Monday, November 26, 2007

The Longest Hatred 22

A nationwide survey released on 1st November by the US-based Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reveals that 35 million Americans hold blatantly anti-Semitic views. Commenting on the high levels of Hispanic anti-Semitism, ADL Chairman Abraham Foxman said, "We believe that the strong anti-Semitic views held by one of the fastest growing segments in America is no doubt a reflection of what is being learned about Jews in the schools, churches and communities of Latin American countries, which is anti-Semitism at its most basic."

The survey also found that 32% of African-Americans hold strong anti-Semitic beliefs, more than three times the 10% for whites. The ADL survey concluded that the more educated a person is, the less likely he or she is to be anti-Semitic.

It is a sad reflection that anti-Semitism is flourishing in ethic communities that are home to high percentages of church-goers. There is still much to be done to undo the easy transition that is made from theological anti-Judaism to common anti-Semitism.

from Richard Gibson's column in the British Church Newspaper

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