A Call to Action Against the Resurgence of Antisemitism in America

A Call to Action Against the Resurgence of Antisemitism in America

Antisemitism, characterized by hatred of Jewish individuals simply for their identity, has been labelled “the ancient evil.” This term highlights its deep historical roots, tracing back to at least the third century BCE in Hellenistic Egypt. Societal suspicions towards Jewish communities arose because they often rejected the religious and cultural norms imposed by their conquerors. The dominant cultures, notably the Greeks and Romans, resented the strict monotheism that Jews adhered to.

Through history, Jewish people faced severe persecution. They maintained the integrity of their communities based on their religious beliefs, which led to harsh treatment from dominant powers. Throughout history, there were at least three notable periods of mass captivity — the Assyrian captivity in 722 BCE, the Babylonian captivity of Judah beginning in 597 BCE, and the Roman captivity commencing in 70 CE.

The Complex Relationship Between Christianity and Judaism

Christianity originated from Judaism, with its foundational figure, Jesus, being a Jew born to Jewish parents. The earliest Christian congregations were established by Jewish individuals, including the apostles. The Old Testament, as recognized by Christians, is entirely authored by Jews, making it clear that antisemitism fundamentally contradicts Christian doctrine. Unfortunately, throughout history, this understanding has not always been recognized.

The initial centuries of Christianity witnessed significant persecution, particularly at the hands of Roman authorities, until Constantine’s Edict of Milan in 313 AD established religious tolerance within the Roman Empire. Given their own experiences of oppression, Christians should be empathic towards others facing similar injustices.

The Historical Role of the Catholic Church

The Bishop of Rome’s role evolved significantly, especially following the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. The Pope, as the Bishop of Rome came to be known, gradually developed authority among Christian leaders. Historically, the Roman Catholic Church played a complicated role regarding antisemitism, particularly during the Middle Ages up until the reforms of Vatican II, which took place between 1962 and 1965.

Vatican II produced the landmark declaration