NCJ Number
198631
Journal
Intelligence Report Issue: 108 Dated: Winter 2002 Pages: 19-23
Date Published
2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the phenomenon of Jewish people becoming anti-semites.
Abstract
The author illustrates, through the use of case study, the way in which some Jewish people identify with those persecuting them. This phenomenon is explained as an instance of attempting to regain a sense of lost power. The author begins the article with the story of well-known anti-Semite William Porter Gale, who founded the infamous Jew-hating group called the Posse Comitatus. Although he professed a hatred of Jews and urged others to “arise and fight” against Jews, his own father was Jewish and his siblings proudly embraced their heritage. While this case seems unusual, the author proclaims that some of the most zealous anti-Semites have turned out to have direct family ties to the religion or people they claim to hate. The author explains that negative stereotypes seep into everyday culture and are absorbed even by those who are harmed by the stereotypes. The author offers several more cases in which high-profile anti-Semites have had direct ties to Jewish heritage. In conclusion, the author states that as long as hatred abounds in society, there will be members of persecuted groups who essentially turn on themselves.