9. Anti-Semitism spike in Germany
In Germany, once again, chants can be heard in the streets, chants that call for the burning and gassing of Jews. The escalation of anti-Semitism coincides with events in Gaza, but even some of the people of Germany don’t believe that it is reason for the actions against Jews that are being witnessed now. These negative Jewish sentiments have always existed, but now it seems they have the Gaza excuse to justify more public vocalization. Deiter Graumann, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany said, “…It’s an occasion to let it out.”
Recently, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) warned about the rise in hatred of the Jews especially “with far-right parties making strong gains in May’s European Parliament elections,” and have stated that all communities should be on alert. It seems unbelievable that there could be such threats to Jews again when we all saw where such attitudes led during the Holocaust.
10. Modern Issues reminiscent of those in the 1930s
Finally, issues on the forefront in today’s news often sound very familiar. In addition to the rising anti-Semitic and racist activities that are escalating, Neo-Nazis gaining ground in public office, and Jews being singled out or exiled, democracy is now at risk even in America. Such issues as socialized –style medical care, immigration reform battles, and threats to second amendment rights seem to be sending us backward in time rather than progressing and improving us.
While it is true that history can never actually repeat itself, we are certainly at risk of making similar mistakes if current attitudes and actions don’t change. We have to be careful of the people we elect to represent us and research them thoroughly before casting a vote. We have to stand up in the face of injustice and show that it will not be tolerated in any form for any group of people, and most importantly, we must never forget the past!
