I don’t think I’m alone in saying that nowadays, it’s difficult to stop the world from bringing you down.
Every morning, without fail, there is a new story about anti-Semitism, attacks on Jews, anger towards Israeli policy and another disgraceful act Jeremy Corbyn has done in the past.
It is no wonder that anxiety issues are a growing problem amongst Jews worldwide. I would surmise that most of you, no matter where you’re reading this from, have probably experienced some form of anti-Semitic abuse or slur in your lifetime. If you haven’t, I really would like to know where you’re reading this from because here in the UK, it’s only growing worse.
The fact that a major political party had hundreds of Palestinian flags waving at its conference is terrifying. But was there remorse from the ones waving them? Was there disgust shown by the labour leader? Were they asked to take them down immediately? I think we all know the answer to each of these questions and it is sickening.
Now, I know that Britain looks like a hotbed of hatred but however mad this may sound – for me, it still hasn’t sunk in. You see, I don’t feel like I’m watching my country on the news. It’s just far too shocking that this is happening in 2018, in a country recognised for its politeness and acceptance. But I guess that is the problem. We’re too polite and we’re too accepting.
It seems Jeremy Corbyn has more lives than a black cat. How he’s survived this long only signifies how low the country has slumped. Countless people have voiced their dismay regarding his behaviour and yet, he’s still here. He’s still in charge and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon.
It’s easy to say ‘we have to leave the country’ but in reality, it’s not that simple.
Decades ago when our grandparents were fleeing the barbaric attacks in Europe, they came to this country as refugees. They were welcomed in, helped to adjust to their new life and treated with the utmost respect. Yet somehow, merely 75 years later, that respect for people living a Jewish life has started to fade.
What’s different about today is that it is easier for people to have a voice. You don’t have to be in a particular job or career to be heard. Let’s be honest – none of you know me, know my life or my work but here I am; and here you are reading what I have to say. Maybe from this, somewhere it’ll make a difference. Maybe somehow this will reach the labour leader himself and he’ll listen to the viewpoint of a regular British Jew.
I’m not an extremist or fanatic, I just have one request: I’d like to live a safe life where I don’t have to choose between religion and state.
Yes I may be Jewish but that doesn’t cut into the solidarity I feel for my country of birth. I contribute to this economy, not Israel’s and I pay my taxes here, not in Israel. I shouldn’t be held accountable for the policies or decisions made in a country 3,000 miles away from where I’m currently sat. And yet, people like Jeremy Corbyn are inciting hatred towards Jews by using anti-Zionism as a cover for anti-Semitism.
It doesn’t matter who the minority are, no one should be treated negatively for their beliefs. Being Jewish doesn’t harm others; nothing in our religion condones evil or violence. I certainly don’t believe keeping my faith makes me a danger to society.
Maybe next year at the Labour conference, there could be Union Jack flags waving and I’d happily stand shoulder-to-shoulder with someone from any faith, to show solidarity for the country I like to call home.