume the world would come together and strongly condemn Hamas terrorist for the atrocities they committed. Instead, we see a disturbing rise in antisemitism and hate crimes in communities around the world.
To get a better understanding of what is happening today, we need to look back at history, learn from the lessons of the past, and take responsibility for the future by speaking out against antisemitic rhetoric being used by those looking to spread propaganda against Israel. Unchecked antisemitism threatens Jewish communities and provides fuel for hate – hate based on someone’s race, ethnicity, religion or who they love.
The power of hateful propaganda spreads quickly via social media and has created an environment of intimidation and fear in Jewish communities. Social media posts are perpetuating a false narrative that the crisis in Gaza is an unprovoked act by Israel. At rallies we are hearing and seeing hateful messages of “intifada,” “from the river to the see,” “keep the world clean,” and “death to the colonial state of Israel.” Too many are unwittingly buying into and spreading these well-known antisemitic tropes and rhetoric.
This is unacceptable! The time is now for people of all faiths and backgrounds to come together to strongly condemn antisemitism in all of its forms today.
Never again. Enough is Enough!
David R DeCancio
Bethlehem
Town Board Member
This story was featured on page 4 of the January 24th , 2024 print edition of the Spotlight