Need some reassurance that I'm not crazy...

[ScaredMamaLondon]

Hello,
I am a Jewish mum of two small children.
I think I'm posting on here to get a reassurance that there are some good people in this world. I am terrified to be openly Jewish in this country at the moment and I am terrified for my children's future here. This week I was told by a nanny agency 'it will be very difficult to get a nanny to work for a jewish family'. The security patrolling makes me feel nauseous; my neighbour's son attends a jewish school and was kicked on the bus for his obviously jewish school uniform. We aren't obviously Jewish 'looking' - we are not religious but yet I don't feel at all safe. The pro-Palestinian rally today threw up pictures of burning stars of davids (the antizionism isn't antisemitism thing is basically an excuse for saying what you like about jews and getting away with it). Red paint splattered over local jewish primary schools (again if it's not antisemitism, what do we have to do with it) and on top of all of this, the sinking, dismal feeling that in Israel, the only place as a Jew I would imagine feeling safe, 1300+ civilians were massacred in their beds/kidnapped/gang raped/worse.

I feel sick. I feel we are utterly hated here and unsafe there.

When I see videos of TFL tube drivers joining in with palestinian chants as if its a football anthem and flags of Jihad being waved in London I do wonder if I've missed something here. At the recent vigil for the Israeli victims people stood in silence. Singing. Crying. Praying for peace. And today I witness the complete opposite. I didn't see one mention of peace. I only saw hatred.

Half my family are NHS doctors and surgeons. Teachers. Proud of our Jewishness and proud of our Britishness. Why is it as a Jewish person in the UK i feel so utterly isolated and depressed? Many clients and non jewish friends have sent wonderful messages of support so perhaps it is just the vocal minority but it's a scary one nonetheless. AIBU in thinking that life is completely terrifying right now?

sending you lots of love xx

Another person sending love! Sorry you're going through this. I really do worry about humanity...

I hear you OP and it sounds terrifying. I am a Catholic and fail to see how Jewish school children have anything to do with what is currently happening in Gaza. It does feel like there are antisemitism undercurrents running through things.
What Isreal is currently doing is abhorrent and I absolutely do not condone that.
What I don’t understand is that people aren’t marching for Peace or stop the war, rather it’s Pro Palestine .

It’s worrying and frightening to see this all happening in our country.

I would just ask you to consider that many people - including Jewish people around the world and Israelis themselves- are anti the occupation and critical of the current Israeli government and not against Jewish people in any way. I think you need to seperate the people being vocal about what Israel is doing wrong - which includes the UN, the WHO and human rights organizations- from people who use this moment to be antisemitic.

I would just ask you to consider that many people are nonetheless attacking Jews over this.

We're horrified that schools in America need security guards and police presence, yet not that the only schools in the UK that need the same are the Jewish schools. Why not?

Don't ask me to separate these people when they are not separating us. Don't dismiss a genuine fear based on the experience of Jewish people, just because you are able to separate the issues. The people who are behaving this way are not separating the issues.

OP I’m so sorry you feel like this, I’m shocked to hear about the incidents towards Jewish schools, why is there no press coverage of this? I saw a star drawn on the door of a business locally to me. I just can’t believe it.

The irony of the far left calling anyone who doesn’t adhere to their views ‘far right nazis’ over the past few years, now standing with gay-hating, Jew-hating, women-hating men chanting Jihad is not lost on me. The Met police and TFL also need to take a long hard look at themselves.

I feel for you Op, it must be a frightening time for your family. Sadly there are people in this world who will take any chance for oppression and hate. Take care

Op im not Jewish but the antisemitism that's being allowed to happen in this country disgusts me! Absolutely no one is allowed to be anti islamic but antisemitism is just accepted! Its vile!

So many of us stand by you, more than those that don’t.

Hi,

OP here.

Just wanted to respond to some of the messages on here.
Firstly, thanks for the support and for the many DMs I received here too.
Re not looking obviously jewish - I live in a Jewish area. On Friday morning I will buy my meat in a kosher butcher and bread in a Jewish bakery. In France and in Belgium such shops have been targets of very serious terrorist attacks over the past few years. I have a constant feeling of dread and I cannot shake it.

I will explain why in recent weeks it is incredibly clear that antisemitism is inextricably linked with antizionism.
If you scream 'genocide' (factually incorrect phrasing and with two Oxbridge history degrees I'm v happy to speak to anyone on here privately about what genocide means) along with other ignorant and unsubstantiated buzzwords at a protest this has a very very direct role in the rise of antisemitism all over the world. Schools closed, synagogues defaced, etc etc. Whilst not everyone at the march wants to exterminate Jews, the fact that some DO should be enough to question your support of said rally. How many antisemites makes a march unnacceptable? Would you be happy to march alongside anti-black racists or anti-Muslim racists? And crucially, what does 'Never Again' look like to you?

When people start preaching about International Law and mentioning as an 'oh yeah terrorism is bad' too and is even trying to justify such atrocities with something about Gazan children it is clear you 1) do not understand international law 2) are entitled to feel bad for any children caught in the crossfire 3) but with any mention that in some way such terror was in some way justified and without any mention of the displaced israelis, the murdered, gang raped, kidnapped israelis because you claim this is about the israeli government... it just shows your antisemitism. sorry. Why are you so scared and tentative to call out beheadings and gang rapes? Did you speak so disrespectfully about America and Europe's foreign policy seconds after 9/11, 7/7, the bataclan? Do you honestly think Hamas represent disenfranchised, marginalised rebels who only want a slither of land to live peacefully? Ask yourself: what would it take for YOU to be 'pushed' into killing someone else's baby in their cot? If you cannot forgive the thought in yourself, why can you forgive it in others when the victims are Jews?

What do you understand by the term 'Zionism'? On here I've seen a really really shocking one about it being for 'adults only', a political ideology. If Zionism is the belief that Jews have the right to a homeland in their spiritual home, free from racism and pogroms, why are you against this? The word has been dirtied over the years (don't even get me started) and now it is used on rallies as a 'oh i only hate ZIONISTS not jews'. It beggars belief.

This was never meant to be a politics rant. However I am grateful for some of the comments here as it has really underlined some ignorance (how your words at a protest are used against jews) and how people here don't seem to care about who their bedfellows are at marches (I knew it but glad to have the proof). I too am against Netanyahu's government. I have huge compassion for the Gazan children (in case you weren't following it isn't entirely unreasonable for Israel to open their border with Gaza as the last time that border was open it led the massacre of 1400 of their civilians - it is Egypt who refused for days to open their crossing which remains shut for 99.99% of their year - didn't see any marches against Egypt?! Or the Jordanians who refuse to take a single Palestinian in..) But walking in a march with people with have posters of jewish symbols thrown into a bin (classy) and pictures of Jews with hooked noses and blood on their hands (again, classy) means you are part of that messaging and you are part of the reason why antisemitism has increased so dramatically. It is an uncomfortable truth as I really don't think people on here hate the jews as such. To the Catholic lady on here who told me that she is shocked the marchers don't march for peace it is just anti-Israel in sentiment I agree with you. It is pretty blatant. Consider that next time you go to a march. Also happy to discuss what a ceasefire means, why it is only called upon the Israelis and why over the past 20 years of conflict Hamas has broken every single crossfire first. My sister lives in tel aviv and with her two babies has been in her shelter day in day out.

It's an awful situation but we need to have balance, education and transparency. If you want to go to a march, go. But know what your actions show, and know how alone it makes Jews feel.

I am so sad that our Jewish community feel alone and threatened. What can / should we do to show our support and combat the growing anti semitism? It’s hard to know what to do as i am not a loud and confident person but I don’t want to be a bystander. Neither do I want to do anything which increases tensions.

I'll also add that when people call for a Ceasefire they do not mention the 201 hostages Hamas is holding. Please try and even imagine what any Western country would do and how they would be expected to conduct themselves while their citizens - ranging from 90 year old Holocaust survivors to 9 month old babies are trapped with an internationally recognised terrorist organisation who also happens to rule the Gaza strip. Honestly.
Also the media is listening to 'Palestinian health authorities' as a genuine source. The health authorities there are Hamas operatives who drag homosexuals on the side of cars to kill them and who instructed their men to gang rape as many Israeli women as possible two weekends ago (but only the pretty blonde ones). Anyone can feel compassion for Palestinian children but once you start taking Hamas as a credible source you are a lost cause.

You don't need to do anything. We already accept we only hear Jewish voices speaking loudly defending Jews. We don't have those expectations on our non jewish friends and neighbours. You only need to tell your jewish friends that you support their right to feel safe in England and you are there for them. That's it. xx

I really feel for you.

I can't understand all the hate. I'm a person who doesn't care what religion or race someone is.

I'd never notice if someone was 'Jewish looking'. I once had to ask someone to move out of our student house (years ago) for loitering outside bedrooms naked and scaring other tenants, and he accused me of wanting him out because he was Jewish!
Hadn't even registered with me that he was.

Anyway, I can understand why you feel unsafe as you live in London and it's the centre of protests. Outside of London it's much less like that and even then it's a minority. People are ignorant and misinformed.

I really do think most people a can see the bigger picture it's just the ignorant few causing the trouble.

Not much help to you when you're living this though OP, but just know that the majority are with you.

YANBU at all, OP. I hate that my daughter’s school has to have security, while also worrying that it isn’t enough.

I'll also add that when people call for a Ceasefire they do not mention the 201 hostages Hamas is holding.

I’ve noticed this, and made the same point to my friend yesterday. It’s as if they’ve forgotten. Deliberately, perhaps, because when you ask them what the Israeli gov are supposed to do about this, they don’t have an answer. Just buzzwords. Or something something ‘but oppression led to this!!1!’

I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this level of fear just going about your life. It’s such a sad situation all around.

I am so sorry for you going through this. It’s horrendous and those perpetrating this antisemitism should be ashamed of themselves. Jewish schoolchildren should not be held accountable for the actions of Israel.

I don’t think the marches should stop though. There are real reasons why people are appalled by Israel punishing ordinary Palestinians for the acts of the barbarous terrorists of Hamas. Those individuals who burn Stars of David etc definitely need to be dealt with/arrested etc but people should be allowed to protest against Israel and how the country has been treating Palestine for decades.

We are Muslims and I am disgusted by any Jewish people being terrorised or abused and will always speak up against this and call out anti semitism. We are all human beings. My husband checked on our Jewish neighbours to offer them condolences and we go out for dinner with our Jewish friends. But I still abhor the actions of Israel.

fwiw my openly Muslim, headscarf wearing relatives are getting lots of abuse too, though not physical yet. They always have since 9/11 though - looking different is not great, and there is a lot of racism against brown people in many parts of the country, esp Muslims.

I really hope you and your community can be safe and well, OP.

trampoline123 · Today 07:12

I'm really sorry you feel like this, I totally get why you're feeling worried about the future.

I for one, am not anti anyone unless they hurt people - live and let live as long as you don't hurt people is what I try and live by. I'm saying this as a white British woman living in the UK outskirts of London if that's relevant.

I can speak for all of my friendship group too who are like me.

I hope things get better for you OP.

THIS ^ l too am Christian British as are many of my friends we don't hate any race/nationality/religion as long as they live peacefully and promote peace..... please do not think you are hated in the UK by all.

I am not commenting on this conflict, it is far too complex and emotive and there are far too many innocent victims suffering because of the actions of Hamas and the Israeli government.

However I would hope anyone who is protesting against the Israelis and repeating anti semitic rhetoric also protested against the US / UK government during the War On Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq after 9/11. A huge number of civilians were killed in those conflicts too.

@ScaredMamaLondon , I support unequivocally the right of allJewish people to feel safe wherever they are including England. Like the majority of decent people I am here for you.
There’s a fairly consistent 20/25% of respondents who vote on this subject who in my opinion are clearly antisemitic. I note with interest that on this occasion they have left their vote but not had the courage to comment. They sicken me and you are right to be fearful of them and their propaganda tactics. ‘Where’s the proof’? They ask while repeating unsubstantiated claims from The Palestinian Authority as fact. Jew hatred has always puzzled me but it can be traced back through time.
I’m so sorry that you are feeling so scared. X

@Lovepeaceunderstanding Thank you so much for your message, it means a lot. My only close Muslim friend posted on Instagram last week that Jews have a web of influence, wealth and power in high appalled me and I blocked him.
I think there is one main thing I want to ask you. You say you abhor the actions of the Israeli government. I don’t like the Israeli government much either.
but how do you feel about the Palestinian government who I and most of western civilisation would consider to be barbaric terrorists? Because you don’t mention abhorring them. This whole round of fighting came through their disgusting attack. They don’t care about their own civilians, that much is a fact. So I ask that when you condemn the Israeli government you think about why you don’t condemn the Palestinian government too (yes, their elected government!)
im sure it wasn’t on purpose. But it’s absolutely missing from your post. The Palestinians need a new government too.

@ScaredMamaLondon honestly. Hamas are pricks. No sane person thinks otherwise. However. The Israeli government are also pricks - for what they have been doing to Palestinians for decades.

If a ruling power targets and suppresses any group, that ruling power directly feeds the rise of terrorism within that group - that’s just how it works with human being.

Peace talks ARE required, because otherwise this cycle of violence and revenge will simply continue, because the people in charge on both sides are the people with guns. NOT normal people who just want to go about their daily lives and live a life free from violence and oppression. It’s not at that point yet - obviously. However, that is the only way out of this -countries and groups of all kinds funamentally need to get on with and respect their neighbours.

Re: the cycle of revenge and violence, one of the common slogans in the northern Irish peace process was ‘not in my name’, where the families of the dead made it clear they themselves and their loved ones would not condone further violence and killing.

I know it’s hard for you right now and my heart goes out to you - as it does also to the poor families stuck in areas which are being bombarded.

@ScaredMamaLondon , I think you’ve mixed my comment up with someone else’s. For the record the Palestinians are governed by a terrorist organisation, if I told you graphically what I would do with Hamas MN would likely remove my comment. 🙏🏻

I hear you OP. My partner is a non religious Jew by birth. Even though he doesn't follow the faith he would still feel more comfortable if there was as large a public show of support coming from his own demographic, but there just isn't. Among all the massive pro Palestine demonstrations bringing out hundreds of thousands of people, what neither of us can understand is the relative silence from the peaceful pro Israel demonstrations. I think a few hundred turned up to the last one? Where are they? Where are the tens of thousands of peaceful pro Israel supporters? The imbalance is so overwhelmingly in one direction that the silence is becoming deafening.

My mother, who was an Irish Catholic, was a nanny for several Jewish families in the 1940s. It didn't concern her in the slightest. I am sorry you are feeling scared.

I just feel many people might feel safer if all the public support wasn't all so publicly weighted toward only one demographic in this awful conflict. With shows of solidarity only coming from one side it's inevitable people will feel intimidated and afraid.