IN LEADERS’ EYES NOT ALL HATE IS EQUAL

The assault on people by terrorists continues, with the attacks on Christians celebrating Easter in Sri Lanka. Compared to the response following the recent attack on mosques in New Zealand, the response of leaders, the UN and many media commentators has been relatively insipid. The sad fact is that leaders and commentators are not truly anti-hate; they are anti-hate for certain groups. Christians do not count. Jews do not count. Following the New Zealand attacks, the Prime Minister went to extraordinary lengths to show solidarity with the Moslem community. This did not stop libellous accusations that the Jews, described under the pseudonym “Mossad”, were financing the attacks. The Prime Minister remained silent on this blatant antisemitic attack, which was telling about her values. Hate and incitement to hate should be called out no matter where it comes from and no matter who it is aimed at. There should be no acceptable and unacceptable hate. There should be no turning a blind eye to hate if it involves certain groups. Our leaders and institutions have failed us in this respect.