A police car, unmarked but with blue lights flashing, was parked in front of my Brookline synagogue when I arrived for Shabbat services late Saturday afternoon. Since Orthodox Jews don't turn on the TV, radio, or computer on the Sabbath, I knew nothing about the horrifying slaughter that had occurred at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh six hours earlier. But my local police department knew, and had dispatched an officer to be on hand as congregants like me showed up for the late-Sabbath worship – just in case.
After Shabbat ended on Saturday night, the National Council of Young Israel, an umbrella organization of about 135 Orthodox synagogues across North America, emailed a statement expressing "tremendous shock and extreme pain" at the bloodbath in Pittsburgh. But the council's message went beyond voicing communal grief.
"This massacre is a stark reminder of the need for every synagogue to employ security measures to keep their congregants safe," it said. "With anti-Semitic incidents in the United States on the rise and an uptick in religion-based hate crimes, it is critical that steps be taken to harden our synagogues."
In the America I grew up in, synagogues didn't have to be hardened. The shuls I attended – as a kid in suburban Cleveland, as a college student in Washington, DC, and for years after moving to Boston – were open to all and largely unconcerned with security. The same was true of the Jewish day schools I attended, and the campus Hillel House where I used to eat, and the Jewish bookstores I sometimes visited.
In the America I grew up in, Jews had nothing to fear from their neighbors. Unlike my father – a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to the United States in 1948 – I was reared in a culture where overt anti-Semitism was generally anathema, and where Jew-haters on the far left and far right kept their poisonous ideas mostly to themselves. The Nazi genocide, a crime that wiped out one-third of the planet's Jews, had so traumatized the West that anti-Jewish bigotry became repugnant in mainstream society. Having seen what can happen when anti-Semitism is indulged, the civilized world recoiled from it. In the America I grew up in, Jews not only lived in relative peace and harmony, but assumed that peace and harmony would go on indefinitely.
No more.
Robert Bowers's rampage at the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday wasn't the first fatal attack on American Jewish organizations in modern times. Gunmen opened fire at the North Valley Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles in 1999, at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle in 2006, at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington in 2009, and at the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park, Kansas, in 2014. But Bowers – who was heard yelling "All Jews must die" during his attack – destroyed more lives than all the others combined.
The next assault may be even deadlier. And only the willfully blind can believe now that there won't be a next assault.
The post-Holocaust taboo on blatant Jew-hatred crumbled years ago in Europe and Latin America, where synagogues and Jewish schools are routinely protected by armed guards and metal detectors. Now it's crumbling in the United States as well. Of course the great majority of Americans have no stomach for anti-Semitism – last year, in fact, the Pew Research Center released the results of a survey showing Jews to be the most warmly regarded religious group in America. American Jews continue to benefit from a level of benevolence, respect, and freedom virtually without parallel in Jewish history.
But the bigots are no longer inhibited about trumpeting their bigotry. The extremists and demagogues who scapegoat Jews – the David Dukes and the Louis Farrakhans, the sickening white nationalists and the fanatical Israel-haters – may reside on the fringes, but the internet gives them access to a vast potential audience. Bit by bit, their venom seeps into the mainstream. Steadily it take a toll on America's immune system. And every now and then it triggers another unstable zealot, hopped up on rage and xenophobia.
In a famous letter in 1790, President George Washington reassured the nation's then-tiny Jewish community that in America they would not be persecuted.
"May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants," Washington wrote, "while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid."
Washington's words were a good description of the America I grew up in. But that America is changing. And now synagogues need to be hardened.
This article originally appeared in the Boston Globe.
(16) Adele Mischel, October 2, 2020 7:01 PM
Jeff Jacoby comments.
Sadly our nation is changing. We need to speak up clearly, and relevantly concerning the evil of AntiSemitism, and it needs to be directed against those so eager to change our nation.
Incidentally in trying to signup to Aish, please know the email I entered Is valid.
(15) Trisha, April 1, 2020 1:19 PM
Leftist Jew haters, Jewish Jew haters and universities that endorse it
I have had discussions with Jews who are pro Palestine. Universities have gone out if their way to stop people like Ben Shapiro, an Orthodox Jew, from speaking at UCLA and other campuses. The CARE organization is welcome on campuses. Linda Sarsour has a brother in prison in Israel for terrorism. She also advocates for sharia. What are universities teaching? I think they are teaching a Socialist Agenda. Since the National Socialists were Socialists ( state owned ) I see where this is going. Yet many Jews take the side that is clearly not in their best interest. I think many of the optimists In Germany, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Poland went to concentration camps. Omar and Talib and Waters and Schumer are anti semites. Yes, Islam is anti Semitic, anti woman, anti gay and anti christian. Saying “some” cultures are anti Semitic isn’t accurate. We need to be factual. David Duke has about 3 followers compared to the 25% of all Muslims who are radical in the world. David Duke is a Bernie supporter. Another contributor is “Climate Change activism. This is a religion also that doesn’t allow debate. It will move forward and take away the rights to have freedom under the constitution if these regulators of behavior aren’t booted out.
(14) Anonymous, August 4, 2019 8:13 PM
So very sad
I always thought and still believe being Jewish is better than sliced bread. What is happening in the U.S.A. I never thought would happen. I live in a thriving Orthodox community that is becoming dangerous because of the riff raff moving into the community. Even tolerant non-Jews are becoming frightened of going out. I am also becoming frightened to walk home by myself on Friday night. It is no longerbsafe for me to do so. I have frum friends who don't understand this, and it is frightening.
(13) CHARLES D. GELFAND, April 3, 2019 9:50 PM
Jews, armed and ready to defend
Unfortunately, we live in times where rabid hatred for us is endemic by certain elements of Americans society.
So, we need to be prepared to encounter these maniacs whenever and wherever they appear.
Jews need to take firearms training and carry guns to protect ourselves and our fellow Jews and neighbors.
I wish this weren’t necessary but we must face and deal with reality.
(12) Anonymous, November 1, 2018 12:04 AM
Strength
If each individual Jew believes deep in the heart Jewishness all will be well. We don't need guns or policemen our Jewish faith will sustain us always.
(11) Pamela, October 31, 2018 12:22 PM
There’s hatred everywhere, what about all the places all over this planet especially in Middle East where the majority hate Americans? If America is the only country that has SO much hate why does everyone insist and beg to come here? Look at how men have treated women for centuries ( if that’s not hate what is it?) Now women act like they hate men! If your skin is white it’s assumed your racist and immediately hated for it. Ppl hate Americans, white ppl, black ppl, Jews, Arabs, Asians. It’s just disgusting!!! But, it’s not just Jews, look at the entire picture.
(10) Valentina, October 31, 2018 12:57 AM
Trumpeting bigots
Well done. Honest and fair.
(9) alec, October 30, 2018 9:49 PM
Not only must we be aware and have security but we ourselves must be ready to engage when necessary as do the Israelis. We must teach our children not only the religious teachings but also how to protect themselves by taking martial arts and weapons training. We must follow the Israelis in going against all antagonists. We must use all our power to stop hatred on the internet. In the schools, colleges and universities. and where ever such hatred is expounded.
(8) Me, October 30, 2018 7:21 PM
if Jews dont make Kiddush the others will make Havdalah
There is an old saying that if The Jews stop making Kiddush the nonJews will make Havdalah. Meaning if we stop being loyal practicing followers of Judaism G-d will make circumstances such that we are forced to be separated. To Force us not To Disappear through Assimilation. May all the wounded be healed, moruners be consoled and Peace come upon us all.
Me, October 31, 2018 12:38 AM
Clarification
I meant if there are jewish tragedies due to persecution what i wrote is a thought. Not necessarily commentary on individuals for all jews are held responsable for each other. Rather the answer is the response should be strenghtening our jewishness
(7) Theresa Gunter, October 30, 2018 6:13 PM
Hatred of Jews in America...
I cannot speak for everyone , but I will always have a deep love for the Jewish people! I believe they are God's chosen people and will always be supportive of them/you! Do not judge us all by this one fool. Without the Jewish people, America would NOT be blessed. You are so special to God and to us. Love you all so deeply!
Larry Turner, November 1, 2018 2:39 PM
Right on.
You speak the truth. True Christians love Jews. I'm getting older now but I still would strike a blow for Israel.
(6) Pinchas, October 30, 2018 4:10 PM
The arrival on our shores of a culture steeped in hatred has had foreseeable consequences.
We Jews daven daily for the welfare of not only our Jewish brethren throughout the world, but for ALL the nations. Some cultures, unfortunately, pray devoutly for the conquest or destruction of others. Europe was blatantly foolish (or worse) for denying the basic values of such a culture, as clearly stated in their bible and its commentary, and for blindly bringing them to their shores to rape, pillage and poison the public discourse, and slant it towards antisemitism. Ignorant people don't know or care that all of North Africa was once solidly Christian. Alas, a US public that is militantly ignorant of World history has learned nothing from watching the recent disintegration of Europe and England.
Trisha, April 1, 2020 12:38 PM
Some cultures
You mean Islam.
(5) KASEY ELLIOTT OCONNOR, October 30, 2018 4:08 PM
why the suprise?
The hatred and destructive talk about Jews is widely accepted and even celebrated among those institutions of supposed higher learning (colleges)... Even many liberal Jews support this (which totally baffels me) and defend it. There is a site called Canary Mission that more people should visit to see just what is going on and being pushed at these places where young minds (and mindless youth) are being indroctinated to Jewish hatred. And yes, even the professors are part of it, but they are the ones of the "enlightned liberal" age.. Its always said, you cannot legislate morality but you can for sure make it difficult and cut off the food chain to these radical destructive hate filled groups. Kasey
Nancy, October 30, 2018 10:30 PM
To commenter Kasey Elliot Oconnor
I just googled Canary Mission and I found that site to be egregious. The organization portrays itself in an oh so positive light, but beware!
KASEY O'CONNOR, October 31, 2018 12:40 AM
just responding
Nancy,
Check out their research, they are pointing out the hate; not saying "can't we all just get along" or trying to justify their hate and fury. Truth can be hard when we live in an era where everything seems to need to be whitewashed and made PC..
Shalom, Kasey
(4) Gregg W, October 30, 2018 3:59 PM
I’ve noticed the increase.
Yes, sadly you are correct about the growing anti-Semitism. I’ve seen it in comments posted at the end of articles and videos more and more in the last few years. I think the constant attacks on Israel the nation by the media in the US and then others have made them out to be an evil bully in the world. People immediately jump to the conclusion that ALL Jews are part of that and their rage grows. Many argue that the people living in Israel are not descendants of Jacob but some people group from Eastern Europe the Kazars??? I’ve known plenty of people from Israel. They are Jews from all over the world. So this is another lie that distorts the truth and leads to wrong conclusions for people inclined to hate. People don’t want truth these days. They like having ‘a cause’ to take up and hating Jews is a popular one. I remember the 2006 attack in Seattle. I have assumed that since then all the synagogues and Shuls would have had security. Hopefully that will change now. It is amazing how one or two generations is all it takes to forget things like the holocaust. Thanks for the article. I hope people take it to heart.
(3) Yossi, October 30, 2018 12:08 PM
Of course we should protect ourselves, but I find it so sickening to see all these articles trumpeting that “there will be another attack.” Maybe, maybe not. Only God knows, and it’s so wrong to just assume that there will be.
Trisha, April 1, 2020 1:34 PM
history repeats itself
“In the 30s, the pessimists went to New York and the optimists went to Auschwitz.”
I wouldn’t assume, I’d count on it. Always be prepared. Look at Paris where Jews have lived for a hundred years. They’re fleeing by the hundreds to Israel. On the timeline we are 10-20 years behind them. If we don’t change the tide, you will be older and your children will go to war. Do Do you save for a rainy day? I want to have my freedom and I want to live. That’s not pessimistic. It’s reality.
(2) Nancy, October 30, 2018 11:03 AM
Taking people and issues individually
I completely agree that Linda Sarsour is a 100% fake feminist. However, when all the women and many men marched they were angry. Also, most of them had no idea that Linda Sarsour was the originator of the march. Re: People with liberal views in general. I tend to lean that way, yet I had a lot of respect for John McCain. IMO, the answer is to stay informed and read viewpoints from BOTH sides of the aisle. If I only read the viewpoints of someone I agree with, how will I learn anything new?
(1) Isahiah62, October 30, 2018 2:14 AM
you forgot LEFTIST jewhaters
"The David Dukes and the Louis Farrakhans, the sickening white nationalists" WOW! conveniently omitted LEFTIST Judenhass from people associated with Dem party-and Jews like Bernie Sanders & Diane Feinstein who endorse anti-Israel pro-Gaza measures, the Womens March Sarsour, ISIS fan & fake feminist, friend of convicted terrorist Rasmea Odeh, she is accepted by Democrats like the one running for Gov of GA. The popularity of anti_Israel groups like LGBTQ, where you see the Gays for Gaza at every leftist rally for years before Obama got elected, Code Pink etc. , the new refugees who bring a very old oldest hate,mandated by their religion, the pro-Iran Obama admin, the SJP and other muslim groups who hide behind semantics, saying Zionist are not the same as Jews, or say the are "critics of Israel" yet boycott Jewish shops in UK where that is quite the fashionable view these days. The groups label our most pro Israel pro Jewish president in many years as a nazi or white supremacist and blame him for this nazi shooter who hated him b/c he was promised a racist white supremacist by Dems & media like CNN MSNBC , and he didnt get one.