It has been said that Jews are the canary in the coal mine of western civilization. When they start to be abused and mistreated, it is a sign that a poisonous atmosphere has developed that threatens all of society.
John Hinderaker posted an article at Power Line yesterday expressing concern about the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe. Part of the problem is that Europe has a growing Muslim population that has not assimilated into the European culture. Unfortunately, anti-Semitism is part of that particular Muslim culture.
However, anti-Semitism in Europe is not totally a Muslim thing. On Thursdday, Karel De Gucht, the European trade commissioner, was interviewed on a Belgian radio station. This is an account of the interview:
"On Thursday, with the Middle East peace process in the news, Mr. De Gucht picked yet another fight. Jews, he told Belgian radio, have a "belief" that they are "always right." He described his frustration at debating the Middle East because "it is not easy even with a moderate Jew to have a conversation."
"He continued: "Don't underestimate the power of the Jewish lobby in the capital. That is best organized lobby in the states. And they have an influence on politicians, Republicans and Democrats.""
This is his apology, issued later:
"I gave an interview yesterday to the Flemish radio. I was also asked about the Middle East peace talks. I gave my personal point of view. I regret that the comments that I made have been interpreted in a sense that I did not intend. I did not mean in any possible way to cause offense or stigmatize the Jewish Community. I want to make clear that anti-Semitism has no place in today's world and is fundamentally against our European values."
I am sorry he believes that Israel is so difficult to deal with. When Hezbollah stockpiles weapons in southern Lebanon under the watchful eye of the United Nations, hiding them in residential areas so that Israel would have to kill civilians to destroy the weapons (see Boston.com today) and kassam rockets are launched into Sderot, Israel, from Gaza on a regular basis, Israel has a right to be concerned about her security. When many of her neighbors have pledged to 'drive her into the sea', Israel has a right to be concerned about her security. When one of her neighbors wants to claim half of her capital city as their capital, Israel has a right to be concerned about her security.
Anti-Semitism is not a healthy thing. All problems are not the fault of the Jews--that was the kind of logic that Hitler used. All of us need to be careful not to fall into that trap.
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