Origins of Anti Semitism

The Torah tells us that Eisav was filled with rage, when he learned that he was outsmarted by Yakov, and the blessing was taken from him.

The exact wording was וישטם עשו את יעקב. This was equivalent to saying that Eisav despised Yakov. This was the basis of the rabbinical statement that as a rule, עשו שונא את יעקב, that Eisav hates Yakov.

This might be the basis for the irrational sentiments of anti-semitism that have plagued us throughout our history to this very day. It is ingrained in the DNA of the Gentile that they do not like the Jew.

This might sound a bit paranoid, but there is good reason for such paranoia. We have suffered for centuries with pogroms, expulsion, and annihilation.

We are to be extra cautious in our dealings with non-Jews. We must not put our faith in them even when they appear to be cordial towards us. Too many times, our so called friends have turned on us.

The good news is that things might be changing. The establishment of the State of Israel has changed the attitude towards the Jewish people. The haters still exist but there are genuine admirers of Israel. In the end of days, everything will be different. There are numerous prophecies that predict how the status of Israel will be elevated among the nations. They will have feelings of guilt for the way they treated us. And they will make efforts to repay us for past injustices.

We live in amazing times, as we believe that the time of Redemption is near. When that comes, finally there will be an end to Eisav hating Yakov.