It has gotten so bad that German Chancellor Angela Merkel has vowed to combat it, and even the New York Times has to acknowledge it. Of course, they don’t mention its Qur’anic roots — the fact that the Qur’an calls Jews the worst enemies of the Muslims (5:82), says they are under Allah’s curse (9:30) and more.
“What’s Behind Germany’s New Anti-Semitism,” by Jochen Bittner, New York Times, September 16, 2014:
HAMBURG, Germany — Europe is living through a new wave of anti-Semitism. The president of Germany’s Central Council of Jews calls it the worst the Continent has seen since World War II. He may well be right. Attacks on synagogues are an almost weekly occurrence, and openly anti-Semitic chants are commonplace on well-attended marches from London to Rome. And yet it is here, in Germany, where the rise in anti-Semitism is most historically painful.
On Sunday, thousands of people marched through Berlin in response, and heard both Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Joachim Gauck denounce the resurgence in anti-Jewish hatred.
We’ve seen this before, of course. But there’s an important difference this time. The new anti-Semitism does not originate solely with the typical white-supremacist neo-Nazi; instead, the ugly truth that many in Europe don’t want to confront is that much of the anti-Jewish animus originates with European people of Muslim background.
Until recently, Germany has been unwilling to discuss this trend. Germans have always seen Muslim anti-Semitism as a less problematic version of the “original” version, and therefore a distraction from the well-known problem of anti-Jewish sentiment within a majority of society.
And yet the German police have noted a disturbing rise in the number of people of Arabic and Turkish descent arrested on suspicion of anti-Semitic acts in recent years, especially over the last several months. After noticing an alarming uptick in anti-Semitic sentiment among immigrant students, the German government is considering a special fund for Holocaust education.
Of course, anti-Semitism didn’t originate with Europe’s Muslims, nor are they its only proponents today. The traditional anti-Semitism of Europe’s far right persists. So, too, does that of the far left, as a negative byproduct of sympathy for the Palestinian liberation struggle. There’s also an anti-Semitism of the center, a subcategory of the sort of casual anti-Americanism and anticapitalism that many otherwise moderate Europeans espouse.
But the rise of Muslim anti-Semitism is responsible for the recent change in the tone of hate in Germany. Until recently, the country’s anti-Semitism has been largely coded and anonymous. Messages might be spray-painted on walls at night; during the day, though, it would be rare to hear someone shout, as protesters did in Berlin in July, “Jews to the gas!” Another popular slogan at this and other rallies was “Jew, coward pig, come out and fight alone!” — shouted just yards from Berlin’s main Holocaust memorial. And this is the difference today: An anti-Semitism that is not only passionate, but also unaware of, or indifferent to, Germany’s special history.
Talking to Muslim friends, I can’t help but believe that the audacity of today’s anti-Semitism is in part a result of the exploitation of a “victim status,” an underdog sentiment that too many European Muslims have embraced enthusiastically. This is not just the sort of social-science explanation we often hear for hatred, as racism from people who are themselves the victims of racism and discrimination.
Continue reading the main story Continue reading the main story
Continue reading the main storyYes, there is discrimination against and exclusion of Muslims in Europe, and many of them certainly have reason to be frustrated. But this sentiment is more complex, born not only from how someone feels about himself and his neighbors, but about himself and his country. It is twofold: Germany’s history is not my history. And: I’ll never fully belong to your nation anyway, so why should I take on its burdens as you do?
One friend, whose parents are from Turkey, told me that when she learned about the Holocaust at her German school, she wondered what all that had to do with her biography. As someone born in 1973, though with blond hair, I could ask the same question.
The point is, it’s not about personal involvement; it is not in our blood, but it is in our history, in the timeline of a place that migrants have become part of. For Germans, accepting responsibility for the Holocaust has to mean feeling ultimately and more than any other nations’ citizens responsible for keeping the memory of its horrors alive — simply because those crimes were ordered from our soil.
Nothing more, but also nothing less has to be expected from every citizen of this country, no matter where her or his parents are from.
What has become obvious this summer is that the “old” Germans have not yet managed to properly deliver this message to all the “new” Germans. Emotionally, this may have been understandable, given how many “bio-Germans,” as we call ethnic Germans, actually had Nazi family members that they still got to know, which may have made them wary of telling others what to think.
But the lesson of the Holocaust is a lesson for mankind. And it’s every German’s job to make that clear at all times and to everyone, regardless of where you think you come from.
Angemon says
I’m sure both Europeans and muslims disagree with the description “European people of muslim background”… As for why muslims hate the jews: islamic orthodoxy.
That just goes to show that not only Germany not knows it history (what exactly did Hitler and the Mufti of Jerusalem had in common, anyone?) but it also knows nothing about islam.
Good luck with that. It won’t do a thing to tackle the root of islamic anti-semitism and muslims will probably cheer, point and laugh at images od jews killed in the Holocaust. Muslims won’t see it as something terrible but as something they must strive to achieve.
Islamic anti-semitism started with the first batch of muslims, cooked up in 7th century Arabia.
Of course, we can’t criticize muslims without attempting to make some sort of moral equivalence, can we? Same goes for criticizing the far left – Israel is to blame for the anti-semitism oozing from there.
More idiotic moral equivalence. Karl Marx was a jew, therefore anti-capitalism causes anti-semitism. Capisce?
That’s the source of the audacity. But what’s the source of the anti-semitism itself?
How about we start discriminating them in welfare and benefits? That would give them a reason to be frustrated. Anyway, the idea that exclusion causes anti-semitism makes as much sense as the idea that poverty causes terrorism, exclusion or “radicalization”.
carpediadem says
Good points all. Jews are being excluded at enormous rates from cultural, social and educational venues, being harassed, attacked and bullied and their places desecrated, vandalised and targeted.
Has anyone noticed an increase in the number of Jews attacking anyone else – or at all – from “frustration”?
PAthena says
Karl Marx was not a Jew although he came from a family of Jews. His father converted to Christianity in order to become a lawyer. Marx was an anti-semite and wrote an essay arguing that the religion of Judaism was one for money.
jihad3tracker says
Denial of Islam’s violent controlling essence is due to Affluence Privilege Guilt — not an original concept from me, patently obvious via even a superficial ponder..
And who is better fixed for the comfort of Western life — with almost certain ample money in the bank — than the NY Times executive club, and dozens of other media majors ?
gravenimage says
We’ve seen this before, of course. But there’s an important difference this time. The new anti-Semitism does not originate solely with the typical white-supremacist neo-Nazi; instead, the ugly truth that many in Europe don’t want to confront is that much of the anti-Jewish animus originates with European people of Muslim background.
………………………….
Actually, this is surprisingly clear-eyed for the NYT.
mortimer says
The truth about Mohammed’s Jew-hatred is trickling into the CLOSED MINDS of the American Left IN SPITE of themselves.
Some Islamic JEW-HATRED is just too obvious to ignore.
Obsessive, armored naivety about Islam!
Jay Boo says
Germany sends mixed messages.
Why are Muslims not getting the message to back off?
Two Words
(Mercedes Benz)
Ahem says
No. This mixed up delusional liar from the New York Times does not get it.
“The new anti-Semitism does not originate solely with the typical white-supremacist neo-Nazi; instead, the ugly truth that many in Europe don’t want to confront is that much of the anti-Jewish animus originates with European people of Muslim background.”
And also:
“… the rise of Muslim anti-Semitism is responsible for the recent change in the tone of hate in Germany.”
It is not new and it is not now rising above its normal level of intensity. Anti Jewish doctrines are firmly entrenched in the Koran, together with its many abrogations, plus the so-called authentic hadiths, and have remained unchanged for 1400 years.
“Talking to Muslim friends…”
You have zero Muslim friends. You might have a few Muslim acquaintances who display a veneer of affability when speaking to you.
“Yes, there is discrimination against and exclusion of Muslims in Europe, and many of them certainly have reason to be frustrated.”
An unsupported assertion that seeks to justify and explain the hatred Muslims display towards non-Muslims, particularly Jews.
“For Germans, accepting responsibility for the Holocaust has to mean feeling ultimately and more than any other nations’ citizens responsible for keeping the memory of its horrors alive…”
And:
“What has become obvious this summer is that the “old” Germans have not yet managed to properly deliver this message to all the “new” Germans.”
At last, we arrive at the main thrust of this lunatic’s message. The ethnic Germans are to blame for all the trouble.
I doubt that the writer, Jochen Bittner, has ever taken the trouble to read any of the vile texts that founded the murder cult of that (probably) fictitious character, Muhammad. Perhaps it’s against his religion. Yet he has the nerve to offer up an opinion on the subject.
Very strange. .
eric says
It is shocking, not surprising, to me that the author is vilified for having an opinion. He should not express his opinion unless all readers believe he is qualified? Usually opinions are dissected out of interest ultimately to learn more about the article’s subject. Yet in this case, the comments seem to come from people who are each an expert on the subject and ridicule the author for his observations and conclusions. I find his perspective interesting. But, that is just me.
gravenimage says
eric, I’m afraid that many of the author’s opinions come from ignorance of Islam’s texts and history.
This is not particularly interesting—it is, instead, all too common.
On the other hand, I have read far worse—at least Jochen Bittner is making the link between Muslims and rising antisemitism in Germany—something most journalists have failed to do at all.
fair_dinkum says
they are excluded because they are criminals. morally. socially. universally.
John Magee says
Germany, Europe, AND left wing Jews in particular welcomed multiculturalism in and diversity Europe. Your wish has come true and it will only get worse. Live with it and stop your whining please !
pumbar says
Just looking at that photo makes me wish I was nearby so I could put superglue on the “prayer bump” giving parts of their prayer mats.
Charli Main says
Just be patient all you ethnic Germans. After the Muslim invaders of your country have finished with the Jews, they will get round to finishing you off.
Jews to the gas chambers will soon be changed to Germans to the gas chambers.
Germany belongs to Islam can soon replace arbiet macht frei——
Gul says
Anti semitism and anti Israel and anti Jewish propaganda is originating in the mosques in Europe-maybe not all but there are many dangerous imams.The police and intelligence services in all European countries should work to combat this phenomenon.
Meshulam says
“One friend, whose parents are from Turkey, told me that when she learned about the Holocaust at her German school, she wondered what all that had to do with her biography. As someone born in 1973, though with blond hair, I could ask the same question.”
Abject idiocy. I guess it doesn’t occur to them that, due to the Shoah, as they grew up and went to school, and as they now proceed through their lives in Germany, they have and will encounter few, if any, Jews, and that their society and hence their “biography” may be quite different as a result. They may have been taught the facts and figures about it, and my even have had a look at a place like Dachau or a memorial structure, but they didn’t grasp that the biggest effect of the murder of the Shoah is how it robbed the world of what it’s victims and their children could add to the world.
epi says
Muslims aren’t discriminated in Europe, not in Germany or any other country. On the contrary when they commit crimes the police don’t investigate properly (England ) and they never get harsh punishments. In Germany a Muslim who tried to cut through a cop’s inner thigh artery was convicted for severe bodily injury (6 years) and not attempted murder (13 years) as it should have been.
On the other hand Jews are discriminated and blamed for Israel’s war of self-defence. I’m feeling like in a Kafka novel right now. The politicians and religious representatives never call a spade a spade. Nobody says that modern Antisemitism stems from the unholy Koran and its followers. The representative of the Protestant church even claimed “there is a development of new Antisemitism and Islamophobia in Germany”. Being a Jew I feel offended by this moronic comparison. By the way I suffer from moroniphobia.
epistemology says
Nobody in Europe discriminates Muslims, not in Germany or anywhere else. On the contrary when they commit crimes, the police don’t investigate properly (England) as they could be labeled “racist”. When a Muslim cut a German cop’s inner thigh artery, he was convicted on charges of severe bodily injury (6 years) and not attempted murder (13 years) as it should have been.
On the other Jews are always discriminate, they have to justify Israel’s war against Hamas which is pure self-defence. I’m feeling like in a Kafka novel right now. The politicians and religious representatives never call a spade a spade. Nobody says that this “new” Antisemitism stems from the unholy Koran and its followers. The representative of the Protestant church even claimed in Berlin “we have to fight against Antisemitism and Islamophobia” Being Jewish this moronic comparison offends me. Islamophobia is the natural reaction to Islamic atrocities, there is no reason for Antisemitism. By the way I suffer from moroniphobia.
Samir S. Halabi says
German Muslims who are found to have marched with signs calling for “Jews To The Gas” should have their German Citizenship revoked and kicked out of the country together with their entire families. If this then doesn’t put a halt to all this Jew-hate I don’t know what will.
If Europe doesn’t soon get’s it’s act together this time and combat this massive resurgence of Ant-Semitism the worst since the 1930s, there could well be a huge Jewish ‘EXODUS’ from Europe going in one direction for the safety of ‘ISRAEL.’
Henry says
Jews leaving Europe are the ‘canary in the coal mine’, indicating that Europe is noxious & sick again. The correct prescription will likely not be forthcoming as denial, and politically correct quackery hold sway.
London Jim says
For as long as been recorded, Semites have been persecuted for their beliefs. They still stand strong, and that is a fair verity, to my way of thinking. The ‘new kid on the block’ -ergo, islam- needs to come to terms with the fact that it is not right, that indeed it is wrong.
gravenimage says
Muslims haven’t considered homicidal antisemitism wrong for 1400 years now—I doubt very much they are going to start now, and certainly not because “filthy Infidels” want them to.
Charli Main says
That’s exactly the point that is missed/ignored by the political elites of “Western” nations.
Hating Jews and Christians is fundamental Islam 101. Muslim children have been taught, for the last 1400 years, to hate Jews and Christians in their local Mosque and Madrassa.
There are ex- Muslims (God bless them all) but childhood brainwashing is a powerful force to overcome, especially as an integral part of Islamic brainwashing is to kill apostates.
Kathy Brown says
‘…the ugly truth that no one wants to confront…’ What constipated twaddle!
We are all to be grateful for the NYT’s [atypical] moment of semi-clarity? Puhleeze…
Angemon says
Christy posted:
“Antisemitism, comes not from Muslims, but from the Europeans themselves. Arabs in fact learned antisemitism from Europeans.”
No, muslims learned anti-semitism from the quran, ahadith and the actions of muhammad, the “best example of conduct” that all muslims are ordered to mimic as closely as they can. As for arabs learning anti-semitism from europeans, the first pogroms in Europe took place around 1000 years ago in muslim occupied spain, where muslims murdered thousands of jews because a jew was promoted to vizir. If anything it’s the other way around – invading muslim armies brought their anti-semitism to Europe.
Kathy Brown says
Christy: For the sake of argument, let’s presume your statement is true, i.e., it IS the horrible White European Males who are the source of everything bad, anywhere, ever, in all the world…
Including but not limited to, poor innocent Is-Slime.
But see Christy: In the [1400] years SINCE the Religion of Peace was founded? The HORRIBLE WEMs? AND violent-warlike-more-dangerous-than-Islam, Christianity? Well: Both experienced the Renaissance. And the Enlightenment.
And [institutionalized] Jew hatred was vastly reduced. Of course we didn’t have to go to such lengths as the ROP requires. Our Crusades were defensive as you know-after years of Muslim provocation; about 200 yrs. in point of fact.
But our Muslim friends Christy? Not only did they not modify their views. Instead, the [present-day] Muslims boast-actually boast!-that Islam has ‘bypassed the Enlightenment’.
So while a discussion of the source of all Islam’s chambers of horror (anti-semitism, anti-feminism, anti-child, anti-everything-which-doesn’t-include-we-Muslims-right-here-right-now) could be scintillating, I submit the more pressing need is how to eliminate all of the Muslim rot from American society as cheaply and expeditiously as possible.
Mirren10 says
” Arabs in fact learned antisemitism from Europeans.”
I suggest you read the koran, the hadith, and the life of mohammed, before you make a fool of yourself on this forum.
gravenimage says
The grammatically-challenged Christy wrote:
Antisemitism, comes not from Muslims, but from the Europeans themselves. Arabs in fact learned antisemitism from Europeans.
……………………………
Firstly—as Angemon ably points out—this is utterly false. The texts and tenets of orthodox Islam are full of virulent antisemitism. Moreover, the history of Islam is viciously antisemitic.
And this assertion makes no sense on simply logical grounds, as well, even if one knew nothing of Islam’s history—why would it be Muslims who are so profoundly influenced by European antisemitism, when non-Muslim immigrants are not?
And further, why are Muslims more influenced by German antisemitism than *native Germans*?
And why does this massive resurgence of antisemitism correlate so closely with the mushrooming of the Muslim population? Why wasn’t antisemitism as big an issue in, say, the 1980s, before the Muslim population began skyrocketing?
Moreover, while Jew-hating Muslims do love the Holocaust, almost all of their antisemitic references come from Islamic texts—they don’t say that they are being influenced by Western antisemitism at all, but instead cite their own vile tradition—why would this be, if they were just being influenced by Europeans?
All in all, not just bs, but very weak bs.
London Jim says
Christy, I met a guy who could well’ve been that ‘rabbi’, just the other evening. He introduced himself as a Muslim, though his attire spoke different. He was congenial enough, and had a ladyfriend with him who embraced me Kumbayah-style. They were very pleasant, however they caught me offguard and I didn’t have time to determine their true nature or challenge the inconsistancies. I would have been interested to hear his opinion of the IS.