Local opinion: A response to the irresponsible

The Daily Star made a substantial mistake recently. At a time when we all need to be aware of the danger of hate speech and the potential for it to lead to destructive violence against minorities, a letter published in these pages should never have seen the light of day. As rabbis of local congregations we are horrified that this was published.

Jake Pickering’s vile letter that appeared in the Jan. 2 edition of the Daily Star, entitled “The Denouement of Jewish Supremacy,” was a despicable collection of lies and blatant hatred of Jews, combined with a derogation of white Protestants. It lacked a single fact or item of truth, and might well have appeared in a Nazi newspaper in Germany during World War II. Its unfortunate publication deepens ignorance and encourages more violence against all minorities.

Calling Hitler “a Jewish Nazi” as he did merely adds to the evil absurdity of everything Pickering alleged. His description of Jesus as “a Palestinian” would have been accurate if he had added that the land was called Judea and Jesus was a devout Jew, who in Mark 12:29, when asked which commandment is first, replies, “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one;” he adds that the second greatest commandment is, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” These are both quotations from the Torah central to Jewish practice and belief. It would be helpful if these powerful statements were understood by those who attempt to defame others, such as this antisemite does.

The Star’s decision to print such an outrageous distortion of facts under the guise of freedom of expression is not the issue, nor is any disclaimer that the letter does not reflect the position of the newspaper. Both miss the point. It is the distressing granting of a forum for the spread of antisemitic racist provocation, which is not only reprehensible but utterly contrary to the ideals our country represents, and which so many of every race, creed, and color have died defending. It is simply wrong, and un-American.

We hope that the Star will in the future avoid allowing the spread of such ignorant and, frankly, evil propaganda. The Bible teaches us “Without insight, the people perish.” We need more understanding and knowledge, not the circulation of this awful pollution. Permitting the circulation of antisemitic conspiracy theories perpetuates hate speech, which so often leads to violent acts against all minorities.

We hope that the Star will do better in the future and avoid publishing what is clearly hate speech.