It’s only natural that German officials would take a dim view of intolerance. After all, we are not far removed from a time when the country was dominated by anti-Semitism at the highest levels. But in trying to quell the growing tide of anti-Muslim protests, German Chancellor Angela Merkel threatens to expose the country to exactly the kind of dangerous ideology that empowered the Third Reich.
“Do not follow those who have called the rallies,” Merkel said in a New Year’s Eve address, “Because all too often they have prejudice, coldness, even hatred in their hearts.”
For the last few months, thousands of Germans have gathered in Dresden for demonstrations against rampant Muslim immigration. Led by a group calling itself the Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the Occident, the protests have attracted supporters concerned about the recent flood of Muslims into the country. Mostly refugees from war-torn Syria, these Muslims have dramatically changed the religious demographics of Germany in a short time. Approximately 200,000 Muslims arrived in the country this year, a fourfold increase over 2012.
Who are the Racists?
It is not surprising to see these demonstrators attacked as racists; liberals have gone virtually unchallenged in this characterization of those who oppose Islam. People who have said the obvious – Islam is not a race – have been derided as missing the point. But there is no point to miss. Islam is not a race. It’s a religion. It’s a system of beliefs. And it is a system of beliefs that is utterly incompatible with a free and tolerant society.
But what makes the growing swell of Islam in Germany so particularly unfortunate is the anti-Semitism entrenched in the religion. In the Quran, it is said: “O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends.” And, despite what the bleeding hearts may tell you about the “tiny minority” of Islamic extremists, you don’t have to find a member of Al Qaeda to hear Muslims express hatred against the Jews. According to worldwide polls, high majorities (60 to 100%) in Turkey, Pakistan, Indonesia, Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan have unfavorable views of Jews. It’s worth pointing out that Jews – unlike Muslims and Christians – are both a religious and an ethnic minority. Therefore, this isn’t just about a belief system; if you’re looking for real racism, you’ve found it.
Sympathy Without Submission
Merkel’s expression of sincere sympathy for Syrian refugees can be taken at face value; countries that have transitioned and championed a better way of life under free democratic rule have a responsibility to take in victims of oppression and war. But those refugees also have a responsibility. Just as you would not accept comfort from a neighbor only to re-decorate their home in your favorite colors, Islamic immigrants must not attempt to bring their outdated beliefs with them through the door. Islam’s intolerance for free expression, apostasy, and Western culture makes it a threat to civilized society. That’s not racism, that’s honesty.
For the last 20 years, Islam has become so closely associated with civilian attacks and bombings that you barely need to qualify the word “terrorism” with any further detail. But terrorism is only the beginning. The brutal slaughters attributed to ISIS are not as dangerous as the slow, insidious spread of Islam throughout the West. It’s become a growing concern throughout Europe, and it is soon to be one in the United States. If we let politically-correct leaders obscure the truth about this religion, we will let this unique opportunity to stand against a racist, intolerant ideology slip through our fingers.
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