Understanding Prejudice against Jews: I don’t get it, and here’s why …

As a gay man who has suffered prejudice because of my sexual orientation, the vast, deep-seated hatred against the Jewish community recently, in various parts of the world has been unsettling for me. It's a challenge to work out why any group would be reviled simply for existing. I was raised Christian, instilled with a warmth and respect for Jewish tradition and history. I fondly remember occasionally celebrating a form of Passover in place of our traditional Maundy Thursday reflections at our church.

Through this lens, the antipathy towards Jews is even harder for me to comprehend. I simply want to understand more, bearing in mind, however, that my endeavour doesn't imply prejudice against the Palestinians or any other group that may have disagreements or conflicts with the Jewish people.

A Historical Overview: Long-Term Context

From my own reading and basic learning, I know the animosity towards the Jews has ancient roots. Historically, Jews have been persecuted in various forms: from being enslaved in Egypt, suffering during the Babylonian exile, facing mass expulsions in medieval Europe, to enduring the pogroms in Russia and, most infamously, the Holocaust in the 20th century.

The reasons are many and complex. In many cases, Jews were outsiders — the 'other'. Their adherence to their monotheistic faith, refusal to assimilate completely into local cultures, and laws against intermarriage often set them apart. They became easy scapegoats during economic downturns, political upheavals, and societal changes.

Religious reasons also play a significant role. For instance, during medieval times, Jews were often accused of deicide (killing God) because of the belief that they were responsible for the crucifixion of Christ. This erroneous belief fuelled centuries of animosity.

In the 20th century, anti-Semitism found its most deadly form in Nazi ideology, leading to the extermination of six million Jews. Post World War II, with the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, the narrative shifted. Anti-Semitism, while still present, was often interwoven with anti-Zionism, a political stance opposing the establishment and existence of a Jewish state in Palestine.

It's important to understand, I guess, the difference between anti-Zionism and being critical of the policies of the Israeli government. While legitimate criticisms exist about Israel's policies towards the Palestinians, for some, these criticisms can become a veiled form of anti-Semitism – it seems to me.

From a global perspective, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict fuels much of the modern animosity against Jews. The media often simplifies a multifaceted geopolitical conflict, leading to generalisations and bias. Yet, it's so important to separate individuals from political entities. The global Jewish community is as diverse in thought as any other and to blame all Jews for the actions of the Israeli government is a gross misjudgement.

Jewish Contributions to Global Human Development

In the face of such adversity, the Jewish community's contributions to human development are nothing short of remarkable. Particularly in the realms of marketing and business development, their impact is profound. Naturally, my interest leans this way.

From the Levi's jeans we might wear (thanks to Levi Strauss) to the Google searches we conduct (co-founded by Sergey Brin), Jewish entrepreneurs have significantly shaped modern commerce. Jewish marketing geniuses, like Edward Bernays, often called the 'father of public relations', have defined and refined strategies that drive consumer behaviours today. Names like Estée Lauder, and Mark Zuckerberg immediately come to mind too.

Jews played a pivotal role in the rise of Hollywood, with studio founders like Adolph Zukor (Paramount) and the Warner brothers shaping global entertainment. In the realm of marketing, brands created by Jewish entrepreneurs, from Ralph Lauren to Ben & Jerry's, have utilised groundbreaking marketing tactics, elevating brand engagement to an art form.

The Jewish culture, with its emphasis on education and discourse, might play a role in this success. The Talmud, a central text in Rabbinic Judaism, encourages questioning and debate. This ingrained love for learning and critical thinking may have paved the way for innovation in various fields, including business.

As someone who's faced prejudice, it's heart-wrenching to see another group being hated for merely existing. The reasons behind the animosity towards the Jewish community are deeply embedded in history, politics, and societal constructs. As I try to navigate the complexities of modern geopolitics, as far as I can, with the information I am fed, I believe it's crucial to approach the topic with empathy and nuance. It is well beyond my ‘pay grade’ to even begin to understand recent acts of terrorism and current acts of retaliation. That innocent civilians should bear so much of the brunt of it all is heartbreaking.

My upbringing, which fostered a respect for Jewish tradition, has always been at odds with the widespread prejudice I've witnessed – especially in news broadcasts I have watched over this weekend. This journey to understand doesn't mean I side against Palestinians or any other group. Instead, it's an effort to understand and, in some teeny, tiny way, bridge gaps of misunderstanding.

At the heart of it, prejudice, whether against Jews, gays, or any other group, stems from fear and ignorance. It's only by educating ourselves, seeking understanding, and fostering empathy that we can aspire to build a world free of baseless hatred. I hope we can.