Anti-Semitism on the rise; The power of standing together

By Fr. Thomas Morrette

Co-chair, Roman-Catholic-Jewish Dialogue Committee

A while back, I attended a lecture in Schenectady on the topic of stopping Jewish hate. I was surprised to learn that anti-Semitism is on the rise in our country and throughout the world, especially on social media. I learned that most Americans are unaware of this danger and don’t consider it a real threat in our time.

A few years ago, a group of Jewish men and women, got together to form a new organization called the “Foundation to Combat Antisemitism” (FCAS). Its mission is “to the win the hearts and minds of non-Jews and Jews through powerful messaging and partnerships, motivation and equipping them to be defenders for the Jewish community”. The organization was founded by Robert Kraft, who has a longstanding commitment to social equality and support for vulnerable populations.

Shared Visions

For many years, I’ve had the honor of being Co-Chair of the Jewish-Catholic Dialogue Committee in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. “The Dialogue” was started several decades ago under Bishop Hubbard’s direction and, over the years, it has sponsored regular events bringing the local Jewish and Catholic communities together to share their faith-visions and to forge bonds of friendship and support among its members.

The Committee fulfils the mandate of the Second Vatican Council to foster ongoing and supportive relationships with our Jewish brothers and sisters, referred to as “our elder brothers and sisters.” This Committee has been so successful in its mission over the years in this region that other Catholic dioceses in the country have looked to it as a pioneering model for their own outreach to the respective Jewish communities. Thankfully, these days, Jews and Catholics in our area easily take one another’s hands regularly and, especially when most needed.

Education is Key

Recent popes have publicly and strongly opposed anti-Semitism and have repented, on behalf of the Church, for past failures to support and protect our Jewish brethren. For example, Pope Francis has consistently acknowledged the immense tragedy of the Holocaust. He himself acknowledges that certain forms of anti-Semitism continue to resurface and that they must stop. On November 9, 2021, he wrote: “Let us commit ourselves to promoting education for brotherhood, so that the regurgitations of hatred that would like to destroy do not prevail. The menace of anti-Semitism, which is still snaking through Europe and elsewhere, is a fuse that must be put out.” This is a critical message that Catholics, and all people of good will, should everywhere embrace and foster.

Christians should be proud of the countless men and women who have stood against the irrational hatred of Jews in the past, especially those who protected Jews during the last world war. This past week, I finished a touching book entitled “Martyred and Blessed Together” which tells the story of a remarkable Catholic family in Poland who housed Jews, and protected them, during the war.

Murdered Beatified

When authorities discovered their disobedience, they stormed their home and killed the Jews hiding there and also the entire family in a heartless rage. The Catholic family included a farmer and photographer, Jozef Ulma, his wife Wiktoria, their 6 children and the unborn baby that Wiktoria was carrying in her womb.

This past year, this entire family was beatified by the Pope for their bravery and sacrifice and their selfless support of their persecuted Jewish neighbors. They now join the honored heroes of the Catholic faith, put before Catholics as models and intercessors.

People of good will should imitate this Ulma family and support their Jewish community, especially now as new threats mount to rob Jews of dignity and the right to a secure life. We must stand with Jewish communities, no matter the cost. After all, we are in a battle for the very heart and soul of our common humanity and we have to engage and win this battle. Losing any part of it will diminish us all as well as offend the very loving heart of the Creator of us all.