Thursday, July 31, 2014

The U. S. Civil War And Antisemitism

By Annabelle Holman


The earliest days of racism were during the American Revolution and Civil War. During the American Revolution, it was the Native Americans who were first to experience discrimination when the first case of antisemitism in the U. S. Occurred. Whereas, antisemitism in the U. S. Was first seen during the Civil War.

While antisemitism is alive an well in the U. S., it is still not as horrid as during the time of the holocaust. During World War II, many Jews were gassed, tortured and placed in grueling work camps, most often while waiting execution. Hitler, responsible for these atrocities and others had hoped for the complete elimination of all non-whites. Giving birth to the ideology of antisemitism and racism in Germany in the 1940s.

The first students of American Jewish life reduced antisemitic behaviors in the U. S. More recent scholars have found that no period in the history of the U. S. Has ever been free of antisemitism. While this has been the case in the past, many hope the future will see more equality on a number of levels including racial equality.

Unfortunately, antisemitism has always been a part of life in the United States. There are also many other countries which have similar problems. The first U. S. Incident being reported during the Civil War when General Ulysses S. Grant issued an order that required the expulsion of all Jews in several Southern States. An order which was quickly rescinded by then President, Abraham Lincoln.

Many Jewish Americans have organized intentional communities around the country. While still participating in life as a whole, many feel safer living in the midst of others who are of like mind. Many of these individuals are ancestors of those who survived Hitler and the Holocaust during World War II. Living in a shared community of Jewish people allows for research and reporting on these and earlier periods related to Judaism and the Jewish community as a whole.

The Native Americans and Jewish are most likely the two groups discriminated against most during the 18th and 19th centuries. While bigotry, hatred and racism are on a decline, there are still crimes based on hate, race and religion reported on a daily basis all over the World. Only when individuals can learn to live together in Peace, and agree to disagree, will there be an end to this madness.

Often based in extreme right wing religion, antisemitism, bigotry and hatred are taught not inherited. Skinheads, well known for antisemitic behavior are responsible for a lot of the current antisemitism in current culture. Sadly, many of these individuals involved in acts of white supremacy have no knowledge of the Jewish Faith. Nor, the people or heritage whom are being discriminated against.

The good news is that most U. S. Citizens reject Antisemitism. While, the Anti-Defamation League reports that 64% enjoy and encourage Jewish community and cultural presentations. Attending events outside of one's own culture can often be an enlightening experience. Individuals can find out more about local Jewish events by contacting the nearest Jewish Community Center and requesting a calendar.




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