Anti-Semitism is once again rising in the world. The last large uproar of it was in World War II, where the Nazi party sent millions to die in concentration camps. That was in 1945. Despite the common mindset that anti-semitism is behind us, it is not that far in the past, nor is it gone. Instead of learning from mistakes and growing as humans, we seem to be taking a step back in terms of prejudices.
In 2021, the number of assaults, harassments, and vandalism targeting Jewish communities was at an all time high in the United States. The government set up in the U.S. currently discourages tyranny or overtaking like what happened in World War II, yet the bias against the Jewish community is scary. While tyranny is still possible, the U.S. has checks and balances that are there to prevent it. One of humanity’s darkest times was linked to an anti-semitic political party, and bringing back the publicity of anti-semitism shows that human flaws are still very prevalent, and dangerous.
Some celebrities have even spoken up about this. Many have spoken against the prejudice, but some are for it and say so publicly, bringing their following with them. The most recent example of this is showcased by Kanye West and his fans. The singer tweeted a violent comment against Jewish people, which spurred his fans to throw signs onto highways in Los Angeles, a few phrases being ‘Kanye was right’ and ‘honk if you know.’ This comment resulted in many attacks against Jewish people in Los Angeles.
This resurgence of anti-semitism is mainly catching attention because of West’s tweet and the actions resulting from it. Many people are calling for the brands that endorse West to pull their support, or comment on the situation. Many have, including CAA Talent Agency and Balenciaga, as well as Camila Vasquez, the lawyer who represented Johnny Depp in his case. However, Adidas initially declined to comment. West has claimed that Adidas will not drop him, so he can say whatever he wants. Adidas indeed did not drop him for a few weeks, however, they have now pulled their support.
Adidas was not the only group neglecting to comment on the anti-semitic news. Many members of the Republican party have been ignoring questions from many news sites, as well as not speaking about the situation officially. Business Insider reached out to members of the party, including former vice-president Mike Pence, former speaker Newt Gingrich, and RNC chair Ronna McDaniel. According to Insider, many of the party’s members are finger pointing, hanging up, or stalling. This lack of response is causing people to wonder why the Republican party isn’t speaking out against this issue. Donald Trump, former U.S. president, has also said some antisemetic things in the past. One of his tweets mentions: ‘U.S. Jews need to get their act together and appreciate what they have in Israel – Before it’s too late!’
The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, issued a statement in response to the events in Los Angeles. ‘The former President gave a platform to extremists spewing hate speech and we continue to see the dangerous consequences – from the insurrection on January 6th to Nazi salutes and anti-Jewish signs over the 405 freeway here in California. Our state is committed to protecting our diverse communities and will continue to lead the fight against racial, ethnic, and religious hate wherever it rears its ugly head’. He increased the budget for projects that will better the Jewish community, and passed legislation to extend the State Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
Despite Governor Newsoms efforts, the anti-semetic rise in the U.S. continues to gain traction in the media. Looking up the phrase ‘anti-semetic’ only comes up with West’s tweet and the actions resulting in it. This new rise is being broadcast across popular media, which brings attention to West and what he is doing, which may be what he wants. The discrimination of Jewish people should not be popularized by singers with younger fans like West, nor popularized at all.