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November 14, 2003/Cheshvan 19 5764, Vol. 56, No. 8
Foxman contrasts anti-Semitism in Europe, United States
BARRY COHEN
Editor
Anti-Semitism is spreading through Europe, in part because Europeans are facing an identity crisis, according to a national Anti-Defamation League leader. And anti-Semitism will remain in check in the United States only as long as the nation's democracy remains strong.
"(In Europe) there is an identity crisis. There is a crisis of control of one's destiny," said Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, during a visit to the local ADL offices Nov. 11, one day after he discussed his new book, "Never Again? The Threat of the New Anti-Semitism" (Harper San Francisco, $24.95, hardcover), at Jewish Book Fair 2003 at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center in Scottsdale.
"The average European today (uses) the same currency (and carries) no passport," but he is worried about his citizenship and his nation's flag and borders.
"That results in anger. That results in looking to blame somebody. And guess what? Jews have been on top of the hit parade in terms of blame, in terms of conspiracy theories," said Foxman.
In the United States, Jews can avoid the blame they have faced for centuries in Europe by ensuring that democracy remains strong.
"The safety and security of the American Jewish community depends on the strength and vitality of democracy in this country," he said.
Bigots and extremists in the United States target democracy because "they don't want a system of government that gives everybody rights," Foxman noted, adding they seek a government that supports their supremacist views.
"If democracy is safe and secure and vibrant and vital, and if (people in) American society ... speak out and stand up, Jews will be fine," he explained.
The United States is one of the few nations where there are consequences to being an anti-Semite, and politicians cannot manipulate anti-Semitic rhetoric to get elected, he noted.
Foxman observed that politically, Jews are "more insecure than we need to be.
"Jews want power and influence, which is the American way of life, but when we (become successful) and someone talks about the Jewish lobby and Jewish influence, we scream," he said. "We can't have it both ways."
To remain strong and secure, there is nothing wrong with exerting political power to defeat a candidate who is an enemy, he said.
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