Study Theme Program Adapted from a Program Run at the UAHC Kutz Camp, Academy I, Summer 2003

Home , American Jewish Congress, Ammiel Hirsch, Jewish Telegraph

A Look at the Rise of Antisemitism Around the World NFTY Study Theme Program Adapted from a program run at the UAHC Kutz Camp, Academy I, Summer 2003

Goals: • To educate about the NFTY 2002-2003 Study Theme by informing participants about issues pertaining to Jews around the world • To connect participants with Am Yisrael – the people of Israel • To make participants aware of the rise in global antisemitism Objectives: • Participants will be introduced to the some events indicating the rise in global antisemitism through a skit. • In small groups, participants will have a chance to learn about Jewish life and analyze antisemitic incidents in specific countries. • Each group will be asked to present information about their assigned country to a model UN General Assembly addressing the issue of global antisemitism • Participants will be asked to form responses to the rise in global antisemitism

Background Information: Fact Sheets for the following countries can be found at the end of this program: - Argentina - United Kingdom - Germany

Articles about the following can be found at the end of the program: • Jews often alone against antisemitism • Anti Defamation League (ADL) European Survey Findings: "A Potent and Dangerous Mix" • Antisemitism. It's not a History Lesson. It's a Current Event.

Web Sources on antisemitism: The Coordination Forum for Countering Antisemitism. www.antisemitism.org.il JTA - Jewish Telegraph Agency Daily News Bulletin www.jta.org The Anti Defamation League (ADL) www.adl.org

Materials: Copies of the respective country fact sheets for each group Piece of butcher paper and a marker

People: 2 News Anchors 3 News Correspondents “Extras” to act out the “footage” of each storyline (optional) 3 Group Leaders (GL)

Space needed: One large room for entire group for the “intro skit” and “wrap-up” Mock UN General Assembly It would be ideal to have participants in chairs rather than on the floor 3 breakout spaces for groups to discuss and prepare mock assembly

Time Table: 00:00 – 00:10 “Laila Line” 00:10 – 00:15 Break Into 3 Groups (or more if you are working with a large group) 00:15 – 00:35 Discussion & Prep for model UN General Assembly 00:35 – 00:40 Re-Group 00:40 – 01:10 Model UN General Assembly 01:10 – 01:15 Wrap-Up Total time needed for program is 1 hour and 15 minutes

Notes for Program Leaders:

Adapting this program for different size groups: • If you have a large group, add the number of countries represented at the Model UN General Assembly to allow for more breakout groups. Use the web resources listed at the bottom of the fact sheets to create additional fact sheets for more countries. • If you have a small group, feel free to forego the Model UN General Assembly model, and simply allow for the groups to present their countries and have a discussion about ways to combat the rise in global antisemitism.

Ways to insure the participants remain engaged in the program: • In larger groups, it is possible for participants to opt out - make sure the breakout groups are not too large if possible. • During the Model UN General Assembly, encourage your group leaders to find creative ways to use the entire group to present the information about their country so it is not just two people representing the entire group.

Other suggestions to enhance this program: • Are there members of your TYG or congregation who are from foreign countries who could speak first hand about Jewish life there? • Does your community have a local ADL office that can send over someone to speak or materials to hand out to your participants? • Call consulates from the countries you plan to represent at your Model UN and ask if they can send flags and or other decorations to enhance the look of your meeting. • Have the participants who are participating in the “Laila Line” skit dress the part and really get into their characters

Detailed Procedure:

00:00 – 00:10: “Laila Line” The script below can be acted out with the 2 anchors in the front of the room sitting at a news desk. The correspondents can be spread out around the room with “extras” used to act out the “footage” respective to each story. This will help maintain the focus of your participants as well as provide a handful of leadership opportunities for those who help out with the skit.

Stone Philips: Hello and welcome to this edition of “Laila Line” for Sunday, July 7th 2002, I’m Stone Phillips. Tonight we will be taking a look at the rise of antisemitism in the global Jewish community.

Jane Pauley: I’m Jane Pauley. Our top story this evening took place in September 2001 in Durban, South Africa at the United Nations Conference on Racism and Xenophobia. Here’s Katie Couric reporting.

Katie Couric: That’s right Jane. It was a little more than a year ago in this very city that the UN held its infamous conference, which resulted in the United States and Israel packing their bags and leaving.

The purpose of the conference was to start a dialogue on how countries can deal with issues of racism and xenophobia. However, the original intent of the conference was quickly distorted.

The delegations from the United States and Israel were both shocked and appalled when the Israel delegation was greeted with chants of “kill the Jews.” The Arab delegations brought copies of “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion”, the most famous piece of anti-Semitic literature. Also, signs equating the Star of David with a swastika could be seen throughout the conference.

There were many proposed resolutions condemning Israel, equating Zionism with Racism, which was supported by many countries in attendance. A conference ON racism and xenophobia turned into a conference OF racism and xenophobia.

Jane Pauley: Fascinating Katie, simply fascinating.

Stone Philips: Now to our next story. Ever since the violence began to flare up in Israel, antisemitism has been on the rise around the world, particularly in the Mediterranean region. Let’s go to Maria Shriver in France with that story. Maria?

Maria Shriver: Antisemitism has been on the rise in the Mediterranean region. There have been many incidents in France over the course of the last year in particular. In general, anti-Jewish sentiment was brought to a head during the spring of 2002 when Jean-Marie Le Pen made it into the Presidential runoff ahead of the widely popular Prime Minister Jacques Jospin. Le Pen ran on a platform of expelling all non- French and non-Catholic people from France, and said that the holocaust was a “detail of history”.

Stone Philips: Hard to believe that anyone could refer to the Holocaust as a “detail of history.” What was the reaction from the Jews in France?

Maria Shriver: Well Stone, there is little comfort for Jewish interests in today's French politics. The question is whether, or when, a succeeding French government will find new approaches to these issues, especially when it comes to the security of the large Jewish community in France.

Stone Philips: Thank you, Maria.

Jane Pauley: Our next story takes us to Ireland where an Israeli journalist was not shown any Irish hospitality. For more we go to Lester Holt. Lester?

Lester Holt: Thanks Jane. It seems that an Israeli journalist was denied reservations at a popular destination in Ireland simply because of his nationality. This form of discrimination was recently condemned in a letter to the Killarney Lakeland Cottages in Muckross, which said, “We strongly urge you to immediately cease such a discriminatory policy and accept bookings, regardless of nationality. We are certain you would find it unacceptable if Irish citizens were treated in this manner due to negative perceptions and stereotypes of Ireland."

The response from the proprietor of the Cottages replied “We are sorry, but we are not accepting bookings from Israeli citizens due to the treatment of Palestinians by the Israeli government. We realize and abhor the suicide bombings but also feel that Mr. Sharon’s policy is unwise, unhelpful and counterproductive."

Jane Pauley: Thank you Lester.

Stone Philips: That is all the time we have for this edition of “Laila Line”. Stay tuned for our next episode tomorrow night that focuses on Jewish music. Some of our guests will include Dan Nichols, Rick Recht and Noam Katz. Thanks for tuning in. Good night!

00:15 – 00:20: Break Into Groups At the beginning of the program, give participants a piece of paper with one of the following words on it: Germany, United Kingdom, or Argentina. Each word(s) will correspond to a breakout group. Groups should be assigned 3 locations to hold their discussions. Have the program leader announce where each of the groups is meeting and who their group leader will be.

00:20 – 00:45: Discussion & Prep for Model UN General Assembly

GL: First, let’s go around the room and say our names and where we go to school. Also, let’s use this time to share any personal stories of antisemitism if we have them and if we feel comfortable.

Be sure to encourage those that have stories to share to be brief – hopefully, there won’t be too many stories since very few in the group, hopefully, have come in contact with antisemitism.

GL: Can someone recap the stories depicted in the news show? o The UN conference on Racism and Xenophobia o Anti-Semitic incidents in France o Discrimination against Israeli wanting to stay at a hotel in Ireland

GL: Let’s talk more in depth about these events.

Have the participants look over the background information at the end of the program to offer more information than was given during the skit.

GL: Were you aware of these events before this program?

GL: How do you feel they affect the Jewish community as a whole?

GL: Have they affected you personally in any way? How?

GL: How does antisemitism relate to the NFTY Study Theme of Jews Around the World? • “Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh L’Zeh – all of Israel is responsible for one another” • one of NFTY’s 8 values is Am Yisrael • Reform Jews have a strong sense of pursuing justice and tikkun olam

GL: Our task today is to prepare for a mock UN General Assembly that will convene to discuss the rise in global antisemitism. Our group needs to present information about incidents in our country to the Assembly. The goal of the meeting will be to work with the other countries to brainstorm ideas about how we can combat this rise in antisemitism, as well as how to reach out to the Jewish youth around the world to support them when it happens.

Review fact sheet about your country and decide who will present the information to the Assembly. You can have multiple presenters work together as a team.

00:45 – 00:55: Re-Group

00:55 – 01:25: Model UN General Assembly

Have the room set up with a long table and chairs in the front and a semi-circle of chairs around facing the table. The groups should sit together in the semi-circle.

The participants who played the anchors and correspondents in the introduction skit can play the leadership of the model UN General Assembly.

Each group will have a chance to go in front of the Assembly to present information about anti-Semitic incidents in their country.

Once all of the groups have presented, take 5 minutes to brainstorm ways your group can combat antisemitism and offer support to the Jewish youth of the communities affected by such incidents. • Education • Write letters to Jewish youth who are members of WUPJ synagogues in countries affected by antisemitism • Write a letter to Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary General, UN Headquarters, First Avenue at 46th Street, New York, NY 10017 • Draft a resolution to be passed by your NFTY Regional Board or the North American Board articulating ways NFTYites should help combat antisemitism

01:25 – 01:30 Wrap-Up

The two anchors are back in front of the room doing a commercial for an upcoming special episode of “Laila Line”

Stone Philips: This Thursday, tune into JBC – the Jewish Broadcasting Company for a special edition of “Laila Line”.

Jane Pauley: We will follow-up a story from a few months ago detailing the rise of global antisemitism.

Stone Philips: It seems that a large group of Reform Jewish youth from North America made a huge impact on their friends around the world who are victims of anti-Semitic incidents.

Jane Pauley: Be sure to watch this amazing story about how teens can make a difference.

Have the program leader thank the entire group for their participation in this program, which addresses such an important issue facing the global Jewish community. Remind them that there are many resources, particularly on the web dedicated to fighting bigotry, racism and antisemitism for future exploration and action on this issue.

Don’t forget to thank your players and group leaders as well! Germany Current Jewish Population: 60,000

Number of Reform/Progressive Congregation(s): 14 The Union of Progressive Jews in Germany, Austria and Switzerland www.liberale-juden.de The World Union is active today throughout Europe, from Amsterdam to Zurich, supporting growing communities and helping to establish new ones. In addition to the strong infrastructure provided in the UK by the Reform Synagogues of Great Britain (RSGB); The Union of Liberal Progressive Synagogues (ULPS), the Leo Baeck College, and the Centre for Jewish Education, there are substantial congregations in Austria, Belgium France, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland, as well as smaller ones in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Italy.

The European Region of the WUPJ, based in London, focuses particularly on the challenges of Continental Europe where the increasing Jewish population now provides enormous potential for membership growth. Communities destroyed during the Nazi period are re-emerging and rebuilding themselves from both survivors who returned after the Second World War and from the many immigrants from the FSU now settling in Germany.

Several communities are advancing with help from the World Union's European Region including Prague, Budapest and Milan. Progressive Judaism is burgeoning in Germany, with the establishment of nearly 15 congregations, Jewish educational programs for youth and adults, and a rabbinical training seminary. A well-organized European Region Beit Din provides a coherent structure for emerging communities and offers a modus vivendi for individuals and for new groups living under difficult circumstances particularly in former Communist countries.

Netzer Olami [email protected] Netzer stands for Noar Tzioni Reformi (meaning 'Reform Zionist Youth') and is the International Reform Zionist youth movement, home to thousands of young people in a range of countries spread over four continents. Netzer Olami (meaning 'Worldwide Netzer') is based in Jerusalem and is the central, headquarters for all of Netzer's snifim (branches) around the world. Netzer currently has snifim in the following countries: Britain, Holland, Australia, South Africa, Ukraine, Argentina, Spain, Russia, & Belarus

Demography The largest community in Germany is Berlin (10,000), followed by Frankfurt-am-Main (6,000) and Munich (5,000). Some 80 small Jewish communities are scattered throughout Germany. There are 43,000 registered, dues-paying members of the official Jewish community. The rest are non-affiliated. Most of these Jews arrived from the former Soviet Union immediately before and after the reunification of Germany in 1990. These immigrants, mainly from the Baltic states, Russia, and Ukraine, are relatively young and well- educated but have scant knowledge of Jewish tradition. Their presence has injected new life into the aging community. In such places as Schwerin, Potsdam, Bremen, and Hamburg, about 70% of the Jews are native Russian-speakers. The majority of the veteran Jews in Germany are not descendants of the original pre-war German community, but east European Ashkenazim who came after the war. There are also several thousand Israelis. Due to the influx of Soviet Jews, today Germany has the third largest Jewish population in western Europe.

History With the rise to power of the Nazi party in 1933, the 503,000 Jews living in Germany found themselves rapidly excluded from the German society of which they had felt so much a part. For the most part, those who remained in Germany were unable to save themselves. In October 1941, the deportations to the death camps began. It is estimated that some 180,000 German Jews were killed in the Holocaust. After the war, the Jewish community was reconstituted, but displaced persons (DPs) from various countries in eastern Europe accounted for the majority of its members.

Community The Jewish communities have local organizations that are united under the umbrella organization, the Zentralrat der Juden in Deutschland (the Central Council of Jews in Germany). Following the reunification of Germany in 1990, the small Jewish community of East Germany was gradually integrated into the larger German Jewish community.

The council is the official representative of German Jewry and looks after Jewish political interests, matters of restitution, and other issues. Major Jewish organizations, such as the Zionist Organization, B'nai B'rith, WZO, and several youth movements, are represented in Germany. Fifty years after the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II, there is a new openness and readiness within German society to confront and deal with its Nazi past. Moreover, Holocaust denial has been declared illegal and is punishable by law.

Still, there are about 80 extreme-right splinter groups and organizations with a total of perhaps 65,000 members. More than 20 of these groups are classified officially as neo-Nazi. Anti-Semitic activities in Germany include desecration of cemeteries and attacks against synagogues, memorial sites, and Jewish property. A special office of the German Ministry of Interior Affairs keeps a watchful eye on such activities and publishes an annual report on the activities of hate groups.

Religious Life, Culture and Education All major communities have their own rabbis. There are synagogues, cemeteries, community centers, and offices of Jewish organizations in numerous cities and towns. Kosher food is available in all major Jewish centers.

There are three Jewish primary schools in Germany (as compared to 23 before the war), but the enrollment is small. In 1993, a Jewish high school in Berlin was reopened for the first time since World War II. Due to an increase in interest in Judaic studies, particularly among non-Jewish students, there are more than five such programs in universities throughout Germany. In many of these programs, the majority of students and faculty are non-Jews. Such is the situation in the new Mendelssohn Center of Potsdam University. In Heidelberg there is a special, autonomous School of Jewish Studies that offers academic degrees. The school curriculum in German high schools includes Holocaust studies.

The largest weekly paper is the Allgemeine Judische Wochenzeitung, published in Bonn. A German and a Yiddish weekly are published in Munich. The Frankfurt community publishes a monthly magazine, Judische Gemeinde-Zeitung Frankfurt. In Berlin the monthly paper Judische Korrespondenz appears in German and in Russian.

There are some 30 museums that wholly or partially have sections dealing with Judaism. The best-known Jewish museums are in Frankfurt-am-Main, Cologne, and Berlin, where a new building is under construction.

Israel In 1951 Chancellor Konrad Adenauer declared before the Bundestag his readiness to enter negotiations with representatives of the Jewish people and Israel about reparations and in 1952, together with Nahum Goldmann, president of the World Jewish Congress, and with Moshe Sharett, foreign minister of Israel, signed the Luxembourg Indemnification Agreement. Diplomatic relations were established in 1965.

From its establishment in 1949 until its collapse in 1990, East Germany assumed a hostile stance toward Israel and refused to acknowledge its people's moral responsibility for the Holocaust. Moreover, it furnished military aid to Arab states and terrorist organizations.

In addition to the embassy in Bonn, Israel maintains a consulate in Berlin. Aliya: Since 1948, 18,830 Jews have emigrated to Israel from Germany. This number excludes the mass aliya of DPs between 1947 and 1949.

Sites The most famous of the ancient Jewish sites in Germany are the synagogue in Worms (1034), the adjoining mikva (1186), and the Rashi Chapel (1624). All have been reconstructed since the war. The ancient Worms cemetery was saved from destruction. In Speyer one can see the oldest mikva in Germany, dating from the 11th century. Friedberg has a mikva from 1260, and in Andernach there is a 14th century mikva. There is an historic synagogue in Odenbach with baroque paintings, and there are ancient cemeteries in Wurzburg, Heidengsfeld, Hochburg, and Frankfurt-am-Main. In Berlin the impressive synagogue on Oranienburgerstrasse has been reconstructed as a Jewish center.

Memorials can be found at the sites of the Buchenwald, Dachau, Bergen-Belsen, and Ravensbruck concentration camps. The Gestapo headquarters and the Wannsee villa, where the machinery of the Final Solution was set in motion, are also museums. In Munich there is a monument marking the destruction of one of the city's synagogues in 1938 and another commemorating the Israeli sportsmen murdered by terrorists at the 1972 Olympic Games.

Antisemitic Incidents: September 5, 2002 - Wittstock - A museum in Germany honoring the victims of the Nazi death march was firebombed. The attack destroyed the main exhibition of the death march museum in the Belower Woods, which detailed how the Nazis drove concentration camp inmates deeper into Germany as the Soviet Army advanced at the end of World War II. More than 45,000 prisoners forced to march from Ravensbrueck and Sachsenhausen, both in Brandenburg state, were gathered in the Belower Woods near Wittstock, 65 miles northwest of Berlin, where 700-800 died of exhaustion and hunger within a few days. Outside the museum, vandals painted a large red swastika and two SS symbols on a memorial, and an anti-Semitic slogan three feet by 18 feet along the base of a large memorial column. German authorities have posted a $10,000 reward for clues leading to an arrest in the worst anti-Semitic attack on a Holocaust memorial in a decade.

April 28, 2002 - Berlin - A Molotov cocktail was thrown at the Frankelhoffer synagogue. No damage was caused to the building.

April 20, 2002 - Dachau - The monument near the site of the Dachau Concentration Camp was desecrated, and between 18 and 24 gravestones in the nearby Jewish cemetery were damaged as well. The attack occurred one day after a ceremony commemorating the 57th anniversary of the camp's liberation.

April 15, 2002 - Herford - Graffiti was found on a synagogue reading, "Six Million is not enough."

April 15, 2002 - Berlin - A young Jewish woman wearing a Star of David necklace was attacked in Berlin's underground rail system.

March 31 - Berlin - Two American Orthodox Jews were beaten, one of them seriously.

March 30 - Berlin - A swastika was painted on a Holocaust memorial.

March 16, 2002 - Berlin - An explosion at the entrance of a Jewish cemetery near Herr Street caused damage to windows and the walls of an office in the cemetery.

March 3, 2002 - Dusseldorf - Swastikas were found painted on the gates of a Jewish school.

January 25, 2002 - Berlin - A Molotov cocktail was thrown at a synagogue on Oranienburger Street; no damage resulted. Sources: Anti Defamation League www.adl.org World Union for Progressive Judaism www.wupj.org United Jewish Communities – World Jewry Page http://ujc.org/worldjewry_home.html World Jewish Congress www.wjc.org.il United Kingdom

Current Jewish Population: 300,000

Number of Reform/Progressive Congregation(s): 72 The World Union is active today throughout Europe, from Amsterdam to Zurich, supporting growing communities and helping to establish new ones. In addition to the strong infrastructure provided in the UK by the Reform Synagogues of Great Britain (RSGB); The Union of Liberal Progressive Synagogues (ULPS), the Leo Baeck College, and the Centre for Jewish Education, there are substantial congregations in Austria, Belgium France, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland, as well as smaller ones in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Italy.

Demography British Jewry has always been concentrated in Greater London, where two-thirds of the community now resides. Major regional centers include Manchester (30,000), Leeds (10,000), and Glasgow (6,500). In Birmingham, Brighton, Bournemouth, Gateshead, Hull, Leicester, Liverpool, Newcastle upon Tyne, Southend, and Westcliff, there are also sizeable communities, and there are dozens of smaller communities across the British Isles.

The Jewish population has experienced a marked decline in recent decades. While 410,000 Jews were thought to be in Britain in 1967, the community has declined by some 25% since then, despite the arrival of an estimated 30,000 Israelis. The community is shrinking due to a low birthrate, intermarriage, and emigration.

Community The Board of Deputies links many synagogues and, together with a large number of special interest groups, brings British Jewry into a common framework. The board is the community's political representative and endeavors to encourage organizational cooperation and planning.

At the same time, this communal structure does not attract the interest of a significant number of Jews. Several initiatives have been dedicated to involving unaffiliated Jews in some form of Jewish activity. Support for Israel is fostered by a number of pro-Israel or purely philanthropic organizations. Zionist youth movements of a variety of religious and political persuasions are active and successful in promoting aliya and attachment to Israel.

Welfare structures are given high communal priority, and organizations such as Jewish Care and World Jewish Relief have prominent positions. Jewish Care plays a critical role in supporting dozens of retirement homes. Today's community is, for the most part, solidly middle class. Increasing numbers have turned to the professions, while many are involved in commerce. Relative to the population in general, British Jews have a strong tendency to attend institutes of tertiary education. Jews are active and prominent in political life, and a number have served as cabinet ministers and senior members of the judiciary.

Religious Life Organized Jewish life in the United Kingdom is largely centered on synagogue affiliation. Britain's 360 houses of worship reflect 6 forms of religious affiliation: traditional Orthodox, ultra-Orthodox, Reform, Liberal, Sephardi, and Masorati. Approximately 70% of the community is affiliated with these denominations.

A recent study suggests that these Jews are divided thusly: 47% are members of traditional Orthodox communities, 12% of Reform communities, 4% of Liberal, 4% of ultra-Orthodox, 2% of Sephardi, and 1% of Masorati.

Rabbinical training centers are operated by the Orthodox, Reform, ultra-Orthodox, and Sephardi communities. Each of the denominations is serviced by an independent umbrella organization, the most prominent of which is the Orthodox United Synagogue, which is headed by the chief rabbi. Kashrut observance is served in London by a number of kosher stores, butcheries, restaurants, and caterers. Smaller communities have more limited facilities, but kosher food can be found in most parts of the country.

Culture and Education A network of Jewish day schools operates in London and in other major cities. The educational institutions in Gateshead offer boarding facilities for Jews who wish to study in an ultra-Orthodox framework.

Jews College is the traditional Orthodox community's rabbinical studies center. Leo Baeck College trains Reform rabbis, and the ultra-Orthodox communities operate a number of yeshivot. One of Britain's leading centers of tertiary Jewish studies is the Oxford Centre for Hebrew Studies at Yarnton.

The Jewish Chronicle is the focus of communication for the community across the country. It is read by an estimated 75% of the community. The Jewish Quarterly is a magazine that offers commentary and articles of a cultural focus. New Moon is a magazine targeting a young adult audience.

Israel Britain and Israel maintain full diplomatic relations. Aliya: Since 1948, 26,500 British Jews have emigrated to Israel.

Sites The Jewish Museum, the London Museum of Jewish Life, and the Bevis Marks Synagogue are all of interest. Former Jewish quarters from the early period of Jewish life in the United Kingdom can be visited in London and in a number of cities and towns. The British Library and the British Museum contain major collections of Jewish artifacts and manuscripts. Manchester has a Jewish Museum, and the medieval home of Aaron the Jew is located in Lincoln. In 1996 a Holocaust education center-the first of its kind in the United Kingdom-was opened near Nottingham.

Scotland Glasgow's contemporary community has moved from the industrial parts of the city into the suburbs, where many of the city's seven synagogues are located. Edinburgh, which has a smaller community of just over one thousand Jews, has one synagogue and a number of small, but active, Jewish societies. There are also small numbers of Jews in Aberdeen and Dundee.

Wales The Welsh Jewish community took form when Jews immigrated from Russia and Eastern Europe to escape persecution and stifled opportunity. Today Cardiff has both an Orthodox and a Liberal synagogue. There is a Jewish kindergarten. Kosher food is sold in several shops. Jews also live in Llandudno, Newport, and Swansea.

Northern Ireland In recent decades, the civil unrest between Catholics and Protestants has seen most of Belfast Jewry migrate to England, Israel, and the United States. A modern synagogue was built in 1967, but today the community numbers only a few hundred.

Channel Islands Jews first appeared in the Channel Islands in the middle of the 18th century, and the first synagogue was built in the middle of the 19th century. Most Jews managed to flee the island in advance of the German occupation, but those that remained were handed over to the Germans by the local authorities and deported to their deaths in Auschwitz. After the war, Jews returned to the islands, where they reside mainly in Jersey. There is a synagogue in Jersey that is served by a rabbi who visits from England.

Antisemitic Incidents: July 11 - Swansea, Wales - The Swansea Synagogue was desecrated by vandals with Nazi graffiti, including a swastika and the phrase "T4 Jewish c*** from Hitler." A 300-year-old Torah scroll was damaged and another was burned. The building was also covered in a flammable material; however, attempts to burn it down were unsuccessful.

May 6, 2002 - London - Following a rally in support of Israel, a boy wearing a shirt with a Star of David was attacked by three youths and hit on the head with a baseball bat.

April 27, 2002 - London - A synagogue in the Finsbury Park neighborhood was desecrated, destroying religious objects and books, shattering windows, and leaving swastikas sprayed on walls. The synagogue had been attacked six months earlier.

April 17, 2002 - London - Three times in the course of one hour, the Wembley United Synagogue was targeted in drive-by attacks during which stones were thrown at the synagogue.

April 6, 2002 - Manchester - The windows of the Shaare Hayim synagogue were smashed.

April 5, 2002 - Glasgow - The windows of the Langside Hebrew Congregation were smashed.

Sources: Anti Defamation League www.adl.org World Union for Progressive Judaism www.wupj.org United Jewish Communities – World Jewry Page http://ujc.org/worldjewry_home.html World Jewish Congress www.wjc.org.il Argentina Current Jewish Population: 230,000

Number of Reform/Progressive Congregation(s): 1 Progressive Judaism has made important inroads into Argentina and Brazil over the past several decades. Congregation Emanu-El in Buenos Aires has grown tremendously over the years, broadening its impact on the Jewish community with its excellent Jewish Day School, Netzer Olami youth activities, social welfare programs and congregational outreach efforts.

Congregation Emanu-El Address: Phones: Tronador 1455 Tel/Fax 54-11-4555-4004 Buenos Aires 1427 Argentina Email: [email protected]

Demography The Argentine Jewish community is the largest in Latin America. There are 180,000 Jews in Buenos Aires, 20,000 in Rosario, and smaller communities in Cordoba (9,000) and in Santa Fe (4,000). The towns of La Plata, Bahia Blanca, Mendoza, and Mar del Plata each have a Jewish population of 4,000. Jews also reside in rural areas.

The majority of Argentine Jewry is Ashkenazi, with roots in central and eastern Europe. About 15% are Sephardim, descendants of immigrants from Syria, Turkey, and North Africa. Jews of east European stock are called "Rusos," whereas those with Middle Eastern roots are called "Turcos." Today most Jews are native Spanish speakers, and both Yiddish and Ladino are on the wane.

Argentine Jewry plays a prominent role in industry, commerce, politics, the free professions, and the arts. The democratic regime is seen as a catalyst accelerating the integration, and consequently the assimilation, of Jews in Argentina.

Community The major political Jewish organization is the Delegation of Argentine Jewish Associations (DAIA), which represents all communities and organizations before the authorities and is responsible for safeguarding the rights of its members. The largest organization representing the Ashkenazi majority is the Argentina Jewish Mutual Aid Association (AMIA). The organization deals with the religious and cultural activities of the Ashkenazi community. It is also responsible for social welfare, and the operation of several old-age homes, a Jewish hospital, and a community restaurant for the needy. The Sephardi community has three organizations of its own. The Vaad ha-Kehillot is the umbrella organization of all the communities in the provinces. The Zionist Federation (OSA) and its women's organizations are very active. The headquarters of the Latin American Jewish Congress is situated in Buenos Aires.

The bomb that devastated the Buenos Aires Jewish community center (the seat of DAIA and AMIA) in July 1994 was a physical and emotional blow to Argentine Jewry. The explosion cost 100 lives, Jews and non- Jews, and injured many more. It also destroyed the archives of the 100-year-old community. This attack followed the bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires in 1992. Much criticism has been directed against the government and the president for not doing enough to apprehend the perpetrators of these terrorist attacks.

In an effort to improve Argentina's public image, tainted as it was by antisemitism and the presence of Nazi criminals, and due to pressure by the World Jewish Congress, President Menem ordered the release of files concerning Nazis in Argentina. In 1988 the parliament also passed a law against racism and antisemitism. Nevertheless, there are still some 30 small neo-Nazi groups. In general Menem has developed a pro-Israeli, pro-Jewish, and pro-American line and has made a commitment to combating antisemitism and xenophobia.

Religious Life Traditionally, the Ashkenazim and Sephardim have their own separate synagogues and religious institutions. The majority of the synagogues are Orthodox, but in practice many are closer to the Conservative movement. Buenos Aires has 50 Orthodox synagogues, five Conservative, and one Reform. In 1962 the Conservative movement established the Argentine branch of the New York-based Jewish Theological Seminary, which prepares students for the rabbinate. Kosher food is readily available. There are many kosher butcher shops and markets, as well as several kosher restaurants.

Culture and Education There are some 70 Jewish educational institutions in Argentina, including elementary and secondary day schools and kindergartens, with some 22,000 Jewish pupils. About 17,000 Jewish children (20%) study in the Jewish educational system of Buenos Aires. Most of the schools have a Zionist bent. The Latin American Jewish Congress publishes the monthly, Oji, and the journal, Cologio. Buenos Aires is home to an independent branch of the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, which was first founded in Vilna in the 1920s.

In Buenos Aires, there are also a Jewish museum, three libraries, and four Jewish bookstores. Each community has its own social club: Sociedad Hebraica (Ashkenazi) and Casa Sephardi. Cordoba has an impressive community center. The Maccabi Sport Federation is also very active in Argentina.

Israel Israel and Argentina established diplomatic relations in 1949. Aliya: Since 1948 45,000 Argentine Jews have emigrated to Israel.

Anti-Semitic Incidents: January 28, 2002 - Mendoza - Swastikas were found painted on the building of the Holocaust Studies Foundation in Mendoza.

January 7, 2002 - Buenos Aires - Two stones were thrown at the Maccabi Club in the San Miguel section of Buenos Aires, damaging two cars.

January 6, 2002 - Buenos Aires - Stones were thrown into the Berazategui Jewish cemetery in the Quilmes section of Buenos Aires, damaging eight gravestones.

Jews often alone against antisemitism by Art N. Teitelbaum, Southern Area Director of the Anti-Defamation League

This article was published in the Miami Herald on Wed, Jun. 19, 2002

From ancient times through the Middle Ages, to the 20th Century and now the 21st, anti-semitism -- that great malignancy of mankind -- has been a recurring plague. Woven through the tapestry of history are scenes of Jew-hatred, of terror, bloodshed, discrimination and expulsion. In the ''modern'' world came the Nazis' industrialization of death, which aimed simultaneously at world domination and the extermination of world Jewry.

In one society after another, from the despotic to democracies, an arsenal of weapons has been used to target Jewish communities. The deicide charge, blood libel, and the Big Lie about Jewish control of the banks, government and the media are among favorite themes. It is a bleak history, in which religious doctrine, political platforms and social practices, in turn or in combination, have been used against Jews. Like a warning from the past, history's images are reflected in today's headlines. In European countries -- including England, France, Greece, Germany and the Ukraine -- violent anti-Semitic attacks currently target Jewish people and property, often using the tactics of the Nazi era. Legislators, intellectuals and elements in the media have contributed their share of bigotry. It is what The Economist in London described as ''the post-Holocaust'' -- pent up anti-semitism, with Israel as the trigger -- ``of a millennium-old urge that powerfully infected and shaped European history.''

In the Middle East, Arab governments often express their hostility to Israel in ways that are transparently anti-Jewish. The government-controlled Egyptian press, for example, regularly publishes editorial cartoons that are explicitly anti-Semitic.

Have history's lessons about the double-edged danger from the sword of antisemitism been learned? Will good people recognize evil, no matter its camouflage? Will they see self-interest in opposing bigotry? Will they expose and confront, or excuse and dissemble?

Tough questions, made the harder by recent new evidence of the depth and breadth of antisemitism in America. For nearly 40 years the Anti-Defamation League has been taking the anti-Semitic pulse of America, beginning with a benchmark survey in 1964 by the University of California. It showed that 29 percent of Americans held hard-core anti-Semitic views (i.e. Jews have too much power and are not loyal citizens). A second survey in 1992 brought the good news that hard-core anti-Semites had dropped to 20 percent. In a 1998 survey, the figure declined again to 12 percent.

However, a survey completed in April of 1,000 American adults brought unwelcome news. It found a rise to 17 percent -- about 35 million people -- who harbor views that are ``unquestionably anti-Semitic.'' The survey has both troubling and hopeful elements. Troubling is the reversal from a declining to an increasing percentage of Americans holding anti-Semitic beliefs. Troubling, too, is the number of African Americans (35 percent) and the above-national-average of foreign-born Hispanics (44 percent) who hold such views. The latters' views clearly result from what they are taught in schools, churches and communities in Hispanic nations.

But the survey also contains hopeful notes. Exposure to America's values and diverse culture reduces antisemitism among Hispanics. Positive relations between the Hispanic and Jewish communities in South Florida are testimony to that conclusion.

The survey points to another disturbing fact. The human-rights groups here and abroad have largely failed in their responsibility to affirmatively confront and combat antisemitism. With a few episodic exceptions, civil-rights agencies of every type that are outside the Jewish community have dropped the ball in the fight against antisemitism. Jews often have stood largely alone in the face of antisemitism. True, in many times and places there were the righteous and courageous who stood up against tyranny, who stood with and sometimes died with their Jewish neighbors. Even as they are rightfully honored, history notes how few they were.

That said, it is encouraging that in America there is a large constituency of goodwill, which stands firmly in opposition to bigotry.

It is well for all of us to remember that silence in the face of bigotry affirms the ideas and advances the plans of the bigots.

ADL European Survey Findings: "A Potent and Dangerous Mix" Source: http://www.adl.org/PresRele/ASInt_13/4118_13.asp 30% of Europeans Cling to Traditional Anti-Semitic Stereotypes, Coupled with a High Rate of Anti-Israel Sentiment

Washington, DC, June 27, 2002…In the wake of a wave of anti-Semitic violence in Europe not seen since the end of World War II, an Anti-Defamation League (ADL) opinion survey found 30% of Europeans cling to traditional anti-Jewish stereotypes, while 62% believe the recent violence against Jews is the result of anti- Israel sentiment. European Attitudes Towards Jews, Israel and the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, a survey of 2,500 -- 500 each in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany and the United Kingdom -- was conducted by telephone in the native language of each of the countries May 16-June 4, 2002 by First International Resources for ADL.

"These findings are especially disturbing because they show that the old, classical form of antisemitism has been joined by a new form fueled by anti-Israel sentiment, creating a potent and dangerous mix," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "The resiliency of antisemitism coupled with the emergence of strong anti-Israel sentiment in European countries with enormous Muslim/Arab populations, demands our serious and immediate attention."

The Findings: Antisemitism in Europe

Of the Europeans surveyed: 30% harbor traditional anti-Semitic stereotypes. 45% believe Jews are more loyal to Israel than their own country. 30% believe that Jews have too much power in the business world. 19% say Jews don't care about anyone but their own kind. 16% say Jews are more willing than others to use shady practices to get what they want. 39% of Europeans believe Jews still talk too much about the Holocaust.

Compared to a recent ADL survey, Antisemitism in America, that was released on June 11, 2002, 17% of Americans were found to hold strong anti-Semitic views, 33% believe Jews are more loyal to Israel, 24% believe Jews have too much power in the business world, 16% say Jews don't care about anyone but themselves, 19% believe Jews are more willing to use shady practices. The question about the Holocaust was not asked of Americans.

"Large numbers of Europeans accept a wide range of traditional anti-Semitic stereotypes about Jews," Mr. Foxman said. "These beliefs, such as the charge that Jews are more loyal to Israel than to their home country, help to fuel and legitimize anti-Semitic violence. It is disingenuous to blame the anti-Jewish violence in Europe simply on a popular reaction to Israel's policies, when it is apparent that the violence is directly targeting Jews. That is antisemitism. Yet many European leaders continue to shrug off the violence as an episode in the Mideast conflict, and not a reflection of a serious problem closer to home."

The Findings: Anti-Jewish Violence in Europe 62% of Europeans believe the recent outbreak of violence against Jews in Europe is a result of anti- Israel sentiment and not traditional anti-Jewish feelings. 69% of all Europeans said they are "very concerned" or "fairly concerned" about violence directed against European Jews. 34% of French respondents and 32% of Belgians said they were "unconcerned" or "fairly unconcerned." In France, which had the most anti-Jewish violence of the countries polled, 33% said their government was not doing enough to protect its Jewish citizens.

"It is encouraging that such a large majority of Europeans is concerned about violence against Jews. That is the good news," said Mr. Foxman. "The bad news is that not enough people of goodwill have been willing to stand up to reject antisemitism in the face of the intensifying attacks against Jews, synagogues and other distinctly Jewish institutions. It is especially disturbing that only 60 years after the Holocaust, Europe's leaders and citizenry are being diffident when confronted with antisemitism."

The Findings: The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict The survey found that a majority of Europeans know nothing or very little about the history the Palestinian- Israeli conflict and say they get their information about it from the media. One third say they hold neither a favorable nor unfavorable view of Israel, while by a margin of 2-1 they sympathize more with the Palestinians than Israelis. In all five countries surveyed the more closely the respondents say they follow the media coverage of the conflict, the more likely they are to sympathize with the Palestinians. 63% said they know "nothing" or a "very little" about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. 57% of those questioned said they follow media coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict "a great deal" or "a good amount." 38% say the hold "neither favorable nor unfavorable" views of Israel. 28% view Israel favorably. 26% view Israel unfavorably. 29% sympathize more with the Palestinians versus 14% with the Israelis. 86% feel there is no justification for suicide bombers targeting Israelis and 75% believe the attacks carried out by Palestinians are terrorism against Israeli civilians, yet 60% believe Israel's use of military force is excessive and will not stop the attacks.

"While a majority of Europeans say they closely follow media coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, many are at a loss when asked about their knowledge of the situation in the Mideast," said Mr. Foxman. "That is most troubling, and it raises fundamental questions about the level of education on the history of the Palestinian/Arab-Israeli conflict. It also speaks to the quality of European media coverage of the Mideast conflict, which we know has often been skewed against Israel. Clearly, Europeans follow the media closely, but this survey shows that many feel as if they are not getting the whole story."

"The early reports of the so-called "massacre" at Jenin is one example of how the European media made biased assumptions in its coverage of the crisis," added Glen A. Tobias, ADL National Chairman. "The poll suggests that ordinary Europeans are not getting the information they need from their media when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."

The survey, fielded in Europe by Taylor Nelson Sofres, has a margin of error of +/-4.4% at 95% level of confidence.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting antisemitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. Antisemitism. It's not a History Lesson. It's a Current Event. April 15, 2002 The New Global Antisemitism Antisemitism, the oldest form of hatred, has now moved into a somewhat alarming new global phase crossing boundaries of every type -- geographical, national, political, religious and cultural. There is an ideological coalition of anti-Jewish sentiment that is inter-connecting globally. We see it in the proliferation in the Arab media of vicious Nazi-like stereotyping of Jews, conspiracy theories and Holocaust denial. Its messages of hate influence Muslim immigrants in France to commit daily anti-Jewish acts. It overpowers a conference on racism in Durban with anti-Israel, anti-Zionist, anti-Jewish resolutions and statements.

And the Internet has given free access to the hatemongers in the U.S. to cross-pollinate with anti-Semites globally to spread their venom of hate on a scale never before possible.

Once Again, Anti-Zionism Becomes Antisemitism Anti-Zionism is showing its true colors as deep-rooted antisemitism. No longer are the Arab nations camouflaging their hatred of Jews in the guise of attacking Israel. Here are some blatant examples of the unprecedented anti-Semitic wave throughout the Middle East.

Conspiracy Theories - The outlandish charge continues (even in the face of the Osama bin Laden videotape) that the Israelis, through their Mossad, destroyed the World Trade Center on 9/11, and as proof they claim that 4,000 Jews did not report for work that day because they were in on it.

Holocaust Denial - Growing Arab propaganda says the documented atrocities of World War II are Jewish fabrications, and the Jews made up the Holocaust "lie" so that the world would grant them the nation of Israel.

Comparison of Nazism & Hitler with Zionism & Israel - Israelis are depicted as Nazis, and Jewish leadership as Hitler, and the Israelis' treatment of Palestinians as even worse than how the Nazis behaved.

Age-old Anti-Semitic Stereotypes -Reappearance of "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" and "blood libel" showing Jews as vengeful, greedy and evil.

Old Hatreds in New Forms in Europe It is not yet 60 years after the murder of 6,000,000 Jews in the Holocaust, and once again we see antisemitism coming back strongly in Europe. This time it is fueled by the virulent anti-Semitic campaigns being spread throughout the Arab world and spilling over through some immigrants and the new media into France, England, Belgium and other countries.

Daily attacks on Jews and their institutions are taking place in France while the government looks the other way. Leading French media are filled with stories slanted against Israel, further heating up a climate in which leadership of the Jewish community is virtually alone fighting anti-Semitic attacks.

In England, Christian clerics are using anti-Jewish rhetoric suppressed since the Holocaust. Not only are we hearing "Zionism is racism" and Israel is illegitimate, but also the old, destructive "replacement theology" -- the notion that Judaism has been replaced as a religion.

Jews are being targeted all over again -- in old and new ways -- with Israel being used as the excuse this time. Teaching & Inciting Hate on a Global Scale

"Have no mercy on the Jews....Wherever you meet them, kill them." -- Dr. Ahmad Abu Halabiya, sermon at Zayed bin Sultan Nahyan mosque, Gaza *

"Jewish organizations consolidated a hellish plan to take over the world..." -- Al-Watan, Saudi Government newspaper *

"We warn the U.S. and advise her to get rid of the Jews." -- Abdallah bin Matruk Al-Haddal, Saudi preacher from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, on Al-Jazeera TV *

Do we learn nothing from the past? Is the coordinated Arab hate campaign against the Jews in the Middle East to go unchallenged by government, religious and media leaders except in the U.S.? Can they ignore what happened in the 1930s in Europe and recently in Rwanda and Bosnia? Words can and do kill. Official government newspapers and TV stations in many Arab and Muslim nations are engaged in vitriolic attacks on the Jews. Blood libel and Jewish conspiracy theories and Nazi-like lies are being repeated daily, no longer disguised as anti-Israel or even anti-Zionist.

At ADL we know too well people are not born bigots. They must be taught to hate. And they are being taught to hate and attack the Jews and Israel and America in Muslim pulpits and by official Arab media and via the Internet across all boundaries -- religious, cultural, political and geographic.

It is time for world leaders and good people everywhere to join the U.S. in speaking out against this hatred that is being stirred up. ADL urges you to join in this fight before it is too late.

*source: MEMRI - The Middle East Media Research Institute From Devastation to Determination Rosh Hashanah, 5763, September 2002 By: Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch, Executive Director, ARZA/WORLD UNION

September 11, 2001 was a perfect day, the kind we see in New York for a few fleeting moments in late spring and late summer. Summer sang in our city. The sunshine was brilliant. You could see forever.

At 8:46 a.m. summer broke her song. She still had a few more verses to sing, but a cloud of ash and burned flesh blackened our city, and it became dark in the sunshine and difficult to see. (Snow)

Now, a year later, we see more clearly. We were attacked in three different ways – as individuals, as Americans, and as Jews.

Individual

First:

We were personally and physically assaulted. At its most basic level we were the victims of a crime. Like any victim we were violated. We don’t care what were the motives of the criminals. We want our lives back. We want our loved ones, friends and colleagues back. We want our city back.

We, here in this neighborhood, were at the center of the crime. More victims came from the 10021 zip code than any other. It could have been any one of us. A subway delayed; a meeting cancelled; an engagement out of the office that day – fate hangs on such a slender thread. On this of all days we realize the fragility of our fate.

As time passes and the pain falls drop by drop upon our hearts, against our will we acquire wisdom through the awful grace of God. (Escales) If there is any consolation from personal tragedies, it is that we learn to better appreciate those around us. We saw courage in the streets, raw courage. We saw compassion. We saw strength. May it be that one day even this distress will be a joy to recall. May we become better people, more compassionate, more sensitive, more tolerant more united.

As the time passes we also seek clarity. We were assaulted in two additional ways:

II. Americans

Second:

We were attacked because we are Americans. The American idea is universal and immortal. The cause of the United States is the cause of humanity and the permanent life of the nation is the liberty of all its children. (George William Curtis)

Personal liberty and political democracy - the system of government guaranteeing personal liberty - these are the Twin Towers of the American idea.

It is these twin towers that were the real target of the enemy. The World Trade Center was a symbol. It soared above the clouds at the entrance to America proclaiming: “Look what human beings are capable of if we unleash the full potential of their creative powers!” Why do Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Arab Americans accomplish so much more here than in their native countries? Does an Arab American change genetically when he lands in America, allowing him to generate greater prosperity and happiness? Or is it the principles of liberty and democracy that inspire all those who yearn to be free to manifest their potential, seize their destiny and proclaim from anywhere in the world: “I am an American.”

The American idea is the most insidious threat to tyrants, terrorists and fundamentalists - because the American idea is irresistible. It is not that McDonalds is the tastiest or healthiest of foods, or that Oprah is the highest quality television, or that Arnold Schwartzenneger – that quintessential American - is the greatest actor. Whatever you think about American food, television, film or culture - they represent an enormous idea - you can do, think, eat, say, create what you want. You and you alone are the monarch of all you survey; the captain of your ship and the master of your domain.

Whatever you think about the artistic merits of Oprah, when millions of people watch her around the world what do they see? They see freedom. They see women liberated. They see a black woman, a descendant of slaves, equal in every way - even more equal! And then they say, “if American women, why not me?”

For religious fundamentalists and tyrants everywhere, whose claim to power rests upon suppression of liberty, America constitutes a life and death challenge. It is not that we are misunderstood around the world. To the contrary, it is that we are understood all too well. (D’Souza)

All these so-called reasons for their anger, their complaints against America - they are not the essence. They are the periphery. “America is responsible for poverty in the world.” “That’s why they did it.” Poverty made them do it?! Most of the terrorists are middle class and above. Bin Laden himself is a multi millionaire.

“Ah, well, it’s poverty that leads to illiteracy. They are uneducated. That’s why they did it.”

Illiteracy made them do it?! Most of these guys are well educated. Bin Laden’s second in command and the diabolical tactical genius behind many of the attacks, Ayman al Zawahiri, is a surgeon.

“Ah, well, it’s the political grievances they have - Israel, American imperialism, capitalism. That’s why they did it.”

Politics made them do it?! I wonder what are their real goals. At first Bin Laden said it was to get American troops out of Saudi Arabia. Then it evolved into the Palestinian struggle.

Last week German authorities reported that the Hamburg Al Queda cell partially responsible for September 11 was planning the attack on America already in November 1999, almost a full year before the breakdown of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. If anything, in November 1999 it looked like the Israelis and Palestinians were just around the corner of peace.

No, fundamentally, they attacked us because we are Americans, whose love of liberty beats strongly in our hearts. The American idea produced the greatest wealth the world has ever known – symbolized by the World Trade Center; the most powerful army the world has ever known – symbolized by the Pentagon, and the freest government the world has ever known – symbolized by the White House. And that is why these were the targets of the enemies of freedom.

III Jews

Third:

As difficult as it was to see at the time, Jews were also the targets of the terrorists.

We were attacked by an ideology. It is a fundamentalist, intolerant, Islamic ideology. Can we say that nowadays, or is that too politically incorrect? It is not that Muslims are bad. I assume that like everyone else, most Muslims are good, kind and decent people. And it is not that Islam is bad. My assumption is that like other religions, Islam, too, can be interpreted decently and indecently. It all depends not on God or Allah or Jesus, but on the interpreter of God, Allah or Jesus. But there is a strain of Islam, responsible for worldwide terror that is intolerant, anti-western and deeply anti-Semitic.

The struggle launched on September 11 - it wasn’t really launched on September 11, it is that we only woke up to it on that day - is fundamental to our well being as Jews. We have an existential stake in the outcome.

During the past year I have become increasingly convinced that there is a direct connection between terror in Jerusalem and terror in New York. It is not, as some would like us to believe, that America is too pro- Israel. That argument is specious. It is that Islamic terrorists, tyrants and fundamentalists view Israel and America in much the same way. In their eyes Israel is an outpost of America in a part of the world they claim as their own. Like America, Israel is an insidious threat because it too respects liberty, democracy, fraternity and egalitarianism. Hence they view Israel as the Little Satan. Only the Little Satan lives right next door.

Thus the outcome of Israel’s war on terror is vital to the outcome of America’s war on terror. The Bush Administration has it right. Israel is the testing grounds for the thesis that democracies can defeat terrorism. If Israel loses this war; if the bad guys get the sense that they are winning; that terrorism pays against Israel – they will copy the techniques of Palestinian suicide bombers, in pursuance of any half-baked grievance, to the four corners of the globe. If Israel loses, no country on earth will be safe. We are already catching glimpses of what may be the new world order. They may set fire to the synagogues of France first, but sooner or later they will burn the cathedrals.

I have often pondered why Europe, the land of Locke, Rousseau and Mill, the birthplace of the rights of Man, does not more strongly support a small fellow democracy fighting for its life against radical Islam and the scourge of terrorism. The real question is not why is the United States so supportive of Israel, but, rather, why Europe is not?

Now I appreciate the large and varied commercial interests at stake for Europeans. I know that Israel has become a convenient punching bag for anti-Americanism. I understand that if Europe can accuse Israel of racism then for some Europeans it relieves their conscience of what Europe did to the Jews. “You see, when they have the power the Jews are just as bad.”

I also understand the colonial past of Europe and its eagerness to define Israel as a colonial power, in part, to assuage the guilt of its own past. The accusation from past colonial powers like Spain, France and Britain – upon whose empires the sun never set - that tiny Israel, no larger than New Jersey, is a colonial power is preposterous. With all due respect, Israel is not 19th century Europe and the West Bank is not colonial India or Algeria. The West Bank - Judea and Samaria - is the cradle of Jewish civilization, ten miles from Tel Aviv. Now don’t get me wrong. I and I think most Israelis and Jews around the world would be prepared to relinquish as much of the West Bank as made sense from a security perspective for peace – real peace. The sanctity of human life takes precedence over the sanctity of holy land. Nonetheless, these colonial accusations are a bit much. As one great European once wrote: The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

I am surprised by some of the European elites who are supposedly so sophisticated and worldly, and who so consistently express ignorance and shallowness when it comes to the Middle East. They remind me of what was said about the graduates of the elite French schools. “They know everything. Unfortunately, they don’t know anything else.”

But I still wonder what is going on in Europe. Is it only that Europe today is just acting as it always did – whose initial instinct is appeasement, knowing that if they get into trouble again the great power beyond the seas – those simple, simplistic, naïve Americans – will come to their rescue? Is it only that Europe is used to seeing the passive Jew and that Jews in tanks drive them to distraction because it is so out of the natural European order?

Or are we also seeing some form of that old European anti-Semitism disguised in the more modern, respectable form of anti-Zionism? Could it be that Europe, the mass graveyard of Jews throughout the ages, has, like so much of the Arab world, found a more respectable way to express anti-Semitism, by delegitimizing the Jewish state and the Jewish right to national self-determination?

Obviously not all criticism of Israel is anti-Semitic. Criticism, even harsh criticism, of Israel is acceptable, legitimate and in some cases desirable. In fact, we, ourselves, are our harshest critics. Israel is not perfect. It has many flaws. It has made many errors. It is acceptable, even admirable, to draw attention to the hardships of the Palestinians and to advocate a peaceful two state solution, where Palestinian dignity and self-determination are recognized. That is what I believe too.

But double standards, rushes to judgment, rhetoric of the Holocaust in vile attempts at equating Israel’s actions with those of Europeans during World War II, contesting Israel’s right to exist as a free, democratic and Jewish state – these are often motivated by overt or covert anti-Semitism.

Take, for example, Tom Paulin, the Oxford professor and poet who described all Jews living in the territories as Nazis who deserve to be shot – like that notorious fascist, little ten month old Shalhevet Pass - who was fatally shot by a Palestinian sniper in Hebron. Or the well known British writer, A.N. Wilson, defending Paulin in England’s most popular afternoon tabloid, writing: “I have reluctantly concluded that Israel no longer has a right to exist.” At least he expressed some reluctance! It reminds me of the British general who denied that Napoleon was emperor – which of course did not deprive Napoleon of his throne!

And look at the United Nations, supposedly the collective voice of human decency and humanity. The Palestinians walk away from Camp David and it is Israel that is criticized. Arafat launches a war of terror and it is Shimon Peres’ Nobel Prize they seek to rescind. Suicidal criminals bomb Israeli cafes and it is Israel that is condemned. They call a conference against racism, and it turns into a racist conference of anti-Semitism. When it comes to Israel, at least, the United Nations is a den of iniquities producing a din of inequities. What are their real motivations?

Well, whatever are the motivations, and even if we are a bit too sensitive about anti-Semitism – we do have that proclivity – maybe our history has a little bit to do with it - we cannot accept this moral equivalence, because without moral clarity we will lose the war on terrorism. And to lose the war on terrorism is to live in a Hobbsian world; a world of war of everyone against everyone, where there is continual fear and danger of violent death; and the life of Man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.

Terrorism is terrorism. It is not freedom fighting. It is not armed struggle. It is not justifiable. It is not the moral equivalent of Israel’s military actions despite terrible accidental tragedies and – let’s be honest - from time to time even reckless disregard of harming innocent bystanders by the Israel Defense Forces.

That’s the problem of democracies fighting terrorism. Terrorism poses huge threats to the democratic fiber of a country. Look at what happened in the United States from one day of terror of its two hundred and twenty six year history. Look how many Americans are prepared to restrict civil liberties in the name of security. And then, magnify September 11 a hundred times, a thousand times, and you will begin to understand the threat to Israeli democracy. We have been coarsened. We are doing things that cause us great moral discomfort and turmoil. But how do you get at an arch-terrorist responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Israelis, and about to strike again, when he is living in the midst of thousands of civilians and is using them as a shield?

Acknowledging these moral complexities, we must be crystal clear: There is a huge moral distinction between deliberate killing – otherwise called murder – and unintentional killing.

The deliberate murder – as a strategy - of men, women and children in cafes, in buses, at schools, at the shopping malls, is evil incarnate. All those who seek to justify, mitigate or excuse these barbarians are themselves morally compromised.

Politicians who package homicide in a mantle of a noble-sounding cause are reprehensible. Religious and moral authorities who exonerate killers worship the god of hate. The very use of the terms “resistance,” “martyrdom,” “liberation,” “sacrifice,” in connection with suicide bombings is a disgrace that diminishes the truly noble deeds of those who struggled, suffered and sacrificed for freedom. To send a teenager to commit suicide is not heroism; it is child abuse.

While there are no doubt differences in ideology and degree between Al Quaeda, Hizbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Arafat’s Fatah, there is one fundamental connection: They all traffic in terror. There is no appeasing terror. Have we not learned that by now? Terror must be uprooted and destroyed.

Sadly, and as a last resort when everything else has been tried and has failed, the use of force is indispensable. We find ourselves now between - IRAQ - and a hard place – a liberal democracy reluctant to use force against terrorist entities that have no moral restraints and have in their possessions weapons that could kill millions.

However events unfold, let us be clear: the use of force is not morally neutral. There is a profound moral difference between the use of force to defend lives and the use of force to terrorize; between the use of force to oppress and the use of force to liberate.

September 11 changed our world. We will never fully restore what was lost. It may get worse before it gets better. There are many battles ahead.

But as Jews we usher in the New Year, as we always do, giving thanks for what we have. Knowing that it could have been us; recognizing the fragility of life and remembering all those who suffered and died between last Rosh Hashanah and this Rosh Hashanah, we give thanks for our own lives.

We pray for the security of our country, and give thanks for the United States of America. It is the last bastion of freedom, the indispensable protector of liberty and justice for all. And we give thanks for being a Jew, alive after millennia of persecution, death and destruction, privileged to witness and participate in the greatest drama of our age - the miraculous rebirth and rehabilitation of a people that had been uprooted and scattered to the winds, but finally reconstituted in a Jewish state in the holy land of our ancestors.

For all these things O sovereign God, we give thanks and praise. May it be your will that the days between this Rosh Hashanah and next Rosh Hashanah be days of happiness, contentment, joy, creativity and peace for all Your children.

Remember us unto life, O God Who delights in life. Inscribe us in the Book of Life for Your sake, O God of life.