WEST

Shai Portnoy confronts the world’s apathy towards antisemitism, from Kanye West to the silent West.

I used to wonder how society would react

if the events of the 20th century would re-enact

themselves in the present day.

No, not the killing of course,

I'm not talking about the full extent of the Holocaust

but rather what led society towards that way.

Would people be so quick to condemn?

Would we so loudly hear “Never Again"

being shouted in the street?

And would we, on social media,

or in esteemed institutions of academia,

make sure to bury all prejudices beneath our feet?

No.

Simply put, no.

Why not? How do I know?

Society has told me so.

Oh, people today would have a blast!

They would give Hitler an appearance on a podcast

with their defence being the protection of free speech.

His ideas, reposted many a time

by contrarian youths or spiteful minds,

whilst others ignore speaking out against his numerous tweets.

“But he's a great tactical mind,

his public speaking skills are one-of-a-kind!"

say those when asked why with him they associate.

“And what he says about the Jews,

is mostly exaggerated, but there is some truth..."

And thus begins the slow descent to hate.

“What? Come on..."

“Don't you think that's a bit of a stretch!"

But it's happening now,

with Kanye West.

You see, it didn't start in ‘39.

The gradual rhetoric was ramped up over time.

A compound interest of hatred, if you will.

Slowly, fringe views became accepted

into the mainstream consciousness, left unchecked still.

A small start, ending in a bigger deal.

Now, I'm not saying Kanye has gas chambers planned,

nor am I diluting the Holocaust by comparing it to one man.

I'm just drawing attention to the power of words.

The Nazis had a Minister of Propaganda because

they knew that they couldn't just pass their laws

until they had the semi-approval of the world first.

“You're being so melodramatic."

“Kanye's not Hitler, the comparison is unfair!"

And yes, they're not exactly two sides of the same coin,

so if it doesn't affect you, why should you care?

The truth is, we don't feel society's support.

And this isn't meant as a snarky retort

trying to manipulate you into speak out.

But I know my community is in trouble

when there's no condemnation of this outside the Jewish bubble

and it feels like for your attention, we have to shout.

Because if it were another cause, you’d post -

a flag, a hashtag, a solemn toast,

a trending statement to show you care.

But this? Silence. Just a glance.

A shrug, a stance of nonchalance.

A problem that is only ours to bear.

People like Kanye wonder why we keep to ourselves.

It arises suspicion, conspiracy theories, and social unrest.

But we feel alone with no allies to speak out nor speak up for us.

And I wonder which is worse; Kanye, or the silent West...