Pomp and Circumspection, the British Paradox
This week we witnessed the pomp and circumstance of the royal visit to America. In the same week we saw the brutal stabbing of two Jewish men while walking in their neighborhood in London, which followed recent arson attacks on Jewish institutions. One of the most popular tourist attractions in London is still visiting Buckingham Palace and other historical royal sights giving off an air of formality. Even the police force seems more genteel by not carrying a firearm and even today still carries for the most part just batons. People from around the world are fans of all things connected to the royal family.
The reality of the environment has changed for the Jewish community. Jews do not feel safe in their synagogues, schools, and neighborhoods and require security guards at their institutions which has been happening throughout Europe. This condition is encouraged by the behavior of Iran, while the British government is slow to be on the offensive or to offer help in the opening up the shipping lanes held by Iran.
Antisemitism has existed in Britain throughout history since they carried out massive pogroms against Jews in the 12th century during the time of the Crusades eventually ending in expulsion. In recent years after October 7 there have been massive demonstrations in England by Hamas supporters which much of the time ends in violence. Every time there is a conflict in Israel, antisemitism appears again.
The political climate has exhibited antisemitism in recent years as when Jeremy Corbyn, an antisemite was head of the Labour party. Looking back to World War II when Chamberlain signed a territorial agreement with Hitler, he had no regard for the treatment of Jews after the agreement went into effect. During the British Mandate, the British limited immigration to Israel even when Jews were being persecuted in Europe. Historically, antisemitism has permeated British society in job opportunities, literature, housing, and representation. In modern times the Jewish population has blended more into British society but, apparently antisemitism still lies just beneath the surface which eventually erupts into fear and violence. A recent result of this phenomenon is the number of British Jews considering and making Aliyah to Israel.
To many the face of England is still the royals. Some follow the lives of members of the cast of the royal family. Others turned out this week at a small town in Virginia to catch a glimpse of the king and queen. From the outside the royal visit looks like something out of a fairy tale and the representation of England. For their followers, their visit is a vivid picture of pomp and circumstance but not the reality of its British residents, especially the Jewish community.
The royal family has little effect on the governing of Great Britain or its policies around the world, but they do spread goodwill for their country. England does not seem to be leaders in any one area but remain one of the major players on the world stage, while not taking a lead in diplomacy or any other international issues. They seem to plod slowly and try to remain in the background analyzing their options. I hope they become less circumspect in the fight against antisemitism, show leadership in preserving civilization and exhibit the best parts of their rich history. Fighting antisemitism takes quick action and cannot wait for someone else to act, so that it does not become an exercise in pomp and circumspection.
