the ten contemporary plagues


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THE TEN CONTEMPORARY PLAGUES Each year during Passover, we revisit the story of how we were delivered from the hands of our oppressors in ancient Egypt. Today, a growing number of Jews around the world are facing a dangerous revival of antisemitic hatred, violence and intimidation. The traditional Ten Plagues we recite define our past and our collective struggle to be free. These “Ten Contemporary Plagues” remind us that our exodus from Egypt was not the end of our challenges. We must remain vigilant and band together, as “all Jews are responsible for one another.” As each Contemporary Plague is recited, spill a little wine from your glass to symbolize that our rejoicing in celebration of Passover cannot be complete as too many of our brothers and sisters have suffered — and continue to suffer — worldwide.

VIOLENCE

BIAS

Brutal attacks against Jews have risen dramatically in many countries, including here in the United States where we witnessed the deadliest act of antisemitic violence in American history. Protecting and defending Jewish lives must always be our top priority.

As the global Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement attempts to delegitimize the state of Israel, United Nations member bodies continue to pass unfair, one-sided resolutions targeting Israel while ignoring the human rights abuses of nations like Syria, Iran and North Korea. Together, we will ensure that Israel never stands alone in her quest for equal and fair treatment, as well as for peace and security.

ONLINE HATE Antisemitism and Holocaust denial are rapidly spreading throughout social media websites at an alarming rate, with a new antisemitic message posted online every 83 seconds. Let us commit ourselves to confronting hatred and denial with truth and justice.

POLITICAL UNREST A wave of populist extremism has spread throughout Western nations, and far-right politicians are capitalizing on the movement by attempting to advance hateful ideologies, many of which target Jews. We shall continue to stand together as one united community in the face of these threats.

ULTRA-NATIONALISM Jews in several communities are subjected to parliaments where Nazi-inspired parties, rooted in antisemitism, play an active political role. We shall speak with one voice to defend vulnerable Jewish communities from hateful leaders.

SILENCE Apathy, complacency and inaction by governments and leaders, as well as lack of Holocaust education, have paved the way for the resurgence of global antisemitism. We must never be silent. We must never condone silence. We must always remember that “all Jews are responsible for one another.”

FEAR We recognize our brethren who live in fear of antisemitic hate. As 9 out of 10 European Jews feel that antisemitism is getting worse, and more than 1 in 3 consider leaving their homelands, we must fight for a future where all Jews are safe in all countries.

INTOLERANCE Governments around the world continue to advance legislation that seeks to ban and restrict centuries-old Jewish rituals, such as male circumcision and kosher slaughter. Let us defend our sacred traditions against any and all attacks.

VANDALISM Both at home and abroad, Jewish homes, institutions, synagogues, cemeteries and Holocaust memorials have repeatedly been defaced with antisemitic graffiti, desecrated, and destroyed. We cannot rest until we defeat all threats and intimidation.

IGNORANCE Younger generations lack basic knowledge about the events of the Holocaust. As the number of survivors who can bear witness continues to dwindle, we must commit ourselves to remembrance and to reminding the world of the dangers of unchecked hatred.

To print and share copies of the “Ten Contemporary Plagues,” visit: 10plagues.wjc.org