How many other Jews feel persecuted?

Question

I was wondering if I'm the only one that feels this way. As a minority religion in the world I feel like we are persecuted and hated quite a bit. It actually makes me really nervous and I am considering moving to Israel to be with other Jews. I think it would be great if I didn't have to hear about Christmas for 4 months of the year and didn't have everyone telling me "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Easter"..... Anyone else feel the same?

I don't think you all are getting my point... I don't want to move because of people saying these things, I just feel akward in a Christian country....

Answer 1

I agree with you, sometimes it can feel like we are persecuted. Especially when we need the police to guard our synagogue on Yom Kippur the year that silly Mel Gibson movie came out. Not to mention the endless tirades of missionaries standing on the corners of our day schools and handing out pamphlets to our poor little grammar schoolers, trying to "save their souls" or something.

However, it is true we are not being massacred and thrown out of our homes. We are not having our possessions stolen from us and we are not being rounded up. We are free to practice our traditions in a (relatively) peaceful society--except for the occassional rock through the window, we're relatively safe. I too feel uncomfortable in a Chrstian country and plan to make aliyah sometime when I am ready. But we must admit, apart from the Jew jokes and the rocks thrown at us and the relentless tide of annoying missionary types (who, if we are learned, can be easily beat back) we're pretty safe in this country. I too find it irritating that this "separation of church and state" country (assuming you are talking about America) gives everyone time off for Xmas and Easter no problem, but for Passover and Yom Kippur we have to take sick days and vacation time from work or school. But we do not have it anywhere near as bad as some of our people have it and still have it now. Did you know that there is so much antisemitism in France that in Israel, Israelis always have a hard time finding apartments? The French Jews have bought many of them. They don't rent them, they seal them up in case someone like Hitler comes back. They are so afraid of the antisemitism in their country that they have apartments reserved in case they need to flee. We don't have it as bad as that. Hated? Probably yes. Mostly through ignorance, though. Persecuted? Maybe not the right word to use. Too many Jew jokes? Definitely. But what are ya gonna do? I'm going to make aliyah, how about you? ;-)

Of course, I live in the North Shore, and not in the Bible Belt, baruch HaShem. Down there, who knows?

edit: just read the other answers, wow people are silly.

I just wonder why don't the real Jews sacrifice animals for the atonement for their sins? Christians have Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice. What do the Jews have?

Wow. So we have to live up to a people who distorted our scripture and sacrificed a human for their sins. Thanks, I'll pass, and stick to the original.

And just one more thought - this country - the US was founded on Christian beliefs.

Actually, it wasn't--unless you count signing "all men are created equal" with your slave in the room a Xtian belief. Then, maybe.

Peace v'next year in Jerusalem ;-)
L.S.

Answer 2

How is it hurting you to hear "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Easter"? Why is someone who is basically trying to be friendly to you a problem. Shouldn't you/we all be happy that there are people who want to be kind and friendly - regardless of their faith? I'm a Christian, but I've been told "Happy Hannukah" by friends who are Jewish before. I wasn't offended. I didn't feel persecuted for being Christian.

If you really feel that way, maybe you should move to Israel - I hear it's an entirely happy country, no problems there - everyone's happy and friendly there, right? Sheesh. Let it go dude.

Good luck for greater understanding of this thing called life.

And just one more thought - this country - the US was founded on Christian beliefs. Everyone has the freedom of religious choice here however, so why not start being friendly yourself and during your religious holidays greet others "Happy Purim!" "Happy Roshashanna" (sorry for spelling errors) "Happy Hannukah" etc?

Answer 3

You're wanting to make aliyah because you feel persecuted? Have you taken a look at the news lately? do you understand what's happening daily in Yisra'el?
Do you have children? If so, are you prepared that if they get on a school bus in the morning, they might not come home that afternoon?
If you are feeling persecuted in the U.S., what do you think will happen there?
Living there, you will have a lot more to worry about than someone wishing you a Merry Christmas or Happy Easter.

Edit: this is NOT a christian country. This is a secular nation where all beliefs are welcome. I'm a pagan. If someone wishes me a Merry christmas, I simply return the greeting. They are being NICE to me. If someone is Jewish, I'll say Chag Sameach Chanukah during that time of year.
Make aliyah for the right reason and not because you don't feel comfy here. Aliyah, by its very name is a spiritual "rising up".. it isn't to be taken lightly.

Answer 4

the option to move to israel is always there, but you should not leave your country of birth just because you are tired of hearing about christmas. thats not persecution. if religiously you feel that there is no other place for you on earth but israel, then you should follow your heart and go. but america has done a lot of great things for the jews and it deserves more loyalty than just abandoning it for no reason other than a few setbacks. but whatever you do, make sure its for the right reasons.

Answer 5

You should realize there is still a lot of violence and persecution in Israel. In some ways, it could potentially be a much more threatening situation for you. I don't really like living in a culture where Christianity is the norm, but I wouldn't say I feel persecuted. Best of luck to you, whatever you decide

Answer 6

Your in America and those holidays are big in America. If you cant deal with it then leave. I am not religious but I like Christmas because I get to spend it with my family. I Don't celebrate Easter although I do like bunnies and chocolate. Who cares if someone tells you Merry Christmas or Happy Easter we are just trying to be nice. You know how everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's day??? Well everyone likes presents and candy n the other holidays. I hate it when people tell me "God Bless You" or "Have a Blessed Day" but I don't say anything because that's there thing and if it makes them happy then that's fine with me. The USA is for everyone so you have to learn to live with everyone beliefs

Answer 7

I actually live in a town where the most dominent religion is Judaism. Jews are not being persecuted, and the quotes are just something nice to say to people. No one hates you.
Don't move to Israel. There's too much war!

Answer 8

Cry more! If your life was threatened or something serious I would understand but wanting to move to Israel over people saying merry xmas and happy easter is just a tad bit whiny.

If you move to Israel I hope you don't mind car bombs.

Answer 9

A friend of mine moved back to NYC so she could have access to more Jewish culture.

It does get to be overwhelming. But find your pockets away from it. It can be hard, depending on where you live, but includes things like just not watching television during November and December.

As for the rise of anti-Semitism, it is scary. There aren't any easy answers on that.

Answer 10

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