By Ari Schaffer
The Rise of Antisemitism and Islamophobia
The states of Israel and Palestine have experienced frequent disputes regarding territory for several centuries. The governments have engaged in multiple wars to obtain authority over the three regions known as the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. In early October, violence emerged following an assault by the Palestinian extremist organization known as “Hamas” against Israel. Due to the conflict, the world has become divided over which faction deserves support. Both display immoral behavior, inspiring difficulty in formulating a stance. What many fail to recognize, however, are the vast amount of misconceptions.
Not all Jewish individuals endorse Israel, nor does the Islamic population encourage the actions of Palestine or Hamas. With the eruption of the war, crimes against both religions have substantially increased. The US government has reported that hate crimes targeting Islamic individuals have grown over 216% in the past year, while the Anti-Defamation League states a 400% rise against Jews. The issue is of growing concern, largely in part to the lack of knowledge.
The phrase “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will be Free” has been used by supporters of Palestinian independence. The saying has become synonymous with immense controversy, due to the varying interpretations. One perspective believes the words refer to the desire for the citizens of Palestine to become unified under a nation that inhabits the culturally significant land. Contrarily, others argue for the presence of antisemitism through the promotion of eradicating the Jewish population to achieve the goal. Thus, many members of Judaism have found themselves confronted by fear. Schools from the elementary level to highly esteemed universities have been impacted by threats and riots leading to closure. It has become difficult to express religion at synagogues due to the possibility of hate crimes occurring. Jewish individuals represent only 2.4% of the US population, yet are the victims of 60% of religion-based crimes.
The 9/11 attacks served as the greatest increase of Islamophobia in the United States. If the current trend continues, the numbers may become comparable to the atrocity. On October 15, immediately after the outbreak of war, the home of a Palestinian-American family was invaded by their landlord. A six-year-old child was brutally murdered, while the mother survived the stabbing. The perpetrator admitted the reason for the crime was his hatred of their religion, shouting “You Muslims must die.” The young boy, Wadea Al-Fayoume, is now recognized as a martyr against bigotry by displaying the unfair conditions many are subjected to. The lifestyle one holds should not receive judgment, but rather acceptance. Likewise, articles of clothing relating to the Muslim culture including hijabs or kufis cause concern for the wearer as they may encounter discrimination through the visualization of beliefs.
The ideals of the United States embrace the acceptance of all, regardless of their values. Though government officials have denounced the injustice, it is evident that the issue will persist. As citizens, we must eliminate the prejudice of heritage and learn to acknowledge differences amongst ourselves. There is no place for hate in this world.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/09/us/politics/river-to-the-sea-israel-gaza-palestinians.html