Gentility
Anti-Semitism still exists in this country, and it is loathsome. The World Jewish Congress is now fully convinced there is an international movement, with influence as worrying in Britain as anywhere else, which provides funds for anti-Semitic activity of all kinds. They have so far failed to produce any evidence of its source. a task in which the Daily Herald reporter who joined the fascist movement also failed. In fact, the scale of organised anti-Semitic activity does not itself suggest that it is supported by any large amount of money, though there is said to be evidence of appeals to Cairo for funds by Colin Jordan's movement. The Congress's main effort is now behind pressure for legislation. This, it is convinced, is essential if anti-Semitism is to be checked in time. But isn't there a danger of this increasing rather than suppressing the evil? Certainty, it is a problem of extreme delicacy. So long as the situation remains as it is, I am inclined to think we have enough laws already; but I am prepared to revise this opinion at any moment when the spread of anti-Semitism seems to be really serious. The basic problem is rather one of social discrimination, in clubs and in applications for jobs, than of anything the lunatic fringe might do. It is everyone's job to correct the mistaken idea that it is somehow smart to be anti-Semitic. People must treat people on their individual merits rather than as members of a group. Which, among other things, is what Auden meant when he said: 'We must love one another or die.'
Previous page
