In an exclusive interview, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie recently discussed his take on the rise of anti-Semitism in the United States. He insists that this increase is not due to a recent emergence of this hatred but instead that it’s simply been there and is now being unmasked.
Governor Christie says that the anti-Semitic sentiment was and still is, deeply embedded in American society. He points to the work of pioneering African-American studies professor W.E.B. du Bois and his research conducted in the 1920s that showed that anti-Semitism was pervasive in the United States.
However, Christie insists that the anti-Semitic beliefs have continued to persist to the present day and it is only now that it is being unmasked. He believes that average Americans are now more comfortable expressing certain beliefs and are not scared to speak out anymore.
The Governor claims that this is not indicative of a rise in anti-Semitism but rather evidence of communities feeling even more comfortable with publicly expressing prejudices that have been there all along.
When asked if this unmasking was confined only to the United States, Christie suggested that it is a ‘global trend’ with some instances of it happening in Europe as well. He believes it is not just a ‘Jew-issue’ and other minority communities are facing similar levels of persecution.
Despite his opinion, Christie insists that the United States has ‘come far’ in its fight against anti-Semitism and that all citizens must remain vigilant to ensure that this sentiment does not take root in our societies.
He believes that education is the key, especially for younger citizens to ensure that prejudices are addressed early on before they can take root. In addition, he believes that communities need to come together, both non-Jewish and Jewish, and visibly exclaim their intolerance for hatred.
Overall, Governor Chris Christie believes the rise in anti-Semitism in the United States is not due to an emergence of this prejudice but instead uncovering of pre-existing hatred. He believes that with the right combination of education and communal support, the citizens of this nation can ensure that hatred does not gain a stronghold in the nation.