Dear Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,
Thank you for speaking out. Thank you for breaking the silence. Thank you for using your column in The Hollywood Reporter and your celebrity status to condemn the recent torrent of virulently anti-Semitic tweets, Instagram posts, and other social media expressions targeting Jews in the vilest terms. Thank you for being a rare Black leader and role model who’s not afraid to stand up and condemn hatred when it’s directed against Jews.
“Recent incidents of anti-Semitic tweets and posts from sports and entertainment celebrities are a very troubling omen for the future of the Black Lives Matter movement,” you wrote, “but so too is the shocking lack of massive indignation. Given the New Woke-fulness in Hollywood and the sports world, we expected more passionate public outrage. What we got was a shrug of meh-rage.”
That “meh-rage” hurts.
For the past few weeks, we Jews have watched in horror as a string of high profile celebrities accused us of “world domination”, repeated old slanders that Jews control the world’s banks and are the “richest” people, and quoted vile anti-Semites such as Louis Farrakhan and Adolf Hitler. (In the case of Hitler, the social media posts purporting to quote him – posted last weekend by Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson – turned out to be misattributed.) In many cases, their extreme posts have been met with mild indignation at best. Contrast Jackson's slap on the wrist with the fate of Serbian soccer player Aleksandar Katai, who was fired by the LA Galaxy soccer club after his wife made racist social media posts mocking the Black Lives Matter movement.
A lot of ink has been spilled recently lamenting “cancel culture” where one false move – one insensitive post or racist comment – can cause people to lose their credibility or even their livelihoods. It’s a horrible development but given cancel culture’s sad prevalence today it’s all the more shocking that anti-Semitic statements or posts stir such meager responses.
Celebrity rapper Ice Cube spent June 10 tweeting that Jews are responsible for oppressing African Americans. (Since your supportive column came out, Kareem, he’s attacked you for betraying Blacks and supposedly cozying up to Jews for “thirty pieces of silver”.) On June 30, television star Nick Cannon publicly agreed with the rapper Richard Griffin, who called Jews “wicked” and said Jews are responsible for most of the evil in the world on Cannon’s podcast; Cannon called these slurs “the truth”. (Cannon was recently fired from Viacom CBS for his words and finally apologized.)
Then last weekend, DeSean Jackson posted that Jews are trying to control the world and “extort America” and that “Hitler was right”. Jackson’s odious messages received only a tepid rebuttal from the NFL and many fans: the Eagles fined him but he’s still playing for the team. On July 8, former NBA player and Black Lives Matter activist Stephen Jackson came to his defense, posting that Jackson was “speaking the truth” and that the Jewish Rothschild family owns “all the banks”.
It’s not just athletes. “So many of the people I follow on Instagram have been quoting Louis Farrakhan,” my daughter recently lamented. She stopped following celebrities who support Farrakhan, the hateful leader of the Nation of Islam who has called Jews “Satanic,” “termites,” liars, the “master of the bankers,” slave-owners and liars. It’s hard to believe that anyone would publicly support or willingly quote Farrakhan, yet that’s what Philadelphia Eagles Lineman Malik Jackson did July 9, when he defended DeSean Jackson and called Farrakhan “honorable.” Comedian Chelsea Handler posted an old clip of Farrakhan claiming that Jews, Whites and Blacks can never “come together”; “I learned a lot from watching this powerful video” she commented in a June 21 post. (She has since deleted the video and apologized.)
Where’s the outrage? Where are the protests in the streets? After all, this time was supposed to be different.
For the past two months, so many of us have had the feeling that something was really shifting in America. I felt hopeful about race relations in the US, and energized that I could take part in this change. Was I wrong? Does the hatred that so many Americans harbor towards Jews mean that when it’s our turn for support – when we Jews are being attacked and it’s time to say no to hate on our behalf – our allies aren’t willing to stand up for us?
Jews have never faced so much hate in the US. 2019 saw the highest number of anti-Semitic incidents in the US since records began. The Anti-Defamation League reported a 12% jump in attacks on Jews from the already high level the year before. Within a year, over a dozen Jews were murdered in anti-Semitic attacks, including the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on October 27, 2018; the attack on Chabad of Poway, California on April 27, 2019; the shootout at a kosher grocery store in Jersey City on December 10, 2019; and a frenzied knife attack at a Hanukkah party in New York on December 28, 2019.
The killers in these attacks came from radically different walks of life: hateful white supremacists, members of a Black Hebrew cult that taught African Americans are the “true” Jews, and a deranged African American man. They awoke us to the fact that extremist ideologies on both the right and the left demonize Jews and foment violence against us.
A recent poll finds that while about 14% of Americans in general harbor hate towards Jews, a much higher percentage of African Americans – about 23% – hold anti-Semitic views. The poll also found higher than average levels of anti-Semitism among Hispanic respondents: 19% of American-born Hispanic respondents and 31% of foreign-born Hispanic respondents revealed they harbor negative attitudes towards Jews. The flurry of offensive posts in recent weeks illustrates these dismal numbers: millions of our fellow Americans, from various walks of life, seem to hate us simply because we’re Jews.
No matter how many marches we go on, how many signs we put in our windows, how much we try to support our fellow Americans and proclaim loudly that we all stand together against hate – when that hate is directed against us, all those grand promises seem to ring hollow. Too often, we stand alone.
Kareem, that’s why your column is so important. You’re a role model – an athlete, author, and outspoken critic. We need more voices like yours calling out the double standard, reminding us that tackling racism and anti-Semitism together is still possible. We need more voices like yours calling out African American leaders – and white leaders too – who are quick to rightly condemn racism but remain quiet when it’s Jews who are under attack.
As you wrote, Kareem, “The lesson never changes, so why is it so hard for some people to learn: No one is free until everyone is free. As Martin Luther King Jr. explained: ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality.’”
We need to have zero tolerance for anti-Semitism. As Americans condemn racism we must find the strength to stand up against Jew-hatred as well.
Yours Sincerely,
Yvette Miller
(59) Isaac, August 30, 2020 2:21 PM
Thanks
Thanks Dr. Yvette Alt Miller for taking the time to write K. A. J. your letter and then sharing it with the world.
Isaac Freeman, DC
The Jerusalem Chiropractor
Former L.A. resident and Laker fan
(58) Anonymous, July 31, 2020 12:35 AM
Well written and so necessary-educate !!
I applaud and admire kamel-abdul-kabbar for having the strength to go against people who mimic such hate with absolutely no awareness, knowledge or historical information. It is also so ironic that Jews have always stood up for civil rights and aligned themselves with Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. Demagogues like Farrakhan build themselves up by using hate and scapegoating those that they should be helping to join with us.
(57) mgoldberg, July 30, 2020 11:10 AM
thoughts to ponder
It is a fine thing that KAJ has a take on this ugly jew hatred that calls for reason, thinking and sobriety. Were that the jewish org's in the US were so inclined. Their solution is to demand that the perpetrators of such ugly jew hatred, Nick Cannon, Ice Cube and others speak to a holocaust survivor, or go to a holocaust museum, and then the hater is freed from his vicious hatred and forgotten. This is unlike those who are 'white' or 'Jewish' or any other peoples who dare to say words that might be construed as 'incorrect'... They are banished, cancelled, and that is the problem now. That 'cancel culture' rewards antisemitism, rewards jew hatred and we only ask for a modicum, a miniscule modicum of retraction of the worst of words of jew hatred and then forgive the givers of this hatred because they spent a couple hours at a holocaust museim.
(56) Tim Stewart, July 26, 2020 1:13 AM
problem of racism
It's true that racism, especially Antisemitism from people of African descent, is now at a level not seen before. But maybe, just maybe, how we refer to each other could be a small part of the problem. Hyphenated names for ethnic groups are divisive, and while it's true that the tag "African American" came from the black community (and isn't that in itself an indicator of a problem?) but that doesn't keep it from being harmful to a sense of unity as Americans, just Americans.
May it be that this hatred will come to naught, and that love for each other be seen in our day. And may the United States repent and turn to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and extend our hearts to Israel and the Jewish people.
(55) Donna M Hilt, July 23, 2020 5:55 PM
anti-Semitism
Although I'm not Jewish, I have never heard of the massive anti-Semitism and hatred for Jews until I read this article. The suffering of the Jews in history has long since past but not forgotten. That hatred must NEVER be able to rise again and support of that hatred is shamful in America. People who are proud to be Americans need to do so WITHOUT racism, anti-Semitism, and hatred in their hearts.
(54) Anonymous, July 22, 2020 9:17 PM
Antisemitism: causes & solution in Torah
Once we Jews realize the real root of antisemitism last 3300 yrs. as advised by Torah/Gemara, only then will we be able to try to solve it. 1. “Halacha Esav hates Yaacov” 2. “He turNed their minds to hate His Nation”-Tehillim. Why? Because Hashem wants his Jews to be separate from the nations. When we get close, He will separate even forcefully for our benefit. From his love for us. So the solution is not to assimilate. But it is to late for that. So then Hashem brings Haman to have us make Teshuba. All the other protests etc will not help. So pls do not persist to mislead our people. Give them the truth. Teshuba. Good luck. Sam
(53) Gwen Barker, July 22, 2020 3:03 PM
I am a”Goy” with Jewish blood in my DNA; but besides that, I follow the teachings of Emet. Jews have always been used as scapegoats and it has to Stop! Jews who are in prominent positions like persecutors Defense Lawyers. Congress, Law maker need not accept these remarks and behaviors casually and think they are not referring that those remarks and these actions exclude them because os assimilation! Stop assimilating and reflect back to your past histories and see the outcome of those nations when HaShem stepped in . You are sent to be light to the nations. Not to be the same as everyone else. Those who knows the Truth and refuses to speak the truth is as guilty as those who are anti- semantic. Shame on you all!!! Black like myself need to remember who were the ones that comes to our defense are the Jews. Celebrities who do you think helped you to obtained your status most of Hollywood is evil; but on the other hand don’t bite the hands that fed you! Jews need to think about fleeing this nation and God forbid we will see the end results due to our wrong behavior.Hashem will clean up Israel of liberal leftists that have corrupted Israel so that Jews all over can exit these nations that does not want them! I am a conservative and I may receive back lash but HaShem is in control of everything!
(52) Stephen, July 22, 2020 7:33 AM
Nazis and blacks
I did not know that black people were allowed into the Nazi party, but with about 23% of African-Americans holding these ideas, I guess the Nazis have decided that blacks are no longer inferior. Strange: If I remember my history, Hitler would have had all these blacks shot as useless evolutionary dead - ends.
(51) Royce Philip Bell, July 22, 2020 5:35 AM
Excellent piece, Dr. Miller
Just an excellent, very appropriate piece.
(50) Rachel, July 22, 2020 2:40 AM
And thanks now to Charles Barclay
Intelligent people are not racists, anti-Semites, or against any group of people based solely on their ancestry.
(49) Anonymous, July 21, 2020 4:54 PM
Kareem and Congressman Lewis owe thanks
Thank you for the article I remember hearing my father crying when he spoke of the boats being turned back prior to WW II We had few friends than. We owe thanks to our friends
(48) Mario Zamora, July 21, 2020 4:36 PM
So much hypocrisy
There’s massive hypocrisy everywhere. Ask those “Black Lives Matter” if they can say “Brown Lives Matter” or “White Lives Matter” or “All Lives Matter” and see if they can. Hypocrites.
(47) Anonymous, July 21, 2020 4:21 PM
Thank you for your courage and good will.
Thank you Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, I am a 79 year old American Jewish woman who went to the first March on Washington with a black friend on a school bus from Brooklyn..My friend and I were beyond the trees when Dr.King gave his famous speech. It is very upsetting to see more leaders and supporters of the Black Civil rights movement succumb to virulent antisemitism. Thank you for your courage in speaking out.
(46) Anonymous, July 21, 2020 2:15 PM
Please submit Dr. Miller's response to major media outlets
Please submit to the NY Times and The Washington Post, Dr. Miller's response to Kareem's statement. Here I think she is "preaching to the choir".
MESA, July 22, 2020 2:23 PM
Yes, Dr. Miller is preaching to the choir here, but at least here we can respond and ask to sign our names to this letter.
Audrey Biloon, July 28, 2020 6:02 AM
Amen
I agree...this letter needs to be the basis of an article with the letter in it!! If the “liberal“ media refuses to print the article, that too should be an article....printed wherever it might be seen.
(45) Anonymous, July 21, 2020 1:11 PM
Bravo to your and an honest feed back
Dear Yvette,
Bravo to you for 'embracing' Mr. Kareem's rejection of anti Jews hatred. He is indeed brave and courageous to stand up for us, the children of Yisrael. Unfortunately, I am not surprised at all when the wave of Jew hatred rises up again. History repeats itself and we refuse to learn the lesson. Please remember that Jews in Germany called Berlin Jerusalem! Jewish men in Germany married German women and got assimilated to a point where they even suggested to stop calling our people "Jews" and cease performing the circumcision of Jewish male babies.
This is despite the fact that we stood at mount Sinai (both of us as well) and agreed to the covenant with GOD. To my sorrow, we betrayed God and again chose to assimilate in the bloved USA. The problem is that instead of giving Thanks to the ONE who took us out of Egypt and saved us from the European Jew Hatred, we neglected to stick to our 'invisible' GOd and chose the 'golden calf' . We turned away from what our 'OLD BIBLE' instructed us to do and warned us about what not to do. As long as we Jews, choose to be assimilated, God will hide His face from us. Very simple. When He hides his face, the ugly Jew Hatred raise their heads up against us and we are again find ourselves in a helpless dangerous situation. If you read the 'Old Testament', God and Moses repeatedly warn us and beseech us to choose Life, Light and Blessings. Many of us in the USA choose what seem to be the right action, meaning eagerly becoming part of the general public and imitating what they do, instead of standing tall and remain loyal to God's manual instructions of how to be a light to the 70 Nations. Thus, instead of the Goyim hating us , they will honor and trust us to lead them into a fulfilled life.
My email is dorabenn9@gmail.com to obtain the rest. Humbly, Dora
(44) Anonymous, July 21, 2020 12:02 PM
And Kareem‘s book giant steps he professes no love for jews
In his book Giant Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar professes no love for the Jews. his haate is tempered only by his Muslim Imam who tells him that when no Halal is available kosher food is a substitute. I’m not gonna be like all the other of the rest of cancel culture that blames everybody for what they did millennials ago. maybe he actually has changed from 30 years ago
(43) len, July 21, 2020 11:53 AM
wake up call?
No matter how many marches we go on, how many signs we put in our windows, how much we try to support our fellow Americans and proclaim loudly that we all stand together against hate – when that hate is directed against us, all those grand promises seem to ring hollow. Too often, we stand alone.
Maybe Jews should just tend to their own garden and stop being the standard bearers for everyone elses causes.It is never reciprocated and mostly resented as we see.Sadly it's too late.Bad habits are hard to get rid of.
(42) Amir Tamari, July 21, 2020 9:16 AM
Could Not Have Said it Better!
Dr. Miller is spot on! Thank you Kareem!
(41) Gilda Rothenberg, July 20, 2020 9:41 PM
Thanks
Thank you Kareem, I respect your courage against the haters, for doing the right thing. I guess the haters forgot what it's like to be at the other end of hate. Too bad.
(40) Ellen Rubin, July 20, 2020 7:55 PM
Delete the following phrase
The phrase that should be deleted form all speeches, print, media etc. is "Jews and blacks" and that is because Jews are all ethnicities and Black people of course can be any religion. To suggest otherwise implies that Jews are not an inclusive people and nothing can be farther from the truth. This of course, will lead to even more bigotry.
(39) Jenice Stein, July 20, 2020 5:19 PM
Bravo for rational celebrities like Kareem Abdul Jabbar who purport truth !
Shame on these various celebrities who are using their fame to fan the flames of hate! If they all are truly “Black lives matter” purporters they have zero reason to bring Jews into the fray . There is only one very sad and shocking explanation of espousing anti Semitic doctrine. It’s to expose the underbelly of their Own prejudice and hatred !
(38) Norman Karr, July 20, 2020 4:50 PM
anti-Semitism and racism
Always doubtful about drawing conclusions from polls, I wonder if the higher incidence of anti-Semitism among some African Americans and Hispanics is because they perceive Jews as white.
(37) David Shapiro, July 20, 2020 1:52 PM
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is awesome! He's a fantastic role model on so many levels. And his father was part of the US troops that liberated Bergen-Belsen. Thank you from me to you and your family.
(36) Judy R., July 20, 2020 5:20 AM
Thank You Kareem Abdul-Jabber
Thank you Kareem Abdul-Jabber to speak up against Anti Semitism. My sister told me that the father of Kareem Abdul-Jabber, was a soldier in the time of WW2, and he helped liberate the Buchenwald Concentration Camp and I think the former chief Rabbi Meir Lau was a 8 year old kid then, and his father(or another soldier picked up the little boy) and asked this is who the German Nazis(may their name be erased) fighting, his father and other soldiers were horrified with what they saw. So the father of Kareem Abdul-Jabber must told his son the story, and he never forgot what he saw what unchecked hatred brings to. So the message of what Kareem Abdul-Jabber father saw made an impact on the father, and the father told his son and now it impacted him to fight hate of any kind. The Holocaust should of been taught right after it happened in 1945, and learn about the Ghettos, Concentration Camps, killing places, etc, this is what happens unfortunately R"L sadly when there is hate and it is not stopped in its tracks, this is a important lesson to learn. This is why my mother(obm) went to schools and spoke about the Holocaust and against hate and instead to love each other and respect and understanding brings love and harmony, and we need more people like Kareem Abdul-Jabber. He is truly a decent human being, and should teach others the right way to behave. May this important lesson be learned by all people that hate Jews, hate does not stop hate but love does, the Torah is right by saying " Love your neighbor like yourself" it is teaching to love everyone and not hate because everyone is created in the image of G-d, and it is a sin to hate anyone except Amelak(because they are pure evil) and that is my view on this subject.
(35) Nalinaksha Mutsuddi, July 20, 2020 3:21 AM
Thanks Ka
(34) J, July 20, 2020 2:40 AM
Thank you Kareem ... all so disappointing :(
It seems no matter how much we are always looking out for others .. no one is there for us. My daughter took down her Nick Cannon Drumline posters today. It is no longer one of her favorite anymore and went into the trash!!
(33) Daniel Morgenbesser, July 19, 2020 11:35 PM
Nice
Nice
(32) Sam, July 19, 2020 9:53 PM
History is repeating itself
In the early 20th century, Jews in Germany were doing well. Then a seismic shift occurred. In the late 20th century and now in the 21st century Jews in America are doing well and have become complacent. Many have actually turned against the Jewish Homeland, and support radical groups that harbor anti-Semitic agendas. It's the rise of Torquemada once again. Anti-Semitic Jews. If the Jews can be anti-Semitic, why not other groups?
We as a people have two items that we must keep in mind: we are connected as a people and we are connected through religion. Both are faltering. The rise of anti-Semitism is alarming and will only continue to get worse unless we publicly have wide support and march in the streets to create awareness and educate the masses. Education has faltered in America over the last 30 years and we continue to graduate illiterate children from high school, and the progressive, and anti-Semitic agenda is pervasive on college campuses.
My father who was a veteran of the Canadian Army (1939-1945) told me that what happened in Germany to the Jews could happen here. I assume that he was referring to white supremacists. However, I think that he was correct but that the threat comes from other minorities, e.g. the Black, Hispanic and Muslim communities. It is with sadness that I make this comment. Rather than working together the minorities are turning on each other.
As a graduate of UCLA, I applaud Kareen Abdul Jabbar. His successor on the basketball team, Bill Walton, left a swastika on my poster of Moshe Dyan in my dorm room one weekend when I went home. Anti-semitism has always existed and will always exist. All that we can do is tap in down. Now, is the time to act. If we are silent, then the outbursts will continue and more Jews in America will come under attack. Past is prologue.
Natan, July 20, 2020 6:34 AM
Educating them will NOT work
I agree with most of what you said, but not this: "The rise of anti-Semitism is alarming and will only continue to get worse unless we publicly have wide support and march in the streets to create awareness and educate the masses."
The thing that we need to wake up to is that they don't want your/our education.
They don't need your/our permission to hate us. Some of the most virulent enemies of our past have been very educated about us and experts in whatever other field they were in.
It has nothing to do with ignorance - accept that you/we will NOT educate them into accepting us.
The inverse is also true. Namely, we do NOT owe them an explanation. We need to do what we are charged with and make it clear we don't need their approval. When we explain, it only weakens us in their eyes (and in our own).
Time for us to unite in Israel on all levels (physically present, spiritually, militarily, financially, etc.). That is what we've been paying lip service to for millennia - time for us to step up to the plate...
(31) Michael shear, July 19, 2020 9:04 PM
The way I was brought up
My parents taught me at a very young age to stand up for the oppressed, for if you don’t and the targeted are overwhelmed it’s only a natter if time before you become the target. All lives matter, all peoples matter, this is why I cannot understand at all while so many in the Jewish community support civil rights for all, justice for all so many in the Black community harbor this hatred towards one community that has always stood up for their fellow Black brethren.
(30) marilyn newberg, July 19, 2020 8:51 PM
hit the nail of the head
Mr. Abdul-Jabbar, i am in tears. reading your comments and support for all people, is remarkable. for all my friends, & family, and those who can't fight for themselves, i thank you from the bottom of my heart. may this coming new year bring enlightment to all races, so together we can save our world.
(29) mgoldberg, July 19, 2020 7:56 PM
BLM is a racist, hate fueled group
https://www.frontpagemag.com/point/2020/07/black-lives-matter-south-carolina-founder-nothing-daniel-greenfield/#.XxNtiNpUaMY.twitter
"...Wednesday morning, founder of Black Lives Matter SC, Lawrence Nathaniel defended Cannon saying he agrees with the controversial comments.
“What Nick Cannon believes in,” Nathaniel said, “is the beliefs of Louis Farrakhan and Malcolm X who taught the same teachings of what white folks was and how they are and how they treat Black people.”
“Personally I didn’t see nothing wrong with his comments at all, I just think that he spoke the truth” added Nathaniel.
Well yes. Those are the teachings of the Nation of Islam which believes that white people were created by an evil mad scientist and are subhuman. And the NOI is a racist hate group. Malcolm X and Farrakhan had vile beliefs which led Malcolm X to ally with Nazis and led Farrakhan to praise Hitler. The real problem isn't Cannon, it's Farrakhan.
And it's the ability of black nationalists to put forward violently racist beliefs while getting kid glove treatment and playing the victim.
Meanwhile, unsurprisingly, like so many lefty bigots, Nathaniel came out of the Bernie Sanders campaign.
A former organizer for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’s 2016 presidential campaign has announced he will run against U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Springdale, in the Midlands’ 2nd District in 2020.
If elected, Lawrence Nathaniel, a 25-year-old Columbia Democrat, would be South Carolina’s first African-American Hispanic congressman, he said in a campaign announcement.
"Nathaniel’s announcement focused on income inequality and the need for “leadership that are woke to today’s struggles.”
Brannon, July 20, 2020 2:32 AM
Bernie's Beleif
I have not seen one Jewish organization come out against Bernie Sanders(Publicly).. As jews we support out owe demise.
(28) Eileen, July 19, 2020 7:49 PM
It’s clear that Kareem is a natural born leader ! One who isn’t afraid to lead from the front and stare evil dead in its face and call it out by its true name !
I summed it up in my summary and I am looking forward to more insights from truly insightful leaders such as Kareem
(27) Anonymous, July 19, 2020 6:41 PM
Wonderful article by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar deserves attention and praise
I want to add my high compliments and thanks to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for his intelligent, reasoned and articulate exposition. It is particularly appreciated from a public figure speaking out at a time when tensions are high and every word is scrutinized. The world depends on speaking out against hatred and injustice - and all that is needed for wrong to take over is for good people to stay silent. Thank you very much for your words, your wisdom and your courage
(26) Judith Hasak, July 19, 2020 5:35 PM
Big support to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, for recognizing and who called on African Americans to condemn anti-Semitism. called on African Americans to condemn anti-Semitism.
Proud that hateful statements by ignorant people is objected by great leaders like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
(25) Joy, July 19, 2020 5:33 PM
Agree with most of article
I agree with you recognizing Jabbar for speaking out. But I disagree with your statement about antisemitism coming from the right ( as well as the left). If you are referring to white supremacy groups, they are not “right”. Nazism which means national socialism is a leftist philosophy.
larry bartlett, July 20, 2020 5:24 AM
Great Point
So many people don't know that.
(24) William C. Levenson, July 19, 2020 5:15 PM
Perfect
The goal is mutual respect and defense against ignorance and evil. No group can fight alone--for long.
Dvirah, July 20, 2020 4:41 PM
Not Alone
There is always HaShem.
(23) Eliyah maiomon, July 19, 2020 5:14 PM
The black church has been replaced
We need to realize,,that the christian cults known as the black ""hebrew israelites" are rapidly replacing the black churches,,as the spiritual leaders of the black AND afro- latino , communities here in the U.S. and abroad,,their theology ,,and we as jews are failing to see this new danger,,this is NO ordinary anti-semitism,,this is actually REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY,,,we are not just to be persecuted,,BUT EXTERMINATED because in this black"hebrew christian theology,,we jews are theives who stole the jewish heritage from black africans
(22) Ellie Sirk, July 19, 2020 5:12 PM
Wow is she impressive
That was an impressive letter! Kareem is a mensch, a truly good person. It’s so refreshing to hear a celebrity speak out against hate, All Hate, not just hate against one group. I wonder how long it will take the rest of the world to realize that we are truly all in this together. Thank you Kareem
(21) NC Abrams, July 19, 2020 4:55 PM
History Lessons
Normalcy for Jews is non-existent in the world. Ordinary lives are interrupted and labels are indiscriminately still placed on the heart of every Jewish man, woman and child. Why? Racism is far-reaching and affects and infects all of humanity. Skin colors, culture, religion, disabilities, gender, politics and differences coupled with democracy, flags, monuments and histories are not easy to overcome and reconcile. But, we must pursue a common cause of human equality to save and protect future generations of children.
The Black Lives Matter Movement centers itself upon a theme of civil rights and justice. Yet, within its own rank and file, it encourages anti-Semitic rhetoric and rants. As Americans, we need to stand together in a united front to encourage justice for all and discourage embracing and placing Nazi-like patches on any group that seeks justice and peace as one.
Kareem Abdul Jabbar understands what Civil Rights Leader, John Lewis, came to represent for all people. History lessons in Humanity are always short-lived. Ethical and moral activists willing to step to the forefront for the majority teach those lessons that are lost.
mgoldberg, July 19, 2020 6:42 PM
Go to the BLM website
Their 'theme' is not civil rights and justice. It is the end of all free market economies. And it is worse:
Racist Co-Founder of BLM Toronto
A co-founder of BLM’s Toronto branch is a young woman named Yusra Khogali, who in late 2015 posted the following message on Facebook: “Whiteness is not humxness. infact, white skin is sub-humxn…. White ppl are recessive genetic defects. this is factual. white ppl need white supremacy as a mechanism to protect their survival as a people because all they can do is produce themselves. black ppl simply through their dominant genes can literally wipe out the white race if we had the power to.”
(20) Ian Kenneth WOOLFSON, July 19, 2020 4:52 PM
Sad
The Jewish community as far as I know has never been violent or negative towards Black people. If anything the Jews have been very supportive of the civil rights movement and equality amongst all of us. Farrakhan is the devil..a snake..we all knew this. But Ice Cube, Desean Jackson, Nick Cannon?? This is very disheartening and it shows their ignorance, intolerance and hatred for other human beings. Personally it saddens me that they are so negative and racist anti-semites. However, for me personally I look at them as a minority in the Black community (who are racist) and I will continue to be supportive and sympathetic to the Black communities search for justice and equality, despite these few with racist comments. My experience with the Black community since I was a child has been extremely positive. I have no problem standing up for the Black community if I hear a negative comment or bad word from an ignorant white person. Kareem Abdul Jabaar is a mensche, a wonderful man. The world needs more people like him, and less evil like Farrakhan and his racistsupporters
Eliyah maiomon, July 19, 2020 5:31 PM
Their influence on the afro-latino comunity is growing exponentially
https://youtu.be/Uk4v9iMyyOQ
These are the groups that are NOW at the forefront of african american identity movement ,,farrakhan is a small devil compared to these other groups
https://youtu.be/xGEw_pEj_eo
https://youtu.be/0qGmtjj08vI
(19) Clarence Carey, July 19, 2020 4:09 PM
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or any other high profile political/celebrity individual can't overcome TORAH! The origin and source of all JEWISH suffering! From generation to generation. (Duet 32:15-29 Cpt 28:15f Leviticus 26:14f) Shalom!
(18) J, July 19, 2020 4:07 PM
We all can improve
I always enjoy reading Dr. Millers comments however this one failed to be well rounded as she normally is. If you are going to incite statistical numbers for other nationalities it is important that you also include those for racist jews as well. I love all nationalities but statements like "a much higher percentage of African Americans" only feeds into this narrative of bias. I have read from Aish a high percentage of comments that are clearly biased against people of color, using similar references. These feelings of discrimination perhaps by some are because of interactions with Jews. We all need to get to a place of love regardless of color and with that in mind acknowledge both in words and deeds that no discrimination is ok. God help us all!!
(17) Anonymous, July 19, 2020 3:58 PM
"Thank you" to KAJ for dumping on TRUMP?
I appreciate Aish for highlighting KAJ's response to anti-semitic remarks made by others and especially his MLK, Jr. quote at the end. However, while condemning hate speech KAJ himself engages in hate speech toward PRESIDENT TRUMP by writing: (In the original article ) "Trump... pandering to hate groups that has emboldened racists..." If KAJ sincerely believes this, he has fallen to biased media, as his statement is factually UNTRUE. Jews and non-Jews alike should be aware (as our Sages remind us) of THE POWER OF SPEECH and should refrain from listening to and speaking various categories of "Loshon Hara" (evil speech). The "Chafezt Chayim" has written extensively on this topic if anyone is interested. Thank you, Joseph
J, July 19, 2020 4:14 PM
Seek God
The fact that you are remaining Anonymous speaks volumes, Trump is race-baiting for the world to see which is sad and horrible. You need prayer for wisdom, clarity and understanding which you lack. Trump is only the beginning of what this world will face as God is not happy with our actions and attitudes toward each other, we need to turn our hearts to him. God help you and Trump!
Anonymous, July 19, 2020 4:44 PM
Reply to "J" from Joseph
I hope you don't "CANCEL" me!!! Peace and Love, Joseph
Yisroel, July 19, 2020 10:49 PM
Please pay attention when you insult someone
You attack someone for being anonymous when
(1) He signed his post! The last line says “Joseph”!!!
(2) You didn’t sign your own! Wow! It’s hard to believe that you don’t realize that!
Chazal say (Kiddushin 70) all who insult repeatedly, insult with their own defect.
You must be reading only leftist anti Trump rags who talk about Russia, (definitively destroyed narrative by recent declassified documents) or many other fake news comments.
President Trump is not racist, he has had all types of workers for decades. He wants good workers who succeed for him (and now) for themselves! He structures the economy to help the lower 80% and succeeded in getting the lowest unemployment rate for blacks, for Browns, for teenagers, for women. But the establishment hate him and the NYTimes and WPost love to bash him so they hope he willlose in 2020.
We hope that he wins for the betterment of EVERY AMERICAN (and the Israelis as well!
Bracha, July 20, 2020 2:16 AM
Well said
Thank you for saying all of that Yisroel, I feel like you read my mind.
Yonatan Solomon, December 30, 2020 1:35 PM
partially true
well, i agree that Trump has done a lot of great things for Israel, and he did help the economy of the USA grow and many other things, but its still a fact that Trump still is a bit of unstable in some way.
(16) Dwen Stewart, July 19, 2020 3:23 PM
Peace the world has never known.
I’ve come to understand that Justice for me and not for you, seems to fall in line with the selfish, self serving nature of so many in the world today. Many are using black Lives Matter as a means to generate there own evil agenda as well. I know and await the Justice that will balance all scales in the coming Kingdom of G-d. Giving humanity the peace it has never really known. Until then, each of us can only shine the light that is within outwardly, and that being said the converse also applies, some will show the darkness that lies within them outwardly.
(15) mgoldberg, July 19, 2020 3:22 PM
One more point....
I commented about Charles Jacobs and gave the URL for his half hour discussion of the enslavement of blacks in the Sudan, and his groups efforts to end it. They did, but there are still 30,000 or so in Sudan, still enslaved by Blacks. There are blacks; muslims, in Nigeria, capturing and enslaving christian blacks. The numbers are staggering. The website of Charles Jacobs is https://www.peaceandtolerance.org/
Go there and see all the information and make up your mind. Mr Jabbar is a man of reason but as I mentioned, the jew hatred can't be addressed as standing up against such 'hatred' by merely combining that with 'anti-racist' themes. The enslavement of 'others' by Islam is paramount, and Farakkhan is a muslim jihadist, who slithers thru this by denying any and all enslavement by Islam, and pointing a boney finger at Jews and Whites and it is lying at the highest level. This, is what needs to be addressed, otherwise, the scapegoating will never be noted, noticed nor understood for what it represents.
(14) Susan Shalem, July 19, 2020 3:22 PM
Well said, Yvette Miller
Thanks writing this “open letter” May G-d bless you Kareem Abdul Jabbar!
(13) Anonymous, July 19, 2020 3:21 PM
Thank you!
I always find your articles refreshing. Thank you the different and welcomed voice in the sea, rather ocean, of noise. We must be careful not to put everyone in the same category because they have more melanin or they are part of a group that worships HaShem. Unfortunately, baseless hate is colorless and has no physical form.
(12) Deacon Chuck Tweddell, July 19, 2020 3:16 PM
Hate of any kind has no place in this world!
Why do people need to hate to feel in control, set an example of who they feel deserves to hated and still claim to be a good person! They all forget we have to answer for all the good we do and the hatred we spewed on our fellow human beings.
(11) Anonymous, July 19, 2020 2:53 PM
Loss of John Lewis
We also have lost a supporters in fighting antisemitism John. Lewis
(10) mgoldberg, July 19, 2020 2:47 PM
yes... but
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucKhTYrznM4&feature=emb_logo
This is a discussion by Charles Jacobs, about the utter disregard shown by all the Black leaders in the US, regarding the slavery existing in Sudan, and utterly denied by Farrahkan. He, a muslim, of course, would never speak against the Sharia, the laws of Islam. This includes enslavement of non muslims, and exists to this day. I don't recall Abdul Jabbar standing up against any of this. I don't see any of the black speakers and leaders speaking against any of this. Just because he states the obvious about jew hatred is very reasoned, but the murder and enslavement of blacks by blacks and specifically as ongoing by Islam is what needs to be addressed. And it won't. The OIC will never allow discussion of this. And the UN won't either. So... discussing 'racism' is a strawman argument, and worse.....
(9) Shimeon Weiner, July 19, 2020 2:42 PM
Thank you
I hope he sees this. He's getting heat from the wrong places
(8) Anonymous, July 19, 2020 2:38 PM
Excellent clear, factual and disturbing
Excellent!! Clear and also disturbing. I often read your articles. Please continue to write. Maybe your words wii resonate more and lead people’s minds to peace and tolerance bh Thank you for your wirk
(7) Elyah L., July 19, 2020 2:36 PM
macrocosm - microcosm
What is more tragic than the anti-Semitic sentiments globally, is the anti-religious sentiments in Israel -- which are just as vicious. (Perhaps, the non-Jewish attitude towards the Jews is just a cosmic mirror of how the Jews are treating each other). In the recent Israeli elections (and re-elections, and re-re elections) there were Jewish politicians in the Jewish Homeland whose ENTIRE platform -- which won them tremendous popularity -- was their vehement hatred for religious Jews in Israel; their promises to shut down religious institutions and stop religious neighborhoods from expanding or even existing. Shuls are being closed, JEWISH schools are being closed or are having their funding severely cut, SIMPLY because the politician's -- and the secular Israeli culture -- hate religious Jews. And yes, their campaign media was frighteningly similar -- and sometimes IDENTICAL -- to Nazi Propaganda.
And that's just one detail, from very recent history. The anti-religious agenda has been going on a long, long time.
Will anyone speak out publicly against that? Will anyone dare to publicly expose it?
Anonymous, July 28, 2020 6:56 AM
OMG!!
I had no idea about this horrible psychological self hatred of in Israel. That said, I’m afraid that some of it also exists here among very liberal “Jews”. As long as liberals hate fellow Jews, we’re in more trouble than if others hate us.
It’s only when we love ourselves enough to stand up for ourselves that we’re really respected. We need to love from within. There will always be anti semitism but it gets worse when non Jews see any weakness(es) among us (as in the saying, “Izzy, don’t make trouble!”). If non Jews see strength and pride, they’re more likely to fear and respect us. In any event, showing strength and pride can never hurt but showing weakness can.
When we see anti Semitic hate speech and actions, from ANY quarter, we need to march and be very vocal. If that’s in front of Louis Farrakhan’s meeting places or in front of athletic venues, so be it.
We have been mistreated for so long that it’s as if (like an abused child or domestic partner) we’re paralyzed with fear, waiting for the next blow. We need to stop that fear and realize that bullies (including self hating Jews) will treat us as we “ask” to be treated. Only when we stand tall, show great self respect, as other minorities do without cowering, and are willing to fight for that respect (as Israel has) will we be feared and then treated with great respect. I understand it’s not fun to be feared, but in some instances, sometimes, that’s the only way to gain respect.
(6) Byron, July 19, 2020 2:19 PM
ignorance
Antisemitism is racism but my guess is that those racists who hate Jews would never think they are racist and i doubt if those who are fighting racism as it relates to blacks, have a clue that they are being racist when they hate Jews. I would like to ask them why they hate Jews. I doubt if they would be able to provide any real answers. Its hate without reason and based upon the rampant ignorance of the population that hates any race. I think it stems at least to some extent by the Palestinians spending most if not all of the money given to them by the US to foster such hatred.
Anonymous, July 20, 2020 2:21 AM
Well said.
(5) RIVKAH F STERN, July 19, 2020 2:07 PM
Excellent
What an excellent article. Thank you!
(4) David Feit, July 19, 2020 2:03 PM
Well put
Your eloquent open letter says it all. As a faith, we know hate all to well. Our people have died for being Jews. We, thus, have an obligation to speak up when we see others being attacked simply for who they are. However, we must not blindly speak up, when some of those groups we are standing up to defend then come back and attack us, again simply for being who we are. Bravo Mr. Abdul-Jabbar. Bravo
(3) Elly Shapiro, July 19, 2020 1:59 PM
Thank you
Eloquently stated. Thank you and thank Kareem Abdul Jabar for using his voice for good rather than divisiveness.
(2) Clifton, July 19, 2020 1:53 PM
Oh really?
If Jews are responsible for suppressing African Americans then they are doing a lousy job at when over 75% of the nba and nfl are made up of black millionaires and 50% of all characters on tv and movies are black. Lame and ignorant = racism Thanks for demonstrating that for us Ice and Nick Cannon.
(1) MESA, July 19, 2020 12:38 PM
May I sign this letter with you? Kareem Abdul Jabbar is a mentsch & deserves support.
Charles B Hall, July 19, 2020 4:41 PM
Completely agree!
We need to stand behind non-Jews who defend Jews. KAJ is one. We just lost another, John Lewis. :(