Confronting Modern-Day Blood Libel: The Gaza Conflict and Rising Antisemitism

R A F A E L  R A B I N O V I C H

In the midst of Israel’s ongoing struggle against terrorism in Gaza, a disturbing trend has emerged: a resurgence of antisemitic rhetoric fueled by what can only be described as a modern-day blood libel. The term “blood libel” has historically referred to the false accusation that Jews use the blood of non-Jewish children for their religious rituals. Today, however, this ancient form of bigotry has taken on a new guise, manifesting itself in the demonization of Israel and the Jewish people – in the context of their conflict with Hamas.

For over 150 days, Israel has been engaged in a challenging military operation against Hamas, a terrorist organization that operates within densely populated areas, exploits civilians as shields and utilizes underground tunnels for transportation and communication, among their other nefarious uses. Despite Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian casualties and adhere to international humanitarian law, Hamas’s propaganda machine works tirelessly to portray Israel as the aggressor, framing Israel’s operations to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure and rescue hostages as acts of genocide against the Palestinian people.

Jerusalem by Baruch Nachshon.

Central to this propaganda narrative is the insidious notion that Israel’s actions are motivated by a desire to inflict harm upon innocent civilians – a narrative that echoes the centuries-old blood libel. By falsely accusing Israel of perpetrating genocide, Hamas and its sympathizers perpetuate a dangerous lie that not only distorts the reality of the conflict but also incites antisemitic hatred and violence on a global scale.

The consequences of this modern-day blood libel are dire. Across the world, antisemitic incidents have surged, with Jewish communities facing vandalism, verbal abuse and even physical attacks. The toxic rhetoric propagated by Hamas and its allies legitimizes and emboldens those who already harbor antisemitic sentiments, leading to a climate of fear and insecurity for Jewish people everywhere.

Confronting this wave of antisemitism requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, we must challenge the false narratives perpetuated by Hamas and its supporters, revealing the truth behind Israel’s actions and the complexities of the conflict. Education and awareness are crucial in combating misinformation and countering the spread of hatred.

Confronting this wave of antisemitism requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, we must challenge the false narratives perpetuated by Hamas and its supporters, revealing the truth behind Israel’s actions and the complexities of the conflict.

Additionally, governments and international organizations must take decisive action to condemn antisemitism in all its forms, and implement policies that protect Jewish communities from discrimination and violence. This includes holding accountable those who propagate hate speech and incite violence against Jews.

At the same time, it is essential for individuals of conscience to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and reject antisemitism unequivocally. By speaking out against bigotry and promoting dialogue and understanding, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society where hatred has no place.

As we confront the resurgence of antisemitism fueled by the modern-day blood libel, it is imperative to recognize Hamas’s insidious tactics for what they truly are: an attempt to obstruct justice through manipulation and deception. Hamas’s use of human shields, propaganda, and terror tactics not only costs myriad innocent lives, but also undermines efforts for genuine peace and stability in the region. We cannot afford to play games with the lives of the hostages nor with the safety of entire populations.

For the sake of both Arabs and Jews, for the sake of humanity, Hamas’s reign of terror must come to an end. We must stand firm in our commitment to uphold the rule of law, rescue the hostages and ensure lasting peace and respect for all. The time has come to unequivocally condemn Hamas’s violence and work tirelessly towards a future where the rights and dignity of every individual are upheld and protected.

Rafael Rabinovich is a Chabadnik originally from Peru. He was active in the struggle for the Land of Israel during the period of the Disengagement. Now in his early 50s, Rafael is currently pursuing a career in Data Science. Alongside his professional endeavors, he is an avid storyteller and runs a YouTube channel in two languages, where he shares captivating Baal Shem Tov stories every Motzei Shabbat.

Rafael Rabinovich may be contacted at rafvrab@gmail.com.