The soaring cost of oil is rattling the market, threatening the economy, shaking consumer confidence and squeezing us all.

Our concern here, however, is not the shortage of oil, but the glut of anti- Semitic crude. Unlike the oily gook, this poison is dangerous even after it is “refined.” Seemingly forgotten 60 years ago, cured by Holocaust teach-ins and marginalized as “bad taste” in respectable circles,
a virulent anti-Semitic strain has returned.

The barbaric Jihadists and their European fan-clubs recall the 1933 semi-literate ideology of Berlin’s Brown Shirts; their aims are the same. Politically, this brand of anti-Semite doesn’t come from the usual “right” end of the spectrum, but from the “left,” where the “good guys” (who we thought WE were) used to be.

Leftist anti-Semitism is not officially committed to biological “Jewish cancer” theories. They leave that to crazies’ websites who present the Elders of Zion Protocols as breaking news. Sophisticated and moralistic, it pretends to be progressive and humanitarian, and even lists certain Jews as intellectual allies.

But it is all based on adamant opposition to Israel’s survival. They claim they don’t intend to harm Jews as such; they are only anti-Zionist. Forget it. Whether you proclaim the holiness of every Jewish stone in Gaza, or whether you’re a Peacenik going back “to pre-67 borders” you are a racist if you insist on any Jewish rights. These anti-Zionists reject as “genocide” any Israeli effort to defend itself.

Among the world’s most vigorous and varied, Hebrew literature and arts are labeled “xenophobic,” and Judaism is dismissed as “misogyny.” They claim that “we have no quarrel with non-Zionist Jews.” But if you are inclined to appreciate Israelis as real people with rights, qualities and aspirations, you lose your protective “non- Zionist” status.

This “new” anti-Semitism is actually the same old crud. What’s new is the convenient screen against which anti- Semitism throws its psychotic projections. “Jews” are off-limits. “Zionism” is the target. But their definition of “Zionism” includes anyone who doesn’t empathize with the suicide burnt offerings offerings to liberate humanity from the Zionist entity” occupiers.

As long as that coarse polluting crude keeps bubblin’ up, we have to maintain our guard, and learn more about who we are, and the values, legacy and tradition we represent. Sure, we can be sympathetic and helpful to other’s causes, but let’s not forget Hillel’s wise words, “If I am not for myself, who will be?” Chanukah to the Rescue!

Chanukah is a bright spot amid the gloom and despair, a victorious ray of hope and dedication against those who spew hate and destruction. Chanukah takes a firm stand to overcome the many and the mighty. Cleansing away all the defiled contamination, Chanukah searches and eventually finds that single cruse of purity. Chanukah is then, and Chanukah is now.

Amid all the current bewilderment and confusion, we yearn for the upcoming
Redemption when Israel will triumph and truth will prevail, for as “darkness and fog haze
the nations, upon you G-d’s Light will shine, and His glory will be seen.” (Isaiah 60,2)

© 2004 Eli Robin