It has been bizarre and disturbing to see the rise in anti-Semitic activities across Canada, especially on university campuses. Some news reports from across the country are more reminiscent of Germany in the 1930s than a country that once prided itself on its diversity and acceptance.
I understand the situation in Gaza is heartbreaking, but there are thousands of years of history in that region that people seem to forget, and more than enough blame to go around.
Nobody talks about the 1200 Jews killed when the Hamas invaded Israel on October 7th. The rapes, murders, and kidnappings of that days seem to be, at best, ignored or, at worst, celebrated by people who would consider themselves educated and enlightened.
I’m not opposed to people protesting, but what is happening 8,000 km away is no reason to spew hatred at Jewish students in Toronto or Jewish shopkeepers in Montreal.
Martin Luther King Jr warned the world in his 1963 book “Strength to Love”: “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.”
I’m not sure what the solution is in Gaza, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be helped by the multiplication of hatred on Canadian and American university campuses.
Have a great week, and remember: To see what is really possible, you will have to attempt the impossible.