Anti-Semitism and Politics

According to Prof. William Helmreich (“Less Clout Means Fewer Enemies,” Commentary, Feb. 21), the Jewish community should take heart in knowing that the anti-Semitism of political candidates isn’t salient to most voters; and recognizing that fact, Jews should reconcile themselves to having “little influence as a group on the outcome of elections.”

Helmreich’s arguments are not only contradictory within themselves, they are insulting, inaccurate and betray an abysmal ignorance of bigotry and how it works. He would have Jews take solace in the fact that they are “not central to the agenda of most people living in this country.” The American Jewish community does not seek to be central to anyone’s agenda. It does, however, want anti-Semitism, or bigotry of any sort, to be salient to everyone.

Historically, Americans have rejected a messenger whose economic, political or social platform contains bigotry, no matter how otherwise tantalizing the message might be. George Wallace, Tom Metzger, David Duke and others have been rejected, at least in part, because bigotry was a part of their baggage.

Helmreich’s conclusion is as troubling as his tortuous argumentation. Bigotry is not a function of the activities of those discriminated against. If Jews are less involved politically, less willing to exercise their democratic franchise and less willing to express their concern about anti-Semitism, it will not reduce the virulence of their haters.

Finally, Helmreich’s glancing reference to generally positive attitudes toward Jews in polling data is unconvincing. Bigotry flourishes not because masses of people suddenly buy into racial, religious or ethnic stereotypes but rather because otherwise good people are indifferent to the blather of demagogues. Two hundred years ago Edmund Burke analyzed it far better than Helmreich: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” We have labored far too long for us to remain silent.

DAVID A. LEHRER, Regional Director, Anti-Defamation League, Los Angeles