Antisemitism can be justified by Torah

Accepted. Thanks to Yusef94 for initiating this debate, and for selecting me as his opponent. I'll begin by providing the definitions of the term "anti-Semitism" and "justified". Note that the resolution states: Antisemitism can be justified by Torah. In his opening argument Pro that states: "I will prove that "Antisemitism" or prejudice against Jews is something G-d warned Jews in Torah". Which is a slight change on the resolution that uses the term "justified" instead of "warned"--the two words have inherently different meanings and are both used in seperate ontext in the title resolution and opening argument. There is a large difference in justification of anti-Semitism by the Torah and G-d warning the Jews about anti-Semitism. I would agree that in the Torah there are certain warnings for Jews concerning future mistreatment; however, anti-Semitism in itself is not justified by the Jewish holy book. an•ti-Sem•i•tism n. discrimination against or prejudice or hostility toward Jews. (1.) http://www.thefreedictionary.com... jus·ti·fy v. jus·ti·fied, jus·ti·fy·ing, jus·ti·fies v.tr. 1. To demonstrate or prove to be just, right, or valid: justified each budgetary expense as necessary; anger that is justified by the circumstances. 2. To declare free of blame; absolve. 3. To free (a human) of the guilt and penalty attached to grievous sin. Used of God. 4. Law. (2.) http://www.thefreedictionary.com... As you can see with the definition of "justifaction"--it essentially suggests "free of blame" in action. Now, I will outline my opening argument: History of anti-Semitism Indeed Pro is correct in his Wikipedia inclusion that the term "anti-Semitism" first gained use in 1873--coined by German political agitator Wilhem Marr. However, Pro has centred his debate around the religious aspects to anti-Semitism, but to assess the term and the history of anti-jewish agenda one has to include the fact that "anti-Semitism" attempts to define the Jews as a race--not just a religious group. Likewise much of the anti-Jewish events in history have occurred because people have indentified the Jews as an ethnic race, Nazi Germany in particular adopted this outlook. Not only were Jews associated with the religion of Judaism, but they were also considered an inferior ethnic creed. If religion had been the biggest issue in Nazi Germany (and other parts of Europe) during the Second World War, then people as indetified as having Jewish blood (I.E one Jewish parent, or Jewish grandparents/great grandparents) would have been excluded. The fact is that even non-practicing Jews faced persecution, because once again, they were considered a race; one that was inferior and to be treated as such. The example of this is when Nazi Germany authorised the Nuremberg race laws in 1935. Such laws excluded German Jews from Reich citizenship and even excluded Jews from marrying or having sexual relations with persons of "German or related blood". The Nuremberg laws did not the define the Jews exclusively as a religious group, on the contrary, anyone with Jewish relatives or Jewish with some form of Jewish connection. Germans that had not identify as being Jewish or who had not practiced the religion of Judaism for years were too sent into camps and targeted under the Nazi regime. This includes Jews who had converted to Christianity. The artistic illustrations of Jews that were displayed in German, and other European news publications, offers proof of this. Jews were commonly depicted as unattractive, mercenary, and racially inadequate individuals. The Holocaust was in fact a case of not "religious" cleansing but "ethnic" cleasning. An estimated six million Jews were killed not exclusively because of their affiliation to Judaism but rather of perceived racial identity. Another significant justification was the associated blame of Jews for the economic issues facing Germany; which was largely unfounded. This again highlights that anti-Jewish attitutes and behaviours are not entirely connected to Judaism, or the Torah. Throughout history the Jewish people have endured persecution for a number of reasons. As well as the preconceived notion of ethnic identity, other such forms of Jewish opposition have included: alleged financial, industrial, and media influence, seemingly disproportionate success, negative public opinion, and in terms of historical persecution--the death of Jesus. In fact this particular opinion was focal in persecution of Jews throughout Roman development of Christianity and then later the Middle Ages. Fortunately, many the above stated things have since decreased and more tolerant attitutes prevailed. In terms of modern times, the situation relating to Israel and Palestine has been a predominant contribution to anti-Semitism and modern day unfavorable opinion of Jews. Once again, none of the elements are related to the Torah or indeed any teachings within it. Alluding to earlier anti-Semitic periods such as the Crusades, other religious groups (primarily Islamic) were also targeted. So the connection isn't quite made to the Torah and the religion of Judaism alone. Torah Reference Indeed certain predictions and future prophecies concerning Jewish suffering are madeHowever, such verses are not outlined as justification for anti-Semitism; rather they are just examples of the attitudes Jewish people may face. I will use rebuttals for round two but rather there's just one included verse I'd like to clarify. In Devarim 28:68 (Deuteronomy) where it states: "And the L-rd shall bring thee into Egypt again with your ships, by the way whereof I speak unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall e sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you". The actual context of this chapter in Devarim is a description of requirements for the Jewish people and what could potentially happen if they are not fulfilled. Note that the Jews were not sold in Egypt as slaves for a second time. As for your interpretation: "Jews will be worthless that no men will want to buy them". On the contrary, the verse in Devarim 28:68 could imply added worth and added expense--this certainly coincides with the historical context of Egyptian slavery. Throughout the Torah G-ds commitment and devotion to the Jewish people is consistently underlined. In the very same chapter of Devarim, it states: 28:2: "And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the L-rd thy G-d". 28:3: "Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field". 28:5: "Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store". 28:8: "The L-rd shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the L-rd thy G-d giveth thee". 28:12 "The L-rd shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow". Concerning the "Chosen People" reference, it should be noted that Jews were not exclusively chosen just for a purpose. It's useful to look into the full context of "chosen people", the suggestion is that the Hebrews, prior to the receiving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and entering the land of Israel, were a moral and good people--naturally this would too be paramount in the giving of Israel and selecting of the Jews as a people to inhabit the land and serve G-d. One has to assess exactly why the Jews had this innate connection and why they were chosen above others to be representitives of G-d. After all, it was not the Egyptians, Greeks or any other ancient creed that was chosen to breathe G-ds word and receive his land--rather, it was the Jews. This shows that G-d had faith in the Jews and knew that they could fulfill his wishes. Otherwise, they would have simply not been chosen. Sources: (1.) http://www.religioustolerance.org... (2.) http://www.simpletoremember.com... (3.) http://www.ushmm.org... (4.) http://www.yadvashem.org... (5.) http://www.sacred-texts.com...