The Cancer of Hatred

Halle, Germany Synagogue 

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, 

but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 

18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 

19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God;

 for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

 20 No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; 

if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; 

for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:17-21(NRSV) Apostle Paul, Jewish rabbi

This past Wednesday evening was the second in a series on forgiveness I'm conducting at Trenton United, our congregational home. I had reminded participants during the first session that while forgiveness in central to Christian faith it is important in most religions. Since Wednesday was Yom Kippur, the most solemn holy day in Judaism, we went around the table reading a prayer for the day in which the supplicant names sins before God and seeks forgiveness. It was new to everyone present. 

I was aware that earlier that day an assailant had killed two people in Germany and that his attack was planned as an anti-Semitic attack on Yom Kippur. Fortunately the door to the synagogue he intended to attack was locked and even though he attempted to blow up the door with explosives and fired at with a gun he was unsuccessful in reaching the 60 or so worshipers. In his mindless rage he killed two other innocent people nearby. 

Hatred is senseless and acting on hatred is evil. In recent years we've seen attacks on churches, mosques, and synagogues because of the religion which is targeted, as well as the colour of the skin of worshipers. These attacks are cowardly and the feeble excuse that the perpetrators are mentally ill is only true is we agree that hatred in general is a metasticized form of mental illness. The vast majority of those struggling with mental health never consider violence, let alone murder. This assailant published an online diatribe in which he admitted that he'd considered attacking a mosque but decided on the synagogue. 



The number of hate crimes directed toward Jews is on the rise once again, including here in Canada. It is tremendously sad that many synagogues have security including police presence for virtually every significant gathering, including worship.

 It is so disheartening, yet we need to pray for the safety and well-being of all people of faith and goodwill. We need to engage in activities which build bridges between faith communities and we must stand up to hatred wherever it rears its ugly head.