By Kate Quiñones
CNA Staff, Dec 13, 2024 / 12:20 pm
Antisemitism is on the rise in the United States, prompting the U.S. bishops to join forces with a Jewish advocacy group to create a manual aimed at helping Catholics identify and combat anti-Jewish hate. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) have collaborated to release “Translate Hate: The Catholic Edition,” a glossary of terms to help recognize antisemitism.
The updated glossary, a project of the original “Translate Hate” released in 2019, now includes Catholic commentary by the USCCB. Bishop Joseph Bambera of Scranton, Pennsylvania, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, emphasized the importance of this project in combating the tragic rise of antisemitic incidents both globally and in the U.S.
“Translate Hate: The Catholic Edition” aims to shed light on various forms of antisemitism, from Holocaust denial to anti-Israel hostility. It also addresses medieval blood libel claims and present-day conspiracy theories about Jewish control of the world economy. The guide emphasizes that understanding antisemitism is crucial in order to effectively combat it.
This collaborative effort between Catholics and Jews is a step towards building bridges and standing together against antisemitism. By educating individuals on the signs of anti-Jewish hate, the glossary hopes to make a meaningful impact in the fight against antisemitism.
The topic of antisemitism is one that must be fully understood and addressed in all its various forms and manifestations, whether they are glaringly obvious or deeply hidden within society. Rabbi Noam Marans, the director of interreligious affairs at AJC, hailed a recent project as “groundbreaking” for Catholic-Jewish relations.
In a statement, Marans praised the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) for their commitment to combating antisemitism, recognizing it as a threat not only to the Jewish community but to society as a whole. He emphasized the importance of a united effort between Catholics and Jews in the fight against hate, citing their shared belief in the inherent value of every human being as created in the image of God.
The project in question is a glossary that follows the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which identifies it as a certain perception of Jews that can manifest as hatred towards them. The guide highlights how antisemitism often involves the attribution of malevolent intentions to Jews and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.
Furthermore, the glossary addresses historical instances where the Jewish people were unjustly blamed for calamities such as the Black Death, 9/11, and the COVID-19 pandemic. It also condemns the harmful tradition of anti-Judaism that has existed in Christian teachings, pointing out how this ideology laid the foundation for the later emergence of antisemitism.
The guide makes a specific mention of the false accusation of “deicide” against Jews, which wrongly held them responsible for the death of Jesus. It reminds readers that Jesus, Mary, and the apostles were all Jewish, emphasizing the need to reject harmful stereotypes and promote understanding and respect between different religious communities.
Overall, this glossary represents an important step towards fostering dialogue and cooperation between Catholics and Jews in the ongoing fight against antisemitism and all forms of hate. Subscribe to our newsletter for more insightful content on interreligious relations and other relevant topics.
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