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Missing the real anti-Semitism
Joseph Farah-
Wednesday 10th Dec 2003
Why is it that so many of those decrying anti-Semitism so often overlook the real threat in favor of phantom threats – or, worse, in favor of attacking friends?
Synagogues are being bombed in Turkey;
Anti-Jewish sentiment in Europe has never been higher since the Holocaust;
Israelis are under siege – not only from terrorists and Arab neighbors, but from the United Nations and most of the world;
Islamist leaders make little attempt to hide their hatred of Jews, whom, they claim, control the world;
Even while a U.S.-led military coalition has destroyed one Jew-hating terrorist state in Iraq, Washington is actively promoting the creation of another Jew-hating terrorist state in "Palestine";
I could go on and on.
The threats are real. The threats are palpable. The threats are being carried out. Jews are in real danger from real foes who make no bones about what it is they desire – a world without Jews.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Defamation League crusades against an unreleased movie made by Mel Gibson – a movie seen and praised by many prominent Jews, a movie reverential and true to the Christian scriptures, a movie that in no way slights Jews or Judaism.
Next in the cross-hairs of those fighting bogus anti-Semitism is my friend and colleague, Michael Savage. In some ways, this choice of target is even more bizarre than Gibson, because Savage is a Jew – one who has been terribly outspoken against real anti-Semitism and in favor of Israel.
I know it's coming because I am in receipt of extensive correspondence from Jeff Silberman, who makes an interesting new argument on behalf of the bogus anti-Semitism fighters. He doesn't actually think Savage is anti-Semitic. He doesn't even claim he makes anti-Semitic statements. Instead, what concerns Silberman is how Savage's audience might interpret what Savage says.
I'm not kidding.
I'll give Silberman credit for extensive research. He has listened to many hours of broadcasts and transcribed what he considers to be offensive comments by Savage. After reviewing all of them, I have not the slightest concern about Savage's attitude toward Jews in general.
Having said that, I must add, Savage is one of the most outspoken men in broadcasting. He, like me, doesn't suffer fools. He takes strong opinions and offers sharp and biting criticism of those with whom he disagrees.
This is not anti-Semitism. It's commentary. It's talk radio – good talk radio. That's why millions of people listen to him.
Nevertheless, I predict the attack is coming. I make this prediction based on two facts:
Savage's new book, "The Enemy Within ," is about to be released. His last book, "The Savage Nation," was the No. 1 New York Times best-seller. (In the interest of full disclosure, WND Books is the publisher of both.)
Silberman has sent his research on Savage to the Anti-Defamation League and says he has been advised the ADL will be meeting with executives of radio stations carrying his show and issuing a press release condemning the host and author.
I have some friendly advice for Silberman and the ADL: Stop wasting your time. Stop shooting at your friends. Stop focusing attention on the wrong targets. Stop attacking those who are not your real enemy. Stop diverting your precious resources in the real battle against the real anti-Semitism toward phantom threats and toward those who may simply disagree with your point of view.
Jews are at real risk around the world. Jews are being killed because they are Jews. The Jewish state is in constant peril. Mel Gibson is not to blame for any of this. Michael Savage is not to blame for any of this. In fact, I would contend each, in his own way, is part of the solution, not the problem.
No more scapegoats. It's time to take on the real enemy.
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