By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel
CHULA VISTA, California — As I reflect on my heritage as the child of a Holocaust survivor, I am repeatedly confronted by a troubling enigma: the staggering indifference and silence of the broader Western world while the Holocaust raged on. This apathy remains an indelible stain on humanity’s collective conscience. Jews have historically been the quintessential targets of oppression, which has in turn shaped a fervent Jewish advocacy for principles championing human dignity and the sanctity of life.
As Heinrich Hein once wrote, “When one’s ancestors have been hunters of the buck from time immemorial, their descendants find delight in this lawful occupation. My ancestors, however, belonged not to the race of hunters, but much rather to that of the hunted, and I feel my blood revolt at the thought of taking deadly aim at the descendants of their former colleagues in misfortune. [1]
The annals of Jewish suffering have birthed a profound sensitivity towards the plight of the oppressed, as epitomized by the poignant words of Heinrich Heine. His verse not only reflects the Jewish aversion to the role of the oppressor but also underscores an inherent revulsion towards the infliction of suffering, having known it all too intimately. This ethos of empathy and justice has been a beacon for Jewish activism in progressive social movements.
Yet, this commitment has at times paradoxically led to a troubling myopia, particularly concerning the Jewish relationship with the political left. The painful irony of the Jewish allegiance to progressive causes is that it has occasionally been reciprocated with betrayal, as some factions within these movements have fostered prejudicial narratives against Israel. These detractors mischaracterize Israel as a colonial interloper, devoid of historical or spiritual ties to the land, although even Islamic scripture acknowledges the deep roots of Jews in Israel. Contemporary radical ideologies have taken this distortion further, advocating for a “Palestine” cleansed of Jewish presence, a chilling echo of historical purges and expulsions.
This dissonance between expectation and reality has historical precedence. The fleeting optimism that Russian Jews felt in the wake of the Bolshevik Revolution quickly dissipated as the veneer of equality failed to mask the enduring scourge of antisemitism. The notion of a post-revolutionary utopia crumbled under the weight of persistent hate crimes and ingrained prejudices, even within the ranks of the supposed champions of equality. This painful historical lesson demonstrates that ideologies, however noble in theory, cannot by themselves uproot deep-seated bigotry.
The Jewish dream of a redemptive, utopian world order has often been met with the stark realities of human nature. The Holocaust was the nadir of this disconnect, a catastrophe so profound that it challenged the very belief in the possibility of a universal moral awakening. And yet, after the horrors of World War II, the international community seemed to lapse back into complacency, failing to fully recognize or counter the enduring threats to Jewish existence, as was evident in the hostilities that greeted the birth of Israel in 1948 and the numerous wars that occurred afterward to our present day.
The harrowing events of October 7th, 2023, serve as a grim milestone, a day when the veneer of civility was torn asunder as extremists committed unspeakable acts against Jewish individuals. The tacit, and sometimes explicit, endorsement of these atrocities by elements within the political left laid bare a pernicious strand of antisemitism. This was not the clandestine hatred of the Nazis but a brazen, unabashed expression of bigotry amplified through modern technology and social platforms.
The revelation of deep-seated antisemitic sentiments within esteemed academic circles is a bitter pill to swallow. This betrayal, however, has had the unintended consequence of galvanizing a reevaluation among Jewish youth, who are increasingly questioning the liberal doctrines they once embraced without reservation. The recognition of the fallibility of utopian ideals is dawning upon a new generation, prompting a reckoning with the world’s harsh realities.
This critical reawakening draws from the wisdom of our spiritual and psychological forebears. The Talmud and numerous Jewish moral texts, alongside Jung’s concept of the Shadow, remind us of the necessity to confront and integrate our baser instincts. Jungian psychology dovetails with the Hobbesian view of humanity’s intrinsic self-interest, urging us to recognize the potential for malevolence within and among us.
The resurgence of antisemitic violence is a harrowing reminder of the tenacity of ancient hatred. It forces a difficult but essential introspection among Jewish communities about the nature of our alliances and the ideologies we support. Yet, this is also a moment that can catalyze profound transformation. By facing the grim realities of antisemitism head-on, Jewish students are awakening to the realization that their identity is intrinsically linked to a legacy of improving the world. This realization must now be balanced with a pragmatic view of the challenges that lie ahead.
For the Palestinians, the path to a brighter future necessitates a departure from a pervasive culture of victimhood. The journey towards self-empowerment and peace is fraught with challenges but is essential for breaking the cycle of violence and despair. It is a transformation that requires a candid acknowledgment of the past and a courageous willingness to embrace a new paradigm of coexistence and mutual respect.
In shedding our illusions, we confront the daunting task of navigating a world replete with complexity and moral ambiguity. Yet, it is precisely in this endeavor that we might find the seeds of hope and the potential for genuine progress. The Jewish people, while never abandoning the quest to better the world, must do so with eyes wide open, recognizing the intricate dance of light and shadow that defines the human condition. It is in this delicate balance that we find the wisdom and resilience to forge a future that honors our past while boldly charting a course toward peace and understanding.
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NOTES
[1] Heinrich Hein and Mathew Arnold, Heinrich Hein: His Wit, Wisdom and Poetry (Newell Dunbar Boston: JG Cupples Company, 1892], p. 6.
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Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel is spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista. He may be contacted via michael.samuel@sdjewishworld.com