Fighting Anti-Semitism

Baltimore Jewish Times Letter to the Editor April 4, 2003.

In the March 21 Op-Ed “Fighting Anti-Semitism,” Rep. Ben Cardin wrote, “We must be forever vigilant to prevent future generations from believing hatred, anti-Semitism and xenophobia are acceptable.” The America I inhabit has found violence and hatred to be not only acceptable, but profitable and thus ubiquitous: the U.S. has been at war, nonstop, every day of my life. Expanding U.S. hegemony through the use of military force is the greatest threat to America’s future, not least because it evidently was the proximate cause of the 9/11 attacks.

As for anti-Semitism, I have not experienced it myself in the United States, but there is no question that a strong current of anti-Zionism exists today. The recent accidental death or murder of 23-year-old U.S. peace activist Rachel Corrie by Israeli occupational forces in the Gaza has added fuel to some of America’s anger at the State of Israel. Further, arrogant spokesmen like William Kristol, Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Perle, etc., have wedded the messianic Christianity of the Christian right to a militantly pro-Israel and avowedly anti-Palestinian strategy.

The common threads between America vs. Iraq (and Iran and North Korea, etc.) and Israel vs. Palestine are fear, hatred and violence. Because liberals like Mr. Cardin, and conservatives too, are proponents of an overwhelming U.S. military, they enable and promote U.S. military dominance around the globe. Because Democrats and Republicans both support huge U.S. grants and loans to Israel, devastating military technology is in Sharon’s hands.

We have to think holistically, and to act non-violently.

Dave Goldsmith
Baltimore County Green Party Coordinator