PETERS: Youthful stupidity no excuse for swastika graffiti

Either way, the graffiti was inexcusable and was, thankfully, painted over very promptly.

Swastikas and other symbols of antisemitic hate have been taboo since the mid-20th Century, but are even more politically charged right now.

Antisemitism is on the rise thanks to the recent escalation of the centuries-old conflict in the Middle East.

Hamas unleashed a horrific and barbaric attack on Israel last month, and Israel has unleashed a torrential response on the Gaza Strip.

Ostensibly meant to root out Hamas, the Israeli response has left plenty of collateral damage and a growing humanitarian crisis for millions just trying to live their lives.

Criticisms, even very sharp criticisms, of both Hamas and Israel are completely justified in the context of the death and destruction this conflict has wrought.

For some, though, their condemnations of Israel as a geopolitical entity have crossed over into condemnations of the Jewish people.

The hate has crossed over from actions to identity.

That’s wrong. We need to call it out as wrong.

This week’s example reminds us that we as parents and as teachers need to educate children early on the power of symbols to evoke feelings and memories both positive and negative.

Not only that, we need to teach everyone that spreading hatred through symbols like swastikas, even if painted as a juvenile joke, is completely unacceptable.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by James Peters

PETERS: Youthful stupidity no excuse for swastika graffiti

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