Conclusion
Is anti-Semitism racism? Yes and no. Attacks against Jews
come from two distinct sources, religious and racial.
Therefore, the word 'racism' is not wholly applicable; but
neither is the term 'religious intolerance' sufficient.
[This concept is elaborated in Lorne Shipman and Karen
Mock, 'It's Time to Stop Playing with Words and Fight
Racism,' Canadian Jewish News, February 1992]
Clearly, neither the attacks nor the basis on which they are
made are acceptable. Though it is true that people of colour
are more often subjected to racist attacks and systemic
discrimination than are Jews (regardless of their colour or
their visibility by virtue of dress), it is also true that,
because of its religious dimension, the hatred directed
against Jews differs from that directed against visible
minorities. But racism is racism, and, as has been pointed
out, racism has been, and continues to be, a clear component
of anti-Semitism. Coming up with a satisfactorily precise
term for discrimination against Jews may be difficult, but
the accepted term is anti-Semitism That it is a consequence
of racist hatemongering is not in question.
And racism is rarely limited to one group. It usually
doesn't come in the singular. Someone who is anti-Black is
also likely to be anti-Jewish. If a school system
marginalizes children of colour, it is not likely to have an
inclusive curriculum that values children of all religions.
When we have both individual and systemic discrimination to
fight, quibbling over terminology is divisive and
destructive. It's time to stop arguing about the wording and
to get down to ending racism, anti-Semitism, and all forms
of discrimination once and for all. Policies and practices
designed to eliminate racism must also be applied to
eliminating anti-Semitism and to raising awareness of its
continuing existence - in order to eradicate it.
We can look back to our own past and to world history to see
how far we've come, but let us recognize that we still have
a way to go. Legislation and enforcement have taken us a
long way, and will continue to be essential in the battle
against racism and anti-Semitism Because of our laws and
codes, the restrictive signs on our beaches are gone. But
legislation is never enough. Community action and education
will reduce prejudice and promote understanding and unity. I
believe that we will overcome hatred and bigotry only when
the vision that to be Canadian is to be part of a uniquely
multicultural society is universally shared.
The
original plaintext version
of this file is available via
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