I'm a scared British Jew

[Elladisenchanted]

As I'm writing this, I've had another whats app messagw asking for prayers for a rabbi in London hospitalised, who has just been beaten up. I'm scared.

I'm getting messages from my synagogue and kids schools about walking in groups for safety. Neighborhood group posting pics of cars where I live smashed up. People driving by waving Palestinian flags and screaming anti semitic abuse and entering shops intimidating people. This is Manchester not London, where it's even worse.
I've been sent screenshots of Facebook posts with comments like rape Jewish women. Rape their mothers. Rape their daughters. Not rape the Israelis. Rape the Jews. British Jews.

I'm preparing for the shavuous festival and at 8.50 pm I'll be turning off my phone for just over two days and be cut off from social media and news. But I'm dreading what I'll see when I go back online on Tuesday night. I'm sending my husband to the synagogue with my heart in my mouth. This isn't the first time. It won't be the last.

I'm the last of my British family still here and as much as I love my country I don't know how much longer I want to stay here.

Not sure why I'm posting this. Just feeling despair that this never ends.

Yes, not helpful

[quote BellaTheDog]@IDontLikeMyselfToday Actually, I AM having sleepless nights over Palestinians. As should every person with an ounce of humanity.[/quote]
Are you having sleepless nights about the 85 people (mainly young girls) killed in by car bomb outside a school in Kabul 6 days ago? Obviously you’ll be calling on all Muslims to apologise for that?

I’m getting a little bit sick of the selective outrage.

Motherland?

Many British Jewish people came from Europe.

I’m not going to quote it, but have also reported for anti-Semitism.

@Bobbiepin chag sameach - I'll pm you the name.

I'm so sorry I can't respond to all the messages as I'm just getting all the last minute jobs done before candlelighting and switching off, but I'm reading them and really appreciate it. When all you see and hear is the hate it's very hard to keep perspective.

We're not going to stay home, my husband is going to the synagogue (socially distanced) tonight, but he'll be taking precautions and walking with someone else.

Given that I’m Jewish, grew up in a Jewish suburb of North London, attended a Jewish school and spent time in Israel, I would say I probably know what I’m talking about.

To those criticising me, what are YOUR credentials?

I’m sorry this is happening to you and your community OP. You should not be scapegoats.
I can and do feel empathy for British Jews, they should not be paying the price for the horrendous behaviour of the Israeli Government.

And as far as I’m concerned all of us,Jewish or not, should be speaking out against the ethnic cleansing which Israel are intent on carrying out. It isn’t just for Jewish people to denounce, it’s for all of us who know the difference between right and wrong.

The whole world should be speaking out.

I'm sorry you are having to feel like this OP. I am also Jewish and mostly angry - I'm not especially afraid, but then in general no one would know I am Jewish unless they saw me walking to shul perhaps, though my son attends a Jewish primary. The events today took place not far from me and makes me furious.

By the way - for those asking why Jews don't seem visible in supporting the Palestinian people, there are a couple of issues:

1. a reluctance for Jews like me who abhor Israel's treatment of the Palestinians to attend protests that are likely also to be attended my a minority like those reported on today or carrying placards about destroying Israel or killing Jews. Like I said, a minority, but I think most people would understand that's enough to make Jews feel unsafe and unwanted
2. pushback from within our own communities for doing so (as it happens I come from one where it wouldn't be as frowned upon, but many do not).

I still feel pretty safe here and feel it is a fringe making trouble, but totally understand many of my co-religionists feeling very worried.

Well Bella if you believe it is their 'Motherland' than you are saying you believe Israel is their historic ancient homeland. Which means, by your argument, it has a right to exist - and therefore a right to defend itself when attacked.

Chag sameach OP. Hope you have some lovely cheesecake

@mnhq needs to sort out its anti-semitism problem pdq. @BellaTheDog and @Britsy and their ilk shouldn't be allowed to be spew such shit and continue to have posting privileges - what message does that send?

I'm so sorry for you and your family. Don't know what else to say but it's a rally horrible situation c

I'm so sorry this is happening. I think there are some who will take up any cause if it allows them to be racist/anti-Semitic.

For those of you saying British Jews should speak out against what's happening; do you expect that of people of all other religions, from those of no faith? I mean, if a war/violence is started by people who happen to be atheist, should all atheists be required to speak out against it, on the grounds that they too are atheists?

I'm not at all saying that those responsible shouldn't be held accountable, nor that inequalities in world in general shouldn't be addressed. But how is it the fault of someone in Manchester, and why should they have to live in fear?

Regardless of what anyone thinks about Israel’s actions, there is NO EXCUSE for anti-semitism. Holding Jewish people collectively responsible for the actions is anti-Semitic, let alone harassing and assaulting them over it. I’m sorry this is happening to you and your community OP

I’m catholic but have never publicly spoken out to say that I am against the actions of abuse at the hands of priests.

But plenty of Catholics do speak out.

the ethnic cleansing which Israel are intent on carrying out.

This isn't China and the Uighers. Or Egypt and the Coptic Christians. What 'ethnic cleansing' is Israel doing?

I don't believe it's right that misinformation should be left unchallenged.

I feel very depressed about it too op. I can't even begin to understand the complexity of the problems Israel and the surrounding countries face. I don't support Israel's current government at all, but do support Israel's right to exist so I guess that makes me a Zionist.

It does seem that Israel's problems and actions give an excuse for those both on the left and right to air all their antisemitic views. I'm sure most of them are not as concerned about Venezuela, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Syria etc.

OP, I am so sorry that you are being made to feel like this. It’s utterly disgraceful. It sickens me that people can treat others in this way.

I'm British born of Irish descent. But have yet to be asked to publicly condemn the IRA.

@Noapplejustcrumble

I feel very depressed about it too op. I can't even begin to understand the complexity of the problems Israel and the surrounding countries face. I don't support Israel's current government at all, but do support Israel's right to exist so I guess that makes me a Zionist.

It does seem that Israel's problems and actions give an excuse for those both on the left and right to air all their antisemitic views. I'm sure most of them are not as concerned about Venezuela, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Syria etc.

Yes so true

The first sentence in my above post should've been a quote from MissyB1

The vast majority of the land in 1948 became Jordan. Why do palestinians never claim or attack that land?

They are being used and manipulated by terrorist sponsoring Iran, who's stated aim is to wipe Israel off the map. Palestinians are the pawns.

I’m sorry you’re having to go through this.

Please be assured that the vast (silent) majority of the uk find this abhorrent.

No one should be made to feel unsafe in their home and daily lives.

Those who are apologists for this behaviour are total hypocrites and worse that I can’t write here.

@BellaTheDog

I’m catholic but have never publicly spoken out to say that I am against the actions of abuse at the hands of priests.

But plenty of Catholics do speak out.

I’m sure they do. Why should I have to speak out to say I don’t agree with the actions of someone who happens to be the same religion as me to stop people assuming that I support them? I would like to think it goes without saying I don’t support them.