Because of our traditions, we’ve kept our balance for many, many years. Here in Anatevka, we have traditions for everything: how to sleep, how to eat… how to work… how to wear clothes. For instance, we always keep our heads covered, and always wear a little prayer shawl that shows our constant devotion to God. You may ask, “How did this tradition get started?” I’ll tell you! Tradition – Tevye, Fiddler on the Roof
On 1 September 1941, on the initiative of Reich Minister Joseph Goebbels, the German Interior Ministry issued an order that from 19 September 1941, all the Jews of the Reich and the Protectorate aged six and older were required to wear the Jewish star ("Judenstern"). The order stipulated that the palm-sized badge be sewn on their clothes, on the left side of the chest, at heart level, to be noticeable in a public place.
When Nazi officials implemented the Jewish badge they did so in an intensified systematic manner as a prelude to deporting Jews to ghettos and killing centers in German- occupied-Eastern Europe. Jews needed to be identified as Jews – to ensure that not one of them escapes extermination.
This weekend we learned that the “new Germany” encourages Jews in Germany not to wear their head coverings everywhere in public. It is now dangerous for Jews to be readily identifiable. Germany’s top official responsible for efforts against anti-Semitism, Felix Klein, decided that personal safety is more important than religious freedom. And so, in a remarkable historic irony, the country that gave us the Holocaust and the star of David as a badge of shame, today in the guise of concern for its Jewish residents, gives us guidance about how to cope with the nascent rise of anti-Semitism by suggesting that this time we hide our identities and forsake our traditions!
Michel Friedman who previously served as president of the European Jewish Congress put it bluntly: “When a representative of the federal government officially tells the Jewish community that ‘you are not safe against anti-Jewish hate everywhere in Germany’, then that is a pathetic display for the rule of law and political reality”.
It is hard to believe that in the span of one generation we have gone from the defeat of Nazi-ism and the realization of the ultimate unspeakable horrors of anti-Semitism to a repeat of Jew hatred considered so unstoppable and insoluble that the only viable response is for Jews to hide who they are and ignore their religious beliefs.
Felix Klein’s advice to the Jewish community resonates with an appalling reminder of a Holocaust strategy that failed. As Jews were being rounded up for deportation to concentration camps there were those who sought to conceal their identities. They took the dangerous step of not wearing the required yellow star. They tried to pass as non-Jews. It was not a yarmulke that gave them away. Nazis knew there was a simple way to reveal the truth. “Take down your pants,” the men were told – and the sign of their circumcision gave them away.
We need to prove that our Jewish identity is a source of pride, not of shame; a source of joy, not a burden.
“Take off your hats” will not suffice to secure our safety when the virus of anti-Semitism continues to spread. The very act of giving in to this affront to our religious affiliation is already the greatest proof of our enemies’ victory.
Tevye was right. The reason for wearing a skullcap is tradition. The law is not biblical. Yet it is rooted in a biblical law with profound significance. Today we wear tefillin – the phylacteries on head and hand – only during prayer. We do not consider ourselves worthy enough of wearing them throughout the day as we go about our regular activities. Yet that was the original law. The purpose? Clearly to acknowledge to ourselves and to be identified to the world at large as committed both mind and body to the Almighty above us.
As Jews with the divine mission to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” we were meant to be recognizable. Our dedication to God was always visible. Jews wore tefillin – until we didn’t feel ourselves holy enough except during prayer. But for the rest of the time we need to publicly demonstrate our life commitment to a “higher being” – like the head covering above us. We need to prove that our Jewish identity is a source of pride, not of shame; a source of joy, not a burden.
How tragic that Germany of all places feels it helpful to suggest, unlike the 40s, not to identify ourselves with the yellow star but to conceal our identity with bare heads devoid of any link with our God. To recommend that we renounce Jewish pride in our faith only serves to contribute to the insidious and dangerous assimilation of the Jewish people.
(38) Fred, August 17, 2020 3:07 AM
Return to Hitler
Sadly and tragicaly Germany is inching towards the front rank to revive the period of slaughter of Jews, is on again with the fortified support of poor Muslim poor refugees with strong NAZI Muslim beliefs. Gearmay has murdered Jews of Europe with European participation & one would have thought enough, alas not a new wave is shown its fangs in Europe and no law is there to safeguard the remnants of Jewry it is a free for all. The lame excuses are appaling & only show that Europe has become submissive to Islam giving murderers lame excuses. Europa quo vadis ???
(37) Anonymous, June 5, 2019 6:50 PM
How about Hijab and Turbans
Have they also asked Muslims not to wear Hijab and Turbans?
(36) Rodney, June 3, 2019 8:53 PM
germany is afraid of islam
they won't tell muslim women not to wear the scarf if they get attacked. the authorities will prosecute the attacker. they won't prosecute the attacker of Jews. doesn't anyone see whats going on. its all pro islam.
Natan, June 4, 2019 1:13 PM
Absolutely
An astute observer will note that as much as they (native germans, belgians, whoever...) hate the muslims, they invariably hate us Jews more and blame us for the problem they themselves created (in this case a massive, belligerent muslim population usurping their culture, government, economy, military, etc.).
Jews of Europe (and America, at some point) are in for large pogroms at the very least (it's just a matter of time), or an all-out holocaust at the most.
I desperately hope I'm wrong.
PLEASE get out and join your brethren in Israel so that we can unite (spiritually, financially and militarily). We've been paying lip-service to this plan for millennia. G-d is waiting for us to implement our part of it (he will help when we do).
This is not Zionism, it is Judaism. We have tons of ancient sources and precedents for this approach (Ezra being the most obvious).
(35) Rita Way, June 3, 2019 6:34 PM
As Jews we must not hide our identity however we choose to display it. This advise by Felix Klein is makes me sad and angry. We should feel proud of being Jewish and let the world know we are.
(34) Steven Edelman, June 2, 2019 4:43 PM
I wear a kippah.
I went to buy a car in Fayetteville NC's Honda dealer. The sales manager saw me and told me that I could not be saved (referring to the yarmulke). I complained to Honda of America. You can be certain that he will never do that again.
(33) Anonymous, June 1, 2019 8:45 AM
Incremental growth
The threat to Jews grows steadily. The looks have grown to comments, the comments grow to pushes and shoves, the shoves...shootings,. When the government issues warnings instead of taking action perhaps it's driven by apathy that masks quiet institutional hate. We need to find a positive way through this, but never turning our backs to the threat.
(32) Mike, May 31, 2019 11:43 PM
It starts with the kippah.
Today they say don't wear a kippah. Next they will warn Jews about walking to shul or putting up a sukkah. Can someone explain to me why Jews continue to live in Germany?
(31) H.E.Brown, May 31, 2019 10:31 AM
Kippah
Just a bunch of thugs causing trouble and trying to raise their heads again. You have the right to wear your hats any time anywhere. Don't let them push you around.
(30) Michael, May 31, 2019 9:53 AM
Sad
It really is sad, but my understanding is the German government wants to protect Jews from anti-Semitic attacks coming from the Middle Eastern migrants.
(29) Sister M. Michele S.C.M.C. Jascenia, May 31, 2019 1:19 AM
Wear the Kippah...everyone!
In solidarity, all people throughout the world should wear the kippah and stand bravely against the pressure that seeks to steal religious freedom from society. It's wrong to conform to that which is making us less free, less safe, less religious. Do not fear the man who wants to make you less a man; fear God Who gives man the dignity, the hope, the liberty to make the world better, and freer. Standing up for our God-given rights, assures us that God will stand with us.
Today it's dangerous for Jews to wear the kippah, tomorrow it will be dangerous for Christians to wear the cross or crucifix...we must not let evil gain the upper-hand. All should be united. All who value freedom, wear the kippah, and strive together to put a stop to persecution. It's our personal responsibility.
God bless you.
Sister M. Michele S.C.M.C.
(28) Brant H. Dveirin, May 30, 2019 11:19 PM
Why not wear another hat and be safe.
My mother is a Holocaust survivor and I am pretty confident she would say pick a different hat. Adhering to tradition is one thing. Putting your life in danger is another. If you wear a Yankees hat or a fedora isn’t that fulfilling the mitzvah. Why put yourself at risk. Better yet, move to America. That is what my Mother did.
Raymond, May 31, 2019 1:26 PM
So Well
I agree with every word you said here, plus you said it so well.
Natan, May 31, 2019 4:01 PM
America is soon to follow
On a historical scale, America is soon going to be where Europe is today.
I desperately hope I'm wrong, but it's not looking good.
Perhaps, just maybe, we have the very real option of moving to Israel at this point in history precisely because we are really going to need it...
Mario, June 1, 2019 12:38 AM
Wear a hat and demand protection
I agree Jews can wear a bb hat but more important is hold the government responsible for protection and fight hate and this antisemític people with all the weight of the state. Or is the German government shifting all responsibility on Jews wearing kippahs? I’m very afraid that’s what it is.
(27) TeresaAnnElizabeth, May 30, 2019 2:10 PM
Germany Again?!?
While I am not Jewish (Catholic gentile), I am a student of The Holocaust and WWII and my immense love and respect are with the 6 million Jewish victims, the survivors and their families. I make sure I listen to at least one of Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation interviews of Survivors every night and tell others about it! We must never forget! So how can this nation, Germany, (which I have trouble still thinking that they can have truly done enough in reparations for the Jewish people and their families) start this same sort of thing again? Sadly, I’m not surprised. I have traveled and spent my tourist money in other European countries. BUT I WILL NEVER SET FOOT IN THAT COUNTRY AS LONG AS I LIVE!!
(26) Anonymous, May 30, 2019 2:09 PM
sad
Santayana said it best and in truth. In truth, the past is starting to repeat itself and the only solution is to hide who we are? Governments (people in power) should be ashamed of themselves to stand around, once again, and do nothing!
(25) Anonymous, May 30, 2019 4:05 AM
How truly sad & scary. There is a true hatetred for Jews. These people are cold & merecless. After everything that happened in the Holocaust the hatred continues.
(24) Anonymous, May 29, 2019 9:24 PM
For get it
I will never, ever, set foot in Germany
(23) fraAAMITAI, May 29, 2019 7:49 PM
First of all what are we still doing in Germany? I see it as the cemetery of our people. I go to the cemetery to visit my father's grave not to live there? I wouldn't go to live in Egypt either.
(22) Aura R. Fechter, May 29, 2019 5:45 PM
My sentiments exactly. How dare they! They should be rooting out those responsible for anti-Semitic attacks, not asking us to hide our identities.
(21) Barbara Franks, May 29, 2019 3:50 PM
Why, Why Why is this happening again to my beautiful people?
Never Again...means NEVER AGAIN! We must awake the sleeping lion within all of our fellow Jews. Stop being self-loathing and ashamed of our heritage--we need to stop saying we are the Chosen People, because Gd Loves All the People of the World! Tikkun Olam is a beautiful thought/idea, but we need to repair our broken tribes. Stop dissecting ourselves into smaller and smaller groups: Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Chassidim, Ultra Orthodox, etc... Catholics, Protestants, Muslim all go to one church and/or mosque to pray regardless of their affiliation. Unfortunately, the Jewish people need to be so specific when they are praying and with whom. This only divides us up more than we are already and our percentage in the world at large is so tiny, we cannot afford to do this anymore. We need to be unified and Love Our Fellow Jew - not look for faults or judge each other. We are all important and we need each other more now than ever before! Let's start to Repair Our People and then the World!!!
Anonymous, June 1, 2019 12:42 AM
Good luck.
I feel the same way oh do but the division is so deep and the personal interest so many it would be the miracle of miracles for all Jews to be accepting of all Jews.
By the way I pray in any sinagogue I don’t care.
(20) Silvestre V Miranda, May 29, 2019 2:17 PM
Today the Kippah / tomorrow the Synagogue
(19) Clifton, May 29, 2019 1:30 AM
Do the opposite
Responding to the warning, U.S. Ambassador Richard Grenell wrote on Twitter: “The opposite is true. Wear your kippa. Wear your friend’s kippa. Borrow a kippa and wear it for our Jewish neighbors. Educate people that we are a diverse society.” Felix Klein then said Tuesday, that he stood by his remarks. He agreed that his warning should not be interpreted as a capitulation, however, and said that all Germans should wear the kippah as a sign of support this Saturday, when protesters are expected to rally for an annual al Quds march in Berlin, which has been condemned as anti-Semitic. EXACTLY. ALL Germans should wear one in support.
Mordechai, May 29, 2019 10:14 AM
Der Bild
One of the most read newspapers in Germany, Der Bild, on its cover, recommended all Germans wear a yarmulke in solidarity with Jews and even gave advice with instructions and illustration, how to make one!
(18) Anonymous, May 29, 2019 1:21 AM
You optimist! The German Army was defeated, not the ideology! The ideology of Germanic superioogy lived on! Officially of course people kept their mouth shut unless in likeminded company! As they say, been there ( Postwar Germany) Done That! (Listened to the talk between them selves)
(17) Anonymous, May 29, 2019 12:45 AM
It strikes me Jewish people live in Germany!
1. It strikes me Jewish people are still living in Germany after the horror of the holocaust! When I first knew it, I was blown out of my mind, and now you get used to the idea.
2. Even though, we should never forget the holocaust, I need to admit that Israel and Jewish in the diaspora will not find today a better friend than Germany, and when it comes to extreme right, they exist everywhere, not only in Germany.
3. And yes, personal safety is more important than religious freedom, especially in our days!
4. It is not about pride or shame, we don't need to forsake our tradition, but anything can cover our heads, like a cap, any other type of hat that covers our heads, but if to choose your life or religious freedom, I will choose my life first and cover my head in any other way!
5. Unfortunately we live in a strange weird world, never what it used to be, and protecting yourself is not a bad idea, even at the expense of covering your head in any other way.
6. Hopefully this wave of anti semitism will go away soon, but right now, it is not a bad idea to protect yourself. I believe this is the first thing you will tell to your son or daughter.
(16) Raymond, May 28, 2019 11:47 PM
Go to the Land That I Will Show You
I agree that it is a terrible thing that our fellow Jews in Germany, of all places, are being asked to conceal their Jewish identity. I also agree that it is reminiscent of when our fellow Jews were forced to wear yellow Jewish Stars back in nazi Germany.
However, at least the way I see it, there is some difference between being forced to openly identify one's Jewishness, as was the case with the yellow Jewish stars in nazi Gemany, as opposed to concealing one's Jewishness by not wearing our Jewish head coverings in present-day Germany. Forcing one to display one's Jewishness just strikes me as far more invasive and dictatorial, a way to more easily make Jews a target for the wrath of the antisemites, while being asked to conceal one's Jewishness is to to at least try to protect Jewish lives, by making it that much more difficult for Jews to be targeted by the antisemites of our world. That difference may be just enough difference, so as to give present day German Jews just enough of a warning as well as time to prepare to leave Germany, and never go back there.
It is clear that the Germans do not want us there, so why antagonize them? I am thinking the same thing for other parts of the world as well, such as Paris, London, and Tehran. Jews should leave anywhere where they are not wanted.
How dare I say such a thing? I suppose because the way I look at it, we Jews have contributed more that is positive to civilization, than any other group in all of human history. Clearly it is a privilege to have us Jews around. If some countries do not appreciate that, then let them suffer by not having us anywhere near them. Let's live only in places that realize our greatness, such as America. And if and when the intolerant, Radical Leftists in America chase us Jews out of America as well, at least we finally have Israel back in our hands to escape to, which is where all of us Jews should be living anyway.
Anonymous, May 29, 2019 1:12 AM
Wake-up call for Jews on the right, responding to your sentiments of the left
When will you see it? Even with the massacre of Jews, this last year, the worst hate crimes against Jews since the Shoah, and the arson attempts and assault, the right nationalists, encouraged by the highest in leadership at the top, continue on and the Jews on the right continue to disparage the party, the Left, that represents one of inclusion, compassion, tolerance, and Torah values of welcoming the stranger and loving your neighbor.
The division, exclusion, rhetoric, aggression on the right is a threat to Democracy.
I applaud Chancellor Merkel who said referring to the rise of nationalism and racism across Europe, "we are for Democracy, we are for solutions, we try to put ourselves in the others shoes, we stand up against intolerance, and show no tolerance for violations of human rights."
Wake -up ...
https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5516821,00.html
Raymond, May 29, 2019 2:26 PM
The Difference that Makes the Difference
While antisemitism exists on both sides of the political fence in America, the difference is that it is becoming more and more mainstream in the Democratic Party, while it remains a very tiny fringe group on the Political Right. So for example, the trio of the most recent notable antisemitic members of Congress, namely Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, have become accepted, even popular members of the Democratic Party. And polls have found that only a minority of Democrats continuing to be pro-Israel. And let us not forget how hostile that both Jimmy Carter and Barak Obama have been toward our Jewish State of Israel. Contrast all this with the other side of the political fence. Truly great conservatives such as William F Buckley made sure to categorically reject and really expel any conservative thinker (such as Joseph Sobran) who also espoused antisemitic views. Polls have found that conservatives are overwhelmingly pro-Israel, often even more than are our fellow Jews. And Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George W Bush, and now Donald, all Republican Presidents, have been superb friends of our Jewish people and our Jewish State of Israel. In fact, it is for that very reason that I became a Republican, even when I was still just a teenager.
A DC Wonk, May 29, 2019 9:13 PM
wake up
You mean that president who said that there were good people "on both sides" when referring to a white nationalist (aka Nazi) rally? And re-tweets sentiments from white nationalists? Do you recall that the Pittsburgh Tree of Life shooter saw support for immigration as a Jewish plot to weaken white people in the United States, a view this president himself gestured at when he blamed a caravan of migrants from Central America on George Soros.
What made WF Buckley a truly great conservatives, as you noted, is that he called out, and then threw out, the anti-semites from the conservative movement. Sadly, nobody has replaced him in that regard, and the right has a blind spot regarding the new, so-called "alt right" movement, which is viciously anti-Semitic.
Anonymous, May 29, 2019 9:42 PM
Not a tiny fringe on the right, not mainstreamed on the left
Thank you, DC. I disagree with poster Raymond (and all other posters who have stated the same at various points on various threads) that there is only a fringe on the right. And it is escalating and increasing steadily.
I also do not agree with many posters on Aish about institutionalized antisemitism on the left. I understand there is a lot of criticism directed at the Israeli government's policies, and it is being called the "new antisemitism." Especially on college campuses - but I think some of the issue is that Jewish students are uncomfortable with any criticism of the Istaeli government as they have made the state/ government of Israel, which is also very far to the right, a part of their identity as Jews, as opposed to the Land of Israel, we yearn to return to, with Moshiach, so they cannot separate it out.
On anothr thread IDF members flew here to oppose another group of IDF members - it is for them to tackle the issues with their policies. Israel may be headed to another election. We have enough on our plate as Americans, let a foreign govt. address its own problems. Not everything is antisemitism. The killing, assault, vandalism, hatred on the right, white nationalism, most definitely is - people are losing their lives. It is scary not to be able to walk into a synogogue to pray.
Blaming Jews in the U.S. for the policies of another gov't. they have no say in, is what is antisemitic. And ignoring the racist nationalist hatred on the right, is unwise. Yes, Wake Up.
Raymond, May 31, 2019 4:39 AM
Donald Derangement Syndrome
Even more irrational than the Bush Derangment Syndrome of less than a generation ago, in which the intolerant Leftists hated pro-Israel President George W Bush for no discernible reason, is the current Donald Derangement Syndrome, in which intolerant Leftists have completely lost their minds in their obsessive, irrational hatred of the most pro-Israel President in modern day history, namely Donald Trump. Donald could not possibly be more pro-Israel than he already is, and yet secular Leftist Jews despise him with every fiber of their being. Go figure. Given such irrationality, there is really no point in even trying to come to the defense of our great President, as it will only be met with further emotionally laden, nonsensical hatred and intense intolerance.
Anonymous, May 31, 2019 10:57 AM
No hatred here
Hate is a strong word. Democrats I know, the intolerant leftists, as you say denounce hatred. It is a hallmark of their beliefs. They epitomize inclusion, empathy, civility, tolerance.
I do not hate Trump. I just do not appreciate his efforts as the President, and as an American, it is my right to vote for the candidate I choose. There is nothing for you to defend in Trump. You are free to vote as you choose.
In all sincerity, and there is no sarcasm here, I know the Israelis love him; he has given them everything and more of what they want and is on his way to rubber stamping annexation of Area C West Bank. I wish he would go there and run in their Sept. election. As you I am sure know, Israel is headed to the polls, once again.
Anonymous, May 31, 2019 1:32 PM
Sic Semper Tyrannus
The Democratic Party of today is filled with nothing but hatred, racism, intolerance, immorality, and downright bigotry. And the intense, intolerant nature of their hatred of Donald, is so frighteningly similar to those same emotions that the antisemites of our world direct to my Jewish people. Clearly, the Democratic Party has not changed since one of their own, John Wilkes Booth, murdered another vilified President, namely Abraham Lincoln.
chaya, May 31, 2019 6:06 PM
Shemona Esreh
In the last Blessing of the Shemona Esrey, we ask G-d to bless us as One, with the light of his countenance upon us.
The Tanya teaches that HaShem blesses us (as one) when we are one.
The post by Barbara earlier, that we must unite as one, is brilliant, and true.
At the end of the day, we are in galus, and what befalls us is about our relationship to HaShem, opportunities to Return.
The disparaging of the 'other' has to stop. This site says it is apolitical - and I am so tired of the left bashing, it is appalling the way Jews speak to one another. I would focus less the suggestion to not where a kippa, which was said for protection, from a place well meaning, and good intention, and more on the Love for fellows Jews, required of us.
Political parties and politics, notwithstanding.
Anonymous, June 2, 2019 2:38 AM
Democratic party committee rewrites Israel resolutions, to support Israel
https://www.jweekly.com/2019/06/01/at-state-convention-california-dems-reject-anti-israel-language-in-resolutions/
Hopefully this will clarify for you. THE democratic party is staunchy pro-Israel.
LarryB, June 2, 2019 6:41 AM
Wow.
The Democratic Party writes resolutions critical of Israel, then when pressured they rewrite them and you think they support Israel? Wow!
Anonymous, June 2, 2019 10:06 AM
I do see your point
But, I am steadfast in my belief that the party is critical of the POLICIES of the Israeli government; it is a fact they were unable to form a coalition and will repeat their elections in September. Within their own state, they are not clear on their policies - this time about ultra- observant serving in the army.
It remains deeply disturbing to me, the republicans seem to downplay the rise of nationalism on their side, and Jews will historically be attacked first. Pittsburgh happened. Poway happened.
The path forward is to demand governments make it safe for Jews to live and worship in diaspora. And, the greater path is for Jewish leaders to do all they can to bring Jews together.
(15) Baruch, May 28, 2019 10:31 PM
What is the difference between Germany & Israel on this subject?
Honestly, seems to me Germany is just following Israel's lead. I live in Israel. The Israeli government posts signs in front of dozens of towns where I can no longer go because I am Israeli.
Just google "ENTRANCE FOR ISRAELI CITIZENS FORBIDDEN."
Here is a link to a photo:
https://www.google.com/search?q=no entry israeli citizen&safe=active&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjGxqG0ob_iAhViT98KHbxUAJ4Q_AUIECgD&biw=1829&bih=838#imgrc=sFrHLfxK29RR6M:
The Israeli government gives the same reason for this policy as the German government in this article. At least in Germany, I can still take off my kipa and go anywhere I want. Not so in Israel. We need to improve things at home before criticizing other countries. And we do need to make it a high priority to end this twisted, legalized bigotry enforced with backward logic, making places under Israeli control the only places in the world where I cannot go as a Jew. Any ideas?
Natan, May 29, 2019 8:06 AM
Massive aliyah is the only chance
Our current government is pathetically weak.
Barring a miraculous intervention by Hashem, the only chance is if we get a massive aliyah of people who will vote for leaders who will be tough/sane.
Such an aliyah would likely only happen due to intense persecution, which would almost certainly make those Jews very "right wing".
I don't want to see any Jews anywhere suffer, though looking around it seems almost certain in our near future.
I desperately hope I'm wrong.
(14) Anonymous, May 28, 2019 10:19 PM
We need to go
It seems to me that the Jews in Germany and in France, are like a kid who sticks a fork into the light socket and then does it again only to see if it shocks him again. It is time for the Jews to leave, pack up, sell their business, take their wealth, their knowledge and get out of that area before we have yet another holocaust but one that might actually succeed. We say "Never again," yet it is happening again and we have learned nothing from the last. This time, no one will come to our aid and we will perish. Go ? Canada, the US, Israel, Japan.. just go..
(13) Anonymous, May 28, 2019 8:22 PM
Why are Jews still in Germany?
My father is a veteran of WWII. He was about to ship back to the states when Jewish refugees from many concentration camps came to Freiman, Germany right near his base. He immediately extended his tour of duty for six more months. My father wanted to speak to the people, he knew Yiddish, and wanted to see if he himself could locate any relatives. He also met my mom in the DP camp, a survivor of Auschwitz and Dachau. My father would give lectures in Yiddish and besides trying to help the people with their needs, he often begged them NOT to go back to the countries from which they came to reclaim their homes, or to see if anyone came back. The reason? Virulent antiSemitism in all the countries Jews was deported from. Especially Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Germany. Some did return and received an antiSemitic welcome. People had taken over Jewish homes, and they were afraid they would have to give them back. Some were killed when they returned to their homes. One has to wonder, why any Jew would want to live in Germany. It will be a blood-soaked country for thousands of years.
(12) Omar, May 28, 2019 6:54 PM
Sorry, I don't feel that I am antisemitic but I think Jewish people are very complicated people. I think the German who took this decision meant well. Imagine one second an islamic fanatic with a gun or simply a knife noticing a man with a kippa...The german security cannot be responsible for everything. As to your saying about tradition and so on, I must remind you that Israelis, to kill Palestinians,not only took their kippa off but ,in special operations in Lebanon, were wearing like Arab women ! Ask the general Ehud Barak !!!
Simone Rousseau, May 28, 2019 10:07 PM
Line of Defence
Israel has the right to defend itself against the atrocities of the arab world. Israel doesnt teach its children to hate and murder. The jews have every right to wear the religious garb like other religions do. We dont take photos of murdered children by Hamas and pretend it to be Israeli, we treat palestinians in hospitals and even Abbas's sister goes to Israel for treatment. Stop the lies the jealousy and the hatred. G-d is and will be the judge as to who does the right thing and who doesnt.
(11) Anonymous, May 28, 2019 6:36 PM
One need not look at Germany for examples of anti-semitism
Elsewhere in this issue is the members of IDF on an American college campus. I am 70 and have seen what is usual covert anti-semitism for most of my life. It is no longer hidden or attempted to be hidden. How is it that American members of congress make loud and unequivocal hateful statements against Jews and Israel?
Where are the other voices? Cowards? Where is the Jewish caucus?
I remember Skokie, Illinois. That was a different world.
Anonymous, May 29, 2019 1:22 AM
Responding to Where are the other Voices, where is the Jewish caucus
I also read the article on the IDF group that visited Universities in California. You will note, they were formed to give a different point of view to the Breaking the Silence, Israeli ex-IDF who speak of what they cannot look away from, acts they deplore, of the IDF. Acts they feel shamed by for which they participated in.
So, Israelis should defend, it is their country, only they vote, only they can speak to their policies.
I was at the march in Skokie, I lived on the East coast then. Now, I live on the West.
I did not support the IDF group in Irvine, because yes, things have changed. Israel has changed - a 50 year occupation changes people.
(10) Boca Mom, May 28, 2019 4:19 PM
This is worse than wearing the star
This is actually a way more sneaky and evil way of trying to destroy us - getting us to deny our own Jewishness, to be ashamed to proclaim it in public. To do their dirty work for them and wipe out our existence in their country.
(9) Isaac Israel, May 28, 2019 3:57 PM
Redemption
Anti-Semitism is once again prevalent all across the world. This time around is going to be much different. These are all signs of the eminent coming of Mosiach, and the start of the Messianic era, and our third and final redemption B'H'
(8) Anonymous, May 28, 2019 3:54 PM
Germans have not changed
The Germans have not changed. Antisemitism is still rampant in many forms. As the late great Winston said on many occasions, The Hun is either at your throat or at your feet.
(7) Meir Zalman Strauss, May 28, 2019 3:53 PM
Of all the places in the world to live, including Eretz Yisrael, what the hell is a Jew doing living in Germany? A person who doesn’t remember the past is bound to relive it.
(6) Fred Goldenson, May 28, 2019 3:52 PM
Right on.
Two things seem constant: antisemitism and our hiding who we are. Rabbi Blech is, as always, spot on.
(5) M A J WILKS, May 28, 2019 3:51 PM
Germans urged to wear Jewish yarmulke in solidarity
https://www.dw.com/en/germans-urged-to-wear-jewish-yarmulke-in-solidarity/a-48919776 - Germans urged to wear Jewish yarmulke in solidarity
Anti-Semitism Commissioner Felix Klein has called on Germans to don the yarmulke skullcap worn by Jewish men ahead of an anti-Israel protest.
Is this a slight comfort?
(4) K.H. Ryesky, May 28, 2019 3:10 PM
Plus ce la change, plus c'est la même chose
Die Deutschen blieben Deutschen blieben Deutschen!
(3) Mark Schiff, May 28, 2019 3:02 PM
My mother warned me in 1960 that the Germans were not done.
All your points right on.
Annie, May 29, 2019 7:28 AM
An old German woman told me that until Mr Hitler told them to hare Jews, nobody did.
What ????
Then they all stopped doing it in 1945-46, I suppose.
How stupid do Germans think that we are ?
(2) MESA, May 28, 2019 1:54 PM
Germany led the Holocaust. They led the Munich Olympics and the failed rescue. Now, they're letting us be destroyed again. Can we really expect them to do the right thing?
(1) Natan, May 28, 2019 8:42 AM
Big surprise
Well, it seems that the Jews of Germany, as a whole, are faced with the same decision. Only this time they have a really good option.
Either they can stay there and wait for the slaughter to begin, or they can fulfill the mitzvah of moving to Israel.
Of course, Europe as a whole is not far behind Germany. America is looking pretty bad lately too.
Perhaps, just maybe, we have the very real option of moving to Israel at this point in history precisely because we are really going to need it...
duPont, May 28, 2019 5:00 PM
Sitting Ducks!
For all Jews to move to Israel is unrealistic and would provide the haters and murderers with sitting ducks. The UN is useless and the majority of countries in it hate Jews as well. I never thought I would live long enough to see the Holocaust happen again but if we Jews don't do something pro-active with the governments of these countries, I might live to see it.
Natan, May 29, 2019 4:58 AM
Not at all
Based on your reasoning, ostensibly we'd be sitting ducks even if Mashiach arrived - all Jewish authorities unanimously agree that all Jews are required to live in Israel at that point.
Now, if you agree that the commandment to live in Israel applies at ALL times (Ramban and others), then as a whole we need to move there.