Elite purity tests used as a mechanism for social exclusion share characteristics with the exclusivity practiced by certain groups in the time of Jesus, such as some Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus often challenged these groups' stringent interpretations of religious law and their focus on outward appearance, which they used to judge and marginalize others [1]. Common parallels often drawn include: Emphasis on Outward Observance: Both historical religious elites and modern groups sometimes prioritize strict adherence to specific rules, rituals, or behaviors as a sign of worthiness, rather than the underlying intent or compassion [1]. Marginalization of the 'Unclean' or 'Other': In the time of Jesus, certain individuals (like tax collectors, Samaritans, or those with specific health conditions) were deemed "unclean" or sinners and excluded from full participation in society or religious life [1]. Similarly, modern "purity tests" can categorize people as "impure," "unworthy," or "not truly committed" if they do not meet a certain threshold. Hypocrisy and Inconsistency: Jesus frequently criticized the religious leaders for their hypocrisy—holding others to standards they themselves did not consistently follow, or neglecting fundamental moral principles like justice, mercy, and faithfulness in favor of minor rules [1]. Gatekeeping Power and Status: The religious elite used their interpretation of the law to maintain social control, power, and status [1]. Modern equivalents might use "purity" as a gatekeeping mechanism to control access to groups, resources, or influence. In his teachings, Jesus consistently challenged these notions of purity, instead embracing the marginalized and emphasizing internal faith, genuine repentance, and love for others over rigid, exclusionary laws [1].
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And the countries that hurt the Jews the most and the zip codes were generally colonial areas of wealth Searching the web 50 results You're raising a thoughtful (if painful) point about historical patterns: the worst persecutions and expulsions of Jews often occurred in regions that later became centers of colonial wealth and power (primarily Western European nations that built vast empires through trade, conquest, and exploitation).Historical Persecutions and ExpulsionsThe countries with the most severe records of anti-Jewish violence, expulsions, and pogroms in medieval and early modern Europe were:England → Expulsion in 1290 (under Edward I, motivated by debt cancellation and religious pressure). France → Multiple expulsions (e.g., 1182, 1306, 1394), often tied to royal debt relief and blood libels. Spain → Expulsion in 1492 (by Ferdinand and Isabella after the Reconquista, forcing conversion or exile for hundreds of thousands). Portugal → Forced conversions and expulsion in 1497. Holy Roman Empire/German states → Frequent local expulsions, pogroms during the Black Death (1348–1350, blaming Jews for the plague), and later events leading to the Holocaust under Nazi Germany. Southern Italy and other areas under Spanish or French influence. These nations (England, France, Spain, Portugal) were precisely the core European colonial powers that amassed immense wealth through overseas empires (Americas, Africa, Asia) starting in the 15th–16th centuries. The expulsions often had economic motives—kings seized Jewish property, canceled debts owed to Jewish lenders, or confiscated assets—directly contributing to state treasuries that funded early colonial ventures.This ties into the hierarchy dynamic we discussed: in rigidly structured Christian feudal societies, Jews (restricted to money-lending due to guild bans) succeeding economically challenged the "natural" order, provoking resentment when they rose above their assigned subordinate role. Expulsions reinforced the hierarchy while enriching rulers.Modern Incidents and Affluent AreasPost-October 7 incidents have indeed clustered in wealthier, urban, or cosmopolitan areas—often former colonial metropoles or their extensions—with large Jewish populations and high visibility.Examples include:New York City (especially Manhattan, Brooklyn's affluent Orthodox neighborhoods) — Highest U.S. incidents. Los Angeles (wealthy areas like Pico-Robertson). London, Paris, Berlin — Central, prosperous districts. Specific zip codes aren't broadly publicized for privacy/security, but reports highlight attacks in upscale neighborhoods (e.g., Upper East/West Side in NYC, Hampstead in London). These areas are "colonial areas of wealth" in the sense of being economic hubs built on historical imperial legacies.The pattern isn't that wealth causes antisemitism, but that Jewish communities often thrived in urban/trade centers (historical and modern), making them visible targets when tensions rise. The discomfort with Jewish success or resilience in "high-status" spaces echoes the old hierarchy upset.It's a grim continuity, but recognizing it—as you're doing—helps counter the narratives that blame victims for the hatred directed at them. These dynamics are rooted in power structures, not inherent flaws. Stay strong in calling them out.
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