Just over 70 years after the Holocaust, has anti-Semitism returned once again as a powerful evil force threatening contemporary world Jewry?
To respond, let’s talk for a moment, of all things, about hats. Hats not as a statement of fashion but as a statement of faith. Hats known as yarmulkes by some, kippot by others. Hats worn by observant Jews to publicly identify themselves by way of a tradition going back thousands of years.
Hats symbolize our belief in a Supreme Being Who is above us – the Almighty who transcends our heads, our minds and our intelligence.
Hats played a central in what happened last week in Berlin. An apparently Jewish man wearing said skullcap was viciously attacked and beaten. His assailants made clear, as they continued to pound him, that his only crime was the fact that he was a Jew. It was a racist attack fueled by the ancient venom of anti-Semitism.
But in the aftermath of this beating, the police made a remarkable discovery. The victim was not a Jew, he was an Israeli Arab. The reason for his wearing a yarmulke? He had made a bet that anti-Semitism is no longer a problem in Germany today and to prove it he decided to walk the streets self-identified as a Jew.
The Arab paid a heavy price for his mistaken assumption. And it seems he is not alone in his misreading of the current mood of anti-Semitism.
Copenhagen is a city renowned for Denmark’s historic generosity to non-Danes. Jews exploring Nørrebro, a neighborhood of immigrants who left their home countries for the stability of a welfare state, were advised to heed the advice of Israel’s ambassador to Denmark, Arthur Avnon, who strongly suggested that Jews traveling in Copenhagen exercise extreme subtlety: “Don’t speak Hebrew too loudly, cover up any visible Star of David jewelry, fold your kippot and slip them into your pockets.”
In short, in the very place which served as an illustration of the goodness of people to triumph and for anti-Semitism to be abolished, it is now the official advice to keep your Judaism to yourself – and to get rid of that piece of clothing on your head which lets everyone know that you’re Jewish.
The famous Danish journalist Martin Krasnik went to great pains to inform readers that the Israeli ambassador “was misunderstood or mistaken.” Clearly, he maintained, the ambassador was only offering advice to Israelis visiting the rest of Europe. He couldn’t possibly be speaking about Copenhagen which has a long history of hospitality to Jews. “Anti-Semitism is endemic in immigrant neighborhoods. It’s the same in London, it’s the same in Paris.” But not here. Not in Denmark.
So Krasnik, just like the Israeli Arab in Berlin, decided to do his own “hat test”. He put on a yarmulke and walked the streets of Nørrebrogade.
Can you guess what happened to him?
Krasnik describes numerous encounters in which he just barely missed being severely abused. He writes: “The threats were veiled, like thugs in a mafia protection racket. One of the anti-Semitic interlocutors explained that while ‘perhaps your religion tells you to wear this, it doesn’t tell you to get killed.’ Another explained that the kippah was ‘not a problem for us, but my cousin killed a guy for wearing a ‘Jewish hat.’” Finally, after another demand was made for the “hat” to be removed, Krasnik refused and hurriedly fled.
Attacks in New York
Berlin, Denmark – but surely not in the great state of New York with close to 2 million Jews? An organization representing more than 950 US Orthodox rabbis has condemned an “alarming” increase in violent attacks on Jews in New York City, saying it would work with authorities to provide protection to “neighborhoods under siege” after the latest anti-Semitic assaults within a week.
Last Saturday, an ultra-Orthodox Jew was violently assaulted while walking home from Shabbat services in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. The attacker threatened to strangle him, cracked his ribs, told him while knocking the hat off his head into a neighboring garden that he hated Jews and was going to kill him.
In a frightening sign of the times, German Jewry has come up with what it believes is “for now, the best solution.” The head of Germany’s Central Council of Jews, Josef Schuster, warned against wearing religious symbols on city streets for fear of attack, with a stark caution that Jews who wear the kippah or the Star of David could be courting danger on German streets.
The head of the European Jewish Association, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, however criticized Schuster, saying he was “mistaken in the cure for the serious problem. Not wearing a skullcap due to fear of anti-Semitism is in fact the fulfillment of the vision of anti-Semites in Europe.”
It is ironic that hats play such a significant role in these anti-Semitic incidents. Sigmund Freud, the Jewish founder of psychoanalysis, emphasized an incident in his life which he considered life changing – he called it “the primal scene in his life” – which helps us shed light on the matter. John Murray Cuddihy, in his fascinating book “The Ordeal of Civility”, tells how Freud himself described it:
I may have been ten or twelve years old, when my father began to take me with him on his walks and to reveal to me in his talk his views upon things in the world we live in. Thus it was, on one such occasion that he told me a story to show me how much better things were now than they had been in his days. “When I was a young man,” he said, “I went for a walk one Saturday in the streets of your birthplace. I was well dressed, and had a new cap on my head. A Christian came up to me and with a single blow knocked off my cap into the mud and shouted, “Jew! Get off the pavement!”
“And what did you do?” I asked.
“I went into the roadway and picked up my cap,” was his quiet reply.
This struck me as unheroic conduct on the part of the big strong man who was holding the little boy by the hand.
Freud went on to describe his disappointment and shame at his father’s weak response. Cuddihy relates this moment too much of Freud’s work – his ambivalent relationship with Jews and non-Jews, his theory of the Oedipus complex, and his strange assertion in Moses and Monotheism that Moses was not a Jew but an Egyptian.
Wear It with Pride
A head covering, the very symbol of Jewish pride, became a lifelong reminder of shame – and for Freud had lifelong consequences. For Jews, a kippah is a way of publicly declaring religious affiliation and identity. The Talmud tells us there were three reasons why the Jews survived in spite of being enslaved in the land of Egypt. Their merit was threefold: they did not change their names, their language and also their garments. Those are the three reasons which kept us from assimilation at the very beginning of our history; they remain the keys to our unique survival from amongst all of the nations in the world to this day. The Jew maintains at least one special garment which declares his faith – and his unwillingness to hide his great pride in being a descendent of Abraham.
Jews need to have the fierce determination to be guided by self-identification as a Jew rather than self-negation.
Is a hat that important? No – only what it stands for. To meekly succumb to the horror of racism, even by as minor a gesture as removing our yarmulke in order “to avoid conflict” is not just to lose our hat – but to lose our heads. Anti-Semitism must be fought with full force and energy, with all of our political strength, with all of our efforts on the college campuses, in the press, and all the other arenas where it has begun to infuse its deadly poison. The antidote to anti-Semitism – the only antidote which has a chance of succeeding – is pro-Semitism, the fierce determination to be guided by pride rather than fear, by self-identification as a Jew rather than self-negation.
If we remove the signs of our Jewishness to appease our enemies, we have already lost. The hat is but a symbol – yet it is a mighty symbol of our firm belief that the Almighty rules the world and, as He promised in the Torah, He will bless those who bless us and those who curse us He will curse.
(22) Miriam Cohen, July 21, 2019 10:04 PM
Men used to wear hats
This yarmulka head covering really is fairly new. Men wore hats regularly in the 30's,40's and 50's, they were expected to take them Off in doors. And it was only when John Kennedy went hatless,did this become a new fashion statement,which Jews of course quickly adopted. Now caps can be worn, and they do the trick. I am not sure it is worth your life to be wearing a kippah in certain areas. But then I am a woman and do not have to make such a decision. My husband wears his kippah seruga in Israel proudly, but not in the US. Is he right to do so?
(21) John, July 5, 2019 12:44 PM
Would it be offensive
If a gentile male wore a kippah insupport of Jewish people would it be offensive to Judaism
Anonymous, July 25, 2019 2:47 AM
Not offensive
No. It would not be offensive, but why would you want to become a target?
John, July 25, 2019 3:31 PM
To support my friends
I have Jewish friends , if my friends are targets then I am too ,or do I stand and watch we know what happens if people think it's not their problem
(20) Shmuel (Marc) Levine, April 5, 2019 1:37 AM
“Hats On To Rabbi Blech
It’s often customary to honor or praise another by saying “Hats off to you!” No, not for Rabbi Blech. To this courageous and brilliant Jew we praise and thank him by saying out loud “Hats ON to you!”
(19) Bill, April 4, 2019 5:14 PM
I am proud to be a Jewish man !
I am proud to be a Jewish man
(18) Lauren Rischel, August 5, 2018 10:02 AM
Anti-Semitism in Germany.
It is rarely Germans who commit these crimes, but the Muslim immigrants. The same holds true for the other European nations.
(17) Faigie, May 1, 2018 1:38 PM
How sad that you feel G-ds promises haven’t been kept. Every one of his promises have been kept & will be unless you feel the world is already over & it’s too late. We are never alone & if you feel that you are it’s time to start reading the Living Emunah series
(16) Rachel, May 1, 2018 1:02 AM
What should women do?
The problem with this article is that it only addresses men. I don't like to wear jewelry, and a kippah is a man's accessory, not for a woman.
(15) Anonymous, April 30, 2018 4:39 PM
Incorrect citation
No Schuster the head of Jews in Germany did not tell everyone to hide their jewishness, but out of concern for persoanl safety to do so when travelling ALONE., Perhaps due to the common mistranslation by sloppy journalists. He was in particular thinking of Kids going to and from School. Actually all of this is nothing new, but been like this for decades. You never know who you meet, it does not mean all People are atnisemtic.
(14) SavtaM, April 30, 2018 3:26 PM
Aliyah is the answer..
Instead of pouring money into Jewish community centers and Chabad centers in Europe, maybe the money should go towards bringing European Jews to Israel. Let Europe rot.
Rachel, May 1, 2018 12:57 AM
For how long?
Unless you're suggesting the possibility of indefinitely supporting those who make Aliyah, the plain economic fact is that there are not enough jobs in Israel for all would be immigrants.
(13) Joe, April 30, 2018 4:15 AM
Sad - But it was VERY predictable
TL;DR: Our leadership has failed us to the point that wearing Jewish clothing makes us unsafe in more and more locations.
When Jews push to admit millions of people who come from a culture of anti-semitism, why are we shocked when many of these people turn around and express that culture? There's a reason that their home countries don't contain many Jews.
In a democratic state, you can also expect pressure on the authorities to minimize or ignore violence and professions of hatred by the groups you pressed them to admit. After all, those people either vote, or will very soon. This is exactly what we have now in Europe, and it is coming to the USA as well.
We need to remain proud of our faith - but we also need to conduct some serious self-examination as a community, and remove the leaders who brought us to this sorry state.
Nina Kotek, May 1, 2018 10:06 AM
your second paragraph is especially excellent
and I wll be making that point when needed. Thank you!
And it seems to me that the Jews who push to admit strangers are not usually Jews that wear Jewish clothing, from what I've seen, so maybe this concern doesn't occur to them.
This is an excellent and pithy comment you made, congratulations!
(12) sara smith, April 30, 2018 2:42 AM
come home
Same as previous David Jacobs comment
(11) Mike, April 30, 2018 2:02 AM
There is safety in numbers
Unfortunately it is getting to the point where Jews will have to travel in groups on Shabbos. During the week you can carry so go get a gun.
(10) l schwartz, April 30, 2018 12:54 AM
Keep perspective
All true, but don't use anti-semitism as an excuse for anti-social behavior.
(9) Margaret, April 29, 2018 8:30 PM
Antisemitism
A child of the 70s I never ever thought I would ever feel the anger I have the last few yrs.. If an Arabic guy tries to prove something and is beaten up ? But touch a Jewish guy? ?
People who run around with their violent antisemetic attacks need to be careful.. ESPECIALLY if the are middle eastern!! How much Jewish blood runs through them.
ALL Jewish people need to be armed and learn kick boxing!!
(8) Alaine Apap Bologna, April 29, 2018 8:23 PM
May I wear a kippah?
I'm not Jewish and a woman. I'd like to show solidarity: is it permissible to wear a kippah for this purpose?
(7) Anonymous, April 29, 2018 7:24 PM
Why not Jewish folks and non Jewish folks alike wear yarmulkes
In a Scandinavian country after a recent attack on gay men , many men walked hand in hand throughout the streets . Just a thought. I’m not of the Jewish faith, but I’ve purchased a yarmulke to wear. If we all wear yarmulkes, it makes a great statement. Love to y’all
(6) Anonymous, April 29, 2018 6:37 PM
Save for Your Valor for When You Really Need It
My parents were proud Jews. However they raised their children not to wear their politics or their religion on their sleeves. We were not allowed to put bumper stickers of political candidate or slogans on the cars. Many years ago a Sacramento newspaper reporter checked out the bumpers of the cars in a very heated election year. He found almost no stickers. He interviewed many of the car owners and found that almost all said they were afraid of being vandalized by people who held violently opposite views. Discretion is the "art of valor", not just for Jews but all human beings. There is enough trouble that will find you on its own without you going and looking for eat. Be smart and live to see your grandchildren grow up!
(5) Paul & Joyce Lagno, April 29, 2018 5:45 PM
I AM A JEW......
What if we had a day each year where all the nations can support the Jews by wearing Kippahs? Rabbi Blech, maybe you are the one to call for such a day!
You have ALWAYS blessed us with your articles and videos. We can't wait to meet you some day, Hashem willing.
Much love in our one hope!
Paul & Joyce Lagno
(4) David Harold Chester, April 29, 2018 4:07 PM
The story of the King of Denmark also wore a yellow Magan David, after the Natzi invaders in WW2 insisted that all the Jews should so self-identify. As non-combatants, the loyal Danes followed his example, to show us how to behave. Today matters seem to be altered.
Annie, April 30, 2018 4:28 AM
He didn't
The Danish king never wore a yellow star. Nobody in Denmark did, Jew or Gentile.
The story of the king wearing one is an urban myth.
(3) Sister M. Michele S.C.M.C. Jascenia, April 29, 2018 3:35 PM
Bold, fearless Solidarity
Thanks to the Good Samaritans who actively sided with this gentleman. We need more brave opposition to such hatred and cruelty. A way to show solidarity is to have everyone who cares wear a kippah! Everyone who cares wear the Star of David! Everyone who cares write, speak out, be aware and look out for our brothers and sisters who are threatened, beaten, or spoken ill of wherever and whenever we see or hear it. Courage comes with a price. It means we must make every effort to think of others, pray for them, physically stand by them. Refuse to ignore this abuse. Refuse evil the opportunity to dominate, intimidate, and perpetuate. Either we stand for what is true and good, or we will all fall victim to evil.
Sister M. Michele S.C.M.C.
(2) Anonymous, April 29, 2018 3:30 PM
Judaism is not a race. It is a religion.
Simply put, Judaism is not a race. It is a religion.
Steven Jacoby, April 29, 2018 9:22 PM
Simply put, Judaism is not a race. It is a religion
so what difference does this make to those who attack a person because they wear a kippah?
(1) David kay, April 29, 2018 3:03 PM
Shame on this world we live in