Just the latest anti-Semitism is a published report for the German part of Switzerland, published by the Swiss Israelite Community Federation (SIG) and the Foundation against racism and anti-Semitism (GRA). The report shows that anti-Semitism seems to be just acceptable. But even offline, continue to be expressed insults, conspiracy theories spread or Holocaust trivialization and denial operated.
What is it with the Jews in everyday life means, how you are responding to online propaganda, as you know anti-Semitism on the street, what does that make you?
Barry W., 32 engaged in trade in building materials
“I’m going to be insulted, yelled at, insulted on the street, through the open Windows passing-driving cars. But those who call me, to date have never had the courage to come face me and with me in the conversation. They are mostly young people. In business, I don’t hear any open, verbal anti-Semitism. But I feel it subliminally. Since these are under-tones, jokes about banks or that Jews are rich. If someone insults me, shocked me in the first Moment. But then I feel rather honoured that I have been recognized am as a Jew. I won’t let myself be put under pressure. Anyone who insults me as a Jew, has chosen the wrong insult. Because I’m a Jew, and I feel comfortable and proud of the way I am. Nevertheless, Just on the streets of a major Swiss city, no one should encounter such hatred.”
safety precautions in front of a Jewish school in Zurich. Image: Keystone
Beni Frenkel, 41Kolumnist at the “Tages-Anzeiger”
“In primary school I was insulted as a Jew. Others were Tschinggen “” and “Yugos” grumbled. I got in a fight because of the insults. But only rarely. Then, in the military, in adult life, I never had any more problems. Of anti-Semitic content, I don’t feel attacked. My kids go to a public school, our neighbours are Muslims – there never was a problem. I don’t want to trivialize anti-Semitic incidents or defend. But if it is just a stupid spell, one should not exaggerate the. Also, women or other minorities from listening to a stupid spell.”
Jewish music and culture are popular in Switzerland, even among non-Jewish audience. Image: Keystone
Karen Roth-Krauthammer, 50, President of Omanut, Association for the promotion of Jewish art in Switzerland
“For 10 years I am the President of Omanut, the Association for the promotion of Jewish art in Switzerland. During this time I have never experienced abuse, even though “Jewish” as an adjective in our club title and our E-Mail address is open to the public. Our events have not been disturbed and are very popular. In my work, I learn a lot of curiosity to the Jewish culture, I have a problem with to many open doors. This is very pleasing. Something exotic I don’t want our culture and me as a Jew. I feel completely normal.
I find it sad that there are racist people there are for a long time and it will be in the future. If I see something anti-Semitic to see from time to time online, I scare. I don’t usually look at these things. And I put you in the ranks. The Internet is probably a valve of our time for the hatred of these people. In other times there were other valves. It becomes dangerous when the hate on the net turns into reality. Maybe this is also a question of Generation. My Generation is still strongly influenced by the Holocaust and the Second world war, I’m very sensitive to this issue. In General my mood is positive.”
the entrance to the synagogue of the Israelite Cultus-congregation of Zurich. Image: Keystone
Michael Fichmann, 30Vorstand Israelite Cultus-congregation of Zurich, ICT consultant
“Already when I went to Kindergarten at the Jewish community center, there was a security gate. This is sad, but it was, unfortunately, already at that time necessary, because anti-Semitism is not a new phenomenon. Caution is better than indulgence. 2019 I’m, unfortunately, still by means of safety locks in our Jewish institutions. In my work in the field of technology and in my non-Jewish environment, but I feel no anti-Semitism. Rather Ignorance. Many of the encounters, or in prejudice to come to the Jews. On the one hand, I think it is a pity that there are so many unconscious beliefs around spirits. On the other hand, I am glad if I can discuss such topics in a direct conversation and explain. Physical attacks I have experienced personally have never. Insults already, that someone in front of me spit on the street or when Passing a Hitler has shown a greeting.
Earlier, a went at our Church and anti-Semitic letters, today is done electronically. In the summer of 2014, during the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, was rushed on the Swiss Facebook pages massively against the Jews in Zurich, with violence threatened, even though we have nothing to do with the middle East conflict.
For many Swiss Jews, the fear of terrorism is currently larger than those from anti-Semitism. An attack such as that on two mosques in Christchurch is terrible. We have been linearized immediately with the Muslims in new Zealand solid. Exactly such acts of violence are the fear, we Jews. Nevertheless, I feel comfortable here in Switzerland, safer than Jewish friends in other European countries. I’m born and raised here I have my roots and I’m proud to be Swiss.”
lights will be lit for Hanukkah. Image: Keystone
anonymous works in the health sector
“When I was in school, I though that I am a Jew, got it hung but never to the great bell. My kids are much more open. When you were small, you said the seller to the Migros cashier, wish you a merry Christmas, they would celebrate Hanukkah, and all had to laugh. I thought that was wonderful. I come from a large Jewish family. My Grandfather escape from a Polish Ghetto was in the Second world war. A part of our Relatives lives in France. You report Serious anti-Semitic incidents. Here in Switzerland people are still satisfied, you don’t need a buffer. But what if that changes in the future? Already today there are in this country cases of harassment and Assault. My sister has had to experience during their time at school. I, fortunately, do not. My daughter has a Boy in the school “Saujüdin”. In a Whatsapp group, my other daughter, a chain was calling around message with swastikas and Murder of the Jews was sent. This makes me concerned and scared. The topic of anti-Semitism is always latent there, flares up again and again. You put it, lives with it.”
(editing Tamedia)
Created: 21.03.2019, 20:29 PM
