Roman Catholics Urged to Combat Rising Antisemitism
Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts has called upon Roman Catholics to counteract antisemitism, particularly in light of the escalating violence and threats against Jewish people worldwide. Roberts, himself a Catholic, made this plea during a speech at Franciscan University, a Catholic institution in Steubenville, Ohio.
A Call to Arms Against Antisemitism
Roberts emphasized the need for Catholics to utilize their faith institutions as tools, or even weapons, to eradicate antisemitism. He stated, "This ultimately is the plea: to lean into our institutions in which there is truth and beauty and goodness and to use those institutions as tools—as weapons if we must—to eliminate antisemitism. That’s the call for those of us who are Roman Catholics." He further stressed that anyone who is part of a faith institution must be part of the solution.
Launching Catholics Against Antisemitism
Roberts, in collaboration with the Philos Project and Franciscan University, initiated a new coalition called Catholics Against Antisemitism. The coalition's website states, "Now is the time for faithful Catholics to unite with our Jewish neighbors to defend and promote our shared Judeo-Christian tradition." Roberts highlighted the increasing prevalence of antisemitic violence, noting that in some measures, it has doubled and tripled.
Proposed Solutions to Antisemitism
According to Roberts, there are two primary ways to address this issue. The first is to "shed light on darkness" by raising awareness. The second is to take institutional action, which involves those in leadership roles being more active, energetic, vocal, and courageous in their efforts.
The Christian Duty to Counter Antisemitism
Roberts asserted that it is a "Christian duty" to call out any antisemitism. He emphasized that if even a small hint of an anti-Jewish trope is met with silence in a conversation, Christians are failing in their duty to correct an error. He also pointed out that the Bible imposes a special responsibility on Christians for the friendship and protection of the Jewish people.
Roberts also addressed the rise of antisemitism on U.S. college campuses following Hamas' attack on Israel last month. He attributed this to many American college students' unfamiliarity with the Jewish faith and the history of Israel. Despite skeptics who claim that antisemitism cannot be eradicated, Roberts urged his audience not to fall into that trap, reminding them of God's omnipotence and His unlimited love for His chosen people.
In conclusion, Roberts called for prayers for political leaders to fight antisemitism, regardless of their party affiliation or personal opinions about them. He ended his speech by quoting Isaiah 40:31, offering a message of hope and resilience.
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Role of Businesses in Combating Antisemitism
The call by Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts for Roman Catholics to combat antisemitism presents an important challenge for new businesses. This challenge is not limited to Catholics or religious institutions, but extends to all businesses that value diversity, inclusivity, and human rights.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Businesses can play a significant role in combating antisemitism and promoting social harmony. This could involve implementing inclusive hiring practices, promoting diversity in leadership, or supporting community initiatives aimed at fostering interfaith understanding.
The "Hot Take"
Roberts' call to action serves as a reminder that businesses are not just economic entities, but also social actors with a responsibility to promote positive social change. In the face of rising antisemitism, new businesses have an opportunity to take a stand and contribute to the fight against hate and discrimination. This could involve implementing policies that promote diversity and inclusivity, fostering a culture of respect and understanding, or using their influence to raise awareness about antisemitism. While this may present challenges, it also presents opportunities for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market. Ultimately, businesses that are able to balance profitability with social responsibility stand to gain the most in today's complex business environment.
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