Combating Antisemitism: A Call to Action
With a troubling increase in antisemitic incidents in recent months, Bishops in the United States have joined forces with the American Jewish Committee to launch a powerful initiative called “Translate Hate: The Catholic Edition.” This groundbreaking project aims to eradicate antisemitic language by fostering a deeper understanding of its semantic implications.
Unveiling the Roots of Hatred
Ever wondered about the origins of the phrase “poisoning the well”? This seemingly innocuous saying actually traces back to the 14th century Bubonic Plague, where Jews were wrongly accused of spreading the disease through public wells, leading to widespread violence against innocent Jewish individuals. This is just one example of the many antisemitic terms and themes highlighted in the “Translate Hate: The Catholic Edition” resource.
Released in December 2024, this resource is a collaborative effort between the American Jewish Committee and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, aiming to shed light on the insidious nature of antisemitism.
Taking a Stand
Following a significant surge in antisemitic incidents in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Bishop Joseph Bambera of Scranton emphasized the importance of understanding and combatting antisemitism. By delving into these hateful themes within a Catholic context, the resource seeks to reaffirm the Church’s commitment to human dignity and respect for the Jewish community.
As the world marks the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, a pivotal declaration by the Second Vatican Council on interfaith relations, the release of “Translate Hate” serves as a timely reminder of the ongoing battle against antisemitism.
Building Bridges
Rabbi Noam Marans, Director of Interreligious Affairs at the American Jewish Committee, lauded the initiative as a crucial step in fostering Catholic-Jewish relations. He highlighted the USCCB’s role in combating antisemitism as essential in safeguarding not only the Jewish community but society as a whole.
As we confront the scourge of antisemitism, let us stand united in our commitment to tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect.
