Anti-Semitism has resurfaced in an ever-increasing anti-Israel world, and college campuses have provided a breeding ground for anti-Semites around the globe. The old messages are back and this time with a renewed cruel vengeance, for they are using the darkest times in our history against us, comparing the Holocaust to the Palestinian refugee problem, and Ariel Sharon to Hitler. I have realized firsthand the misconceptions, half-truths, and blatant lies advanced by those who wish to hurt our cause. And I am sick of taking it all sitting down. We wait until some group on campus (or on the world stage) triggers us enough times in an offensive manner, and then we react. Being proactive does not mean being anti-Arab or anti-Palestinian, nor does it mean being politically incorrect. All it requires is time and effort in educating yourself and those around you about what is really going on. One of our greatest mistakes is fighting without the right ammunition; knowledge of the issues is the only way we'll win.We need to be active, not only advocate. Get involved. There are a plethora of organizations that serve our purpose. You can boycott places that boycott Israel. You can write letters to the editor. Once you get beyond all the misconceptions and realize the injustice of the situation, speaking out will be a catharsis. You will not only help Israel, you will help yourself.The anti-Semites have new fuel lighting their hatred, lets not let them educate the world. Let's extinguish the falsehoods before it is too late. This is not a part-time job; it is a year-round endeavor. Let's not wait until the next attack (God forbid) to react. Enough of the shouting, enough of the polemics, enough of the extremism, enough of the ignorant comparisons to Nazism or to apartheid. Enough of the thoroughly non-intellectual sloganeering. Let's have a real intellectual discussion, let's have a real conversation.Shalom and Salaam.
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