Antisemitism at its Deepest Root

One of the earliest records of antisemitism, this story is emblematic of the nature of this bigotry in so many periods and places throughout history. In spite of the Jew’s contribution to the lands, s/he comes to inhabit, s/he is mistrusted, hated and often assailed. Why? The answer is alluded to by the very specific term with which Joseph is identified by the wine-butler: ivri/“Hebrew,” the one from the other side. On the simplest level, antisemitism can be a function of plain xenophobia, fear or hatred of the foreigner. The Jew is not native to most of the places s/he resides, so s/he is always the other, from across the river or the border. S/he is not from the same place as us, not like us, and therefore not liked or trusted by us. Read Full Article »