What do Louis Farrakhan and Arthur Jones have in common? Answer: Both of them recently made headlines (though you’re going to have to dig a little to read about it) with their shrill incendiary antisemitc comments.
Unfortunately, Farrakhan, the bigot that he is, needs no introduction. He has a rather extensive track record of saying not-so-nice things about Jews. Jones, however, whom it would seem is not as well known (and we hope – and pray – that it will remain that way), hopes to be the Republican candidate chosen to run against Rep. Dan Lipinski in Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District.
As an example of what kind of man Jones is, here is a comment that should make any decent person pause: “As far as I’m concerned, the Holocaust is nothing more than an international extortion racket by the Jews," Jones said. "It’s the blackest lie in history. Millions of dollars are being made by Jews telling this tale of woe and misfortune in books, movies, plays and TV. The more survivors, the more lies that are told."
A Vietnam vet, and a member of neo Nazi extremist groups for years, Jones is making yet another attempt to get himself elected. And, believe it or not, he has garnered enough signatures to get himself placed on the ballot -- much to the chagrin and consternation of the local Republican party.
Farrakhan, speaking to thousands of supporters during the 82nd annual Saviors’ Day celebration in Chicago, accused “Zionists” of trying to push America into war with Iran and dubbed Al-Jazeera, the Dubai-based news channel, as Al Jew-zeera.
“In 100 years, they control movies, television, recording, publishing, commerce, radio, they own it all,” Farrakhan added.
What struck me most about both of these unsavory characters, is the fact that although they are seemingly at polar opposite ends of the political spectrum, their bigoted language and demagoguery they speak, is a shared one.
I can't say I was surprised. I even read about this before they even knew they were going to say this!
This this coming Shabbos, which is the Shabbos before Purim, Jews the world over will be reading about the nation of Amalek, the ersthwile enemy of the Jews. The Torah exhorts us to remember at all times, what the nation of Amalek did to us when we left Egypt -- how they elected to pick a fight with the Jewish people for no reason other than to harass the "weak and weary".
But it is a common thread throughout history, there have always been those who are looking to pick a fight with the Jews. It’s as simple as that. There does not have to be any rhyme or reason to it, and we dare not attempt to rationalize that which is not rational.
We should always be cognizant of this: that it is not our rituals and customs that bring out the demagogues from their dark holes, nor our success that bothers these people; but rather, the essence of the Jew that is somewhat connected with the essence of G-d is what irks these fools.
And as we merited to celebrate the holiday of Purim, with a total reversal of fortune for the Jewish people, so, too, may we merit in our days to see continued good fortune for all of our brethren, and may there be light, joy, gladness and honor, Amen!