Acclaimed Hollywood actor Michael Douglas recently wrote an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times recounting his experience with anti-Semitism after his son, Dylan, was verbally accosted for wearing the Star of David while the family was on vacation.
The incident occurred at a hotel swimming pool somewhere in the South of Europe, which invoked memories of Douglas’ own confrontation with the bigotry aimed at Jewish people.
Douglas writes, “Dylan’s experience reminded me of my first encounter with anti-Semitism, in high school. A friend saw someone Jewish walk by, and with no provocation he confidently told me: ‘Michael, all Jews cheat in business.'”
Douglas goes on to write, “With little knowledge of what it meant to be a Jew, I found myself passionately defending the Jewish people. Now, half a century later, I have to defend my son. Anti-Semitism, I’ve seen, is like a disease that goes dormant, flaring up with the next political trigger.”
Douglas gives three reason why he thinks that anti-Semitism still exists today, citing historical roots, irrational hatred of Israel and the shifting demographics inside Europe where small but radicalized elements within the Muslim community are making their voices heard through social media.
Douglas is traveling to Israel later this month to receive the prestigious Genesis award which comes with a one million dollar prize that he says he will donate to various Jewish charities.
Source: The Jerusalem Post