Anti-Semitism from a Hindu Psychiatric Perspective

Abstract

Is it possible that there has been a place and people where Jews have lived that was largely devoid of anti-Semitism? A case can be made, with some caution however, that the place is India and the people, the Hindus. There is not even a word for anti-Semitism in the Hindu language. The history of Jews in India reaches back to ancient times and might even include descendants from some of the lost tribes of Israel. If true, is this relative lack of anti-Semitism because Hinduism and Judaism developed in parallel in separate lands, rather than in territories contested by Christians and Muslims? That may have lessened the competition between Hindus and Jews. Does the essence of both religions have some special overlap? Another possibility is that neither Hinduism nor Judaism try to convert people to their religion. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are all monotheistic religions, and perhaps competition among them comes from arguing about whose is the one true God. Or, if an Oedipal conflict can be applied to social movements, does each subsequent religious development out of Judaism try to prove that it is better? Hinduism seems slightly different in that there is an overarching deity or force called Brahman, but the Hindu people can also worship a great variety of intermediaries. Perhaps better understanding the reasons why anti-Semitism has seemed less obvious in India may help to reduce anti-Semitism worldwide. This is not to imply that Hinduism is a better religion in this or any regard but that its development, values, and beliefs must in some way enhance its relationship with the Jewish people. Perhaps modeling on the principles of Martin Buber and Mahatma Gandhi, a Jewish-Hindu coalition of psychiatrists could help lead the way to more insight.