Refugees – especially a moral test for Jews

Published: 21 November 2015

Last updated: 4 March 2024

For US Jews, a double-edged Holocaust precedent to Syrian refugee clash - Chemi Shalev - Haaretz 19.11.15
In pre-World War II America, European Jews were criminals, Communists, anarchists or Nazi saboteurs coming to take over the country… Perhaps the most disturbing element for Jews in the current debate about Syrian refugees is the window it opens into the development and mechanism of a cruel and inhuman policy that ultimately garners overwhelming public support - how successors of xenophobic, right wing reactionaries in the 1930’s are just as effective today in peddling fear for political gain.
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And see:
Ten Jewish groups urge Congress to allow Syrian refugees Into US - Haaretz/JTA 18.11.15

In blow to Obama, House okays Syrian refugee curbs - The Times of Israel 20.11.15
With support of 47 Democrats, bill to suspend administration’s program receives veto-proof majority; unclear whether it will clear Senate

The shaming of America – Chemi Shalev – Haaretz 20.11.15
It took decades of violence and terror before Israel was struck by the kind of xenophobia and incitement unleashed in the US by the Paris attacks.