Yesterday’s terror attack on a synagogue in Manchester was horrific. There have been so many warnings about the increased fear that Jews are experiencing. On Yom Kippur those fears became a reality.
This attack didn’t come out of nowhere, as shocking as it was. I’ve written recently about racism and how word, symbols and marches give space for violence. This is true when it comes to antisemitism too. For close to a decade we have seen growing antisemitism, tolerated for too long in mainstream politics, permitted on the streets in weekly demonstrated and accepted online and in print. October 2nd was an outworking of this.
It’s crucial that we are clear for the sake of friends that British Jews belong here, it’s their country. It’s not even about being welcome here as though guests, this has been their homeland for centuries. Though my Jewish friends are welcome in my home. We stand with them.
And by the way it is striking that just the other week, the death of one young man in America provoked lots of UK Christian social media comment from people who by their own admission had only just heard of him. Whereas the airwaves have been much quieter on news nearer to home.
However, I was concerned to this post from one of the Christian Nationalists connected to Tommy Robinson and the Unite the Kingdom rally.
Here’s the thing. Synagogues are supported by the CST who provide security and expertise. They are highly trained and experienced. They are the professionals. Sadly , the Jewish community have become used to close liaison with the police who are providing additional cover tonight. Amateur vigilantes are not going to help, they will hinder and get in the way.
When they talk about defending, that sounds rather testosterone laden, as though spoiling for a fight. It also has nothing of the voice of Jesus or Scripture about it. Indeed it is telling that the emphasis in the message is on this being what patriots will do, not what Christians will do. These actions and words risk creating more tension. And incidentally when it comes from those who the other week we’re cheering a speaker calling for the external forms of any non British religion to be banned, it doesn’t sit well.
If you genuinely care about Jews, listen to what they are saying and don’t get tangled up in this kind of nonsense. Don’t try and co-opt their needs and circumstances onto your agenda.
Faithroots 