No go zones

Who would have thought that a mere eight decades after the Shoah, Jews would once again be facing dangerous threats to their safety?

Openly speaking Ivrit and wearing kippot, a Magen David and clothing identifying the wearer as Jewish is attracting verbal and physical violence in a growing number of countries.

In some cities, whole areas are “no go” areas for Jews as well as law enforcement authorities.

Not so long ago, Jews in Europe and Islamic countries were confined to ghettos. They were either forbidden to venture out of those places or did so at great risk to their lives.

The so-called enlightenment in Europe released Jewish communities from these restrictions, although Jews living in Russia and its territories continued to be the recipients of forced displacement and territorial confinement.

The Nazi and fascist era reintroduced traditional Jew hate segregation with all its horrendous consequences.

It is obvious that the seeds of hate never died after the Shoah, and they have now germinated anew, not only in Europe but also in all parts of the globe.

One of the most amazing aspects of Jew hate is that it even flourishes in places where there are no Jews or where their presence is so minuscule that one would never know they existed.

Thus, in Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as Jew free zones in Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Saudi Arabia, among others, the virus of Jew demonisation is alive and well.

In countries where Islamic Jihadist ideology has not yet become the norm, the daily and weekly demonstrations and demonisation of Zionists have resulted in Israelis and Jews being potential targets.

Years before the Bondi massacre, when I visited Australia, I was warned not to wear a kippah in public. I am sure that this advice was well-intentioned and meant to safeguard me from any potential problems, but it proved to be a foretaste of what would eventually eventuate.

Weekly demonstrations against Israel and Zionists in numerous cities provide perfect opportunities for all the usual groups to vent their prejudices. In many cases, entire sections of the central business district are taken over by these gatherings, making the presence of any identifiable Jews dangerous. On Shabbat, Jews walking to synagogue can find themselves being targeted by inciters and haters in some places of worship, which have become no-go zones.

Students attending Jewish schools are now being advised to either take off their school uniform, which might display Jewish symbols, or cover them up. Pupils have been targeted on public transport which is why the vast majority of children are ferried to and from their schools by parents.

Israeli and Kosher restaurants and takeaway establishments have become easy targets for demonstrators, vandals and anyone wanting to make a point against Israel.

In the USA and elsewhere, meetings which promote Aliyah and the purchase of homes in Israel attract disruptive, violent mobs.

Communal gatherings do not advertise where they are to be held, and pre-registration for security purposes has become mandatory. Israel film festivals have been cancelled because venues suddenly become unavailable. The British Museum recently scrubbed a lecture on ancient Judea due to threats of protest and potential violence.

Synagogues and communal buildings have become fortresses as the threats from various quarters increase.

Graffiti is a modern-day plague, and its poisonous messages against Jews, Israel and Zionists can be found in almost every country.

An inevitable byproduct is a growing sense of unease, which in turn results in steps to hide one’s Jewish identity. Removing mezuzot from exterior doors is just one way to conceal one’s identity. The next step is withdrawal from participating in communal functions and, in some cases, adopting a virtual Marrano-like lifestyle whereby outwardly there is no Jewish connection. Identifying as Jewish secretly in the safety of your home might help to calm nerves, but it certainly will not safeguard you in the long term.

History has proven on more than one occasion that no matter how hard one tries to conceal one’s Jewish identity, inevitably those who hate Jews will discover it.

Another “no go” territory is growing political correctness. This takes the form of a total prohibition on articulating inconvenient facts and “outing” those who are guilty of Jew baiting and incitement.

The mantra of “social cohesion” has become an alternative “cop out” for all who do not want to act against and expose those who foment hate. This malaise has now mutated into lumping terror groups, rogue regimes and known patrons of terror together with Israel’s democratically elected representatives. Deploring extreme rhetoric and behaviour by Israeli politicians or individuals is perfectly legitimate. Comparing them with terrorists dedicated to the murder of Jews is something altogether again.

Attempts to ban Israel from international forums, conferences or sporting tournaments is yet another form of establishing “no go” areas where an Israel presence is deemed a threat to world peace.

Israeli and Jewish tourists are finding that in an increasing number of countries, identifying as a Zionist or supporter of the Jewish homeland results in the possibility of being ostracised. Hotels, spas and other venues have cancelled bookings because the guests admit to being either from Israel or a supporter of Zionism.

It is becoming obvious that an increasing number of destinations, openly or covertly, are establishing “Jew free” zones.

There is now a website that one can consult before booking a vacation entitled “Safe destinations for Jews.”

It lists countries by categories: Safe – Caution – Warning – Dangerous – and explains each criterion.

 

SAFE: Isolated nature of antisemitic incidents and an absence of broader patterns. There is a low level of risk for Israeli and Jewish travellers.

There are currently 63 countries in this category, including Pacific Island nations, which consistently vote against anti-Israel resolutions at the United Nations.

 

CAUTION: Recent reports and events indicate a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents. Given the severity of these incidents the Israeli Government has issued a travel advisory urging Israeli travelers to exercise caution and remain vigilant.

There are currently 68 countries in this category, including Australia and New Zealand.

 

WARNING: Recent events have raised concerns for Jewish and Israeli travellers. Exercise caution and stay informed about local developments.

There are currently 15 countries in this category, including the UK, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain.

 

DANGEROUS: There are significant concerns for Jewish and Israeli travellers. In view of a dangerous environment, Jewish and Israeli travellers are advised not to travel to these countries.

 There are currently 24 in this category. These include Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia, as well as Iran, Yemen and other jihadist-sponsoring countries.

Israelis also have their own “no go” zones. These are areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority, which envisages a future state completely free of any Jewish presence. This attracts no criticism or condemnation from those who promote the PA as “peace partners.”

Quite often, Diaspora Jews downplay Jew hatred in their countries.

When asked whether they feel safe walking in their city while wearing a kippah or other identifying Jewish symbol, the answer is always either no or an embarrassed silence.

At least in the Jewish homeland, there is no need to cover up and hide.

Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who for many years was actively involved with various communal organisations connected to Judaism and Israel. He now lives in Israel and is J-Wire’s correspondent in the region.