Anti-Semitism has been present in europe for many years and still remains in many parts today. The documentary “Hate” shines a spotlight specifically on France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Greece as they struggle to suppress the anti-Semitism that dwells there.
By LUCIA BERMUDEZ – Print Variety Editor
As a kickoff to the Athens Jewish Film Festival, the documentary “Hate” reveals anti-Semitism which has remained in parts of Europe.
The first time that I heard of the Holocaust I was in elementary school. I remember hearing of the horrific things that happened and being distraught over it. The first time I heard the word anti-Semitism was in eighth grade, when we studied the Holocaust in depth.
I knew what anti-semitism was, but only when it was in reference to the Holocaust. I understood it as a group of people’s personal hatred of Jewish people that lead to the killing of millions, rather than the oppression and dehumanization of them.
I learned about anti-semitism that occurred around the time of the Holocaust, but it seemed to vanish once the Holocaust ended, or at least, we ceased to speak of it.
The 51 minute-long documentary “Hate” was screened at the UGA Special Collections Library on Feb. 2 as a prequel to the annual Athens Jewish Film Festival, which will take place March 19-22 at Cine.
The film, directed by Israeli journalist Nadav Eyal, discusses present day anti-semitism in Europe.
“Hate” portrays what it is like for many Jewish people in Europe today, and highlights their struggles and oppression. Anti-Jewish sentiments have remained prevalent in many European countries but the documentary mainly focused on Britain, France, Germany and Greece.
The film features a variety of personal accounts dealing with anti-semitism, as well as interviews with those who hold anti-semitic views. A wide array of people were interviewed, ranging from victims of anti-Semitism, to government officials, to anti-Semites and even neo-Nazis. The variety of viewpoints made the documentary interesting to watch and it was able to give one topic depth in various ways.
In comparison to racism in America, the anti-Semitic sentiments that remain in parts of Europe are much more subdued. There are strict laws set in place specifically to protect Jewish people, therefore others are not allowed to be as openly hateful.
For instance, in the documentary, an interviewee said that in Germany one can be arrested for denying that the Holocaust happened, and even speaking on the subject is taboo. Laws like this were put in place to try and heal the wounds that the Holocaust inflicted.
However, that doesn’t stop people, such as the neo-Nazis that were featured in the film, from holding their views. They just have to be more discrete.
In the same way that racism is suppressed in America, anti-Semitism is being suppressed in Europe. The Holocaust was not the end of anti-Semitism, and its trail should not be covered up.
“Hate” does a great job of exposing the truth about anti-semitism in Europe and has definitely started off the Athens Jewish Film Festival on the right foot.
