Do you think anyone today would seriously suggest that Jews slaughter Christians to use their blood in matzah?
You’re probably laughing at the question.
But wait a second. Think about it.
How is it that in 1913, not so long ago, academic figures, politicians, and judges were debating this very question?
Before you dismiss them as simply antisemitic, let’s examine the facts.
A body was found, and there was supposedly evidence pointing to Beilis. He worked in a factory not far from where the murder took place.
Yes, that was considered enough evidence to accuse him, even though there were hundreds of other people in the area. But accusing a Jew and assigning him sinister intentions somehow seemed reasonable.
Academics. Politicians. Judges. They debated this question.
Now don’t you dare call these politicians and judges antisemites. No. They were simply “researching the story.” Perhaps, they suggested, Jews actually have a ritual requiring them to kill Christians, and this body was part of that ritual.
The politicians were just doing their job. They wanted law and order. The judges were simply enforcing the law.
Doesn’t this story sound familiar?
Antisemites are often intelligent. They frequently present themselves as seekers of justice. The giveaway is when they insist they know your intentions better than you do.
It’s ironic, but true.
They accuse Jews of what exists in their own imagination. They invented the blood libel, the claim that Jews are commanded to kill Christians. Because they themselves viewed killing Jews as a virtue.
Today’s blood libel is no different.
Bombs killed people. We all know that civilians tragically die in war. The reason the bombs were dropped is also well known.
But here come the politicians and judges of today: “We know your intentions. You want to commit genocide.”
Here is a deeper insight into human nature: people often accuse others of what occupies their own minds.
Where did this idea of genocide come from? Why assume that hatred is the driving force? Why immediately attribute the worst possible motives?
Look at the educational system of Hamas and the PLO. Read the statements and writings of Hamas leaders. There you will find calls for hatred and the destruction of Israel.
The haters often reveal their own aspirations while accusing others.
In many ways, we are reliving the Beilis case all over again.
This time, however, it isn’t taking place in Tsarist Russia. It’s happening in New York City.
It’s not a Russian politician. It’s a New York City mayor.
The Russian officials also wore suits. They also spoke polished, respectable language. Yet they had an agenda: to smear Jews and educate the public to distrust and hate them.
Thank you, Mamdani, for not hiding your hatred. It’s good to know who your enemies are.
And it’s especially important for our Jewish youth to see the kind of senseless hatred you espouse. Perhaps it will help them let go of their misguided belief in you.
L’chaim.
Rabbi Mendy Wolf is an educator, lecturer, and program builder with more than 20 years of experience teaching Judaic thought, philosophy, and applied Jewish studies. His work focuses on developing values-driven leaders by translating Jewish learning into practical tools for ethical leadership, confidence, and personal growth.Rabbi Wolf founded Brush Hour, a peer-led initiative that empowers Jewish teen girls to develop strong Jewish identity, leadership skills, and the confidence to inspire their peers. Centered around the shared mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles, Brush Hour provides a flexible framework that helps young women live their values and become leaders within their communities. You can donate towards this initiative here.