As I listened to excerpts of a speech made by one of the most vile antisemites of our time, I shuddered, struck by the inescapable realization that that was what live broadcasts in Germany, 1939 must have sounded like.

How many Jews realized, as Hitler rose to power, that he was not just a buffoon, but an evil menace, whose popularity and following would gain rather than lose traction? How many Jews who thought of themselves as loyal citizens, accepted and comfortable in their society, could see the writing on the wall? Though antisemitism increased in regularity in the years preceding the Holocaust, most Jews hoped it was a passing phase that they could ride out. Relatively few were aware enough to uproot their lives and flee, not realizing the full scope of the danger until it was too late.

One of the lessons we have learned from this dark time in our history is that hate and antisemitism should not be tolerated. We should not be content to silently ride it out in the hopes that it will go away. Sadly, it has not gone away.

A short while ago, Louis Farrakhan, leader of the notoriously antisemitic Nation of Islam made a speech, in which he declared that Jews, whom he called “Satanic,” were his enemies. He said, “Farrakhan, by God’s grace, has pulled a cover off of that Satanic Jew, and I’m here to say your time is up, your world is through.”

His shocking speech had barely caused a ripple in the news. This is the same Farrakhan, who has called Hitler a great man. He has stated that Jews should ask themselves what they did to Hitler to make him hate them so, thus actually blaming the Jews for the Holocaust!

This avowed antisemite, has once again injected himself into the news when an old photo taken of him with Barack Obama surfaced.

As Farrakhan has admitted, in a message to the Arts & Cultural Community on October 13, 2016, in Atlanta, “I have a picture with me and Barack. You’ve never seen it. Cause I would never put it out. It’s me and Barack shaking hands. Cause I knew that if I would ever let it go out, they would use use that to hurt that brother.” This photo was hidden throughout Barack Obama’s election and presidency.

Not long after this photo surfaced, it was revealed that other Democratic leaders and congressmen were also photographed with Farrakhan while attending Nation of Islam events.

Keith Ellison, was appointed Deputy Chair of the DNC, notwithstanding the fact that he has associated with Farrakhan, and attended several of his events. The leaders of the Women’s March have publicly praised Farrakhan defending their association with him.

In a spontaneous display of antisemitism, Washington, DC Council Member, Treyon White even blamed the bad weather on the Jews!

In spite of this, there is scant protest coming from within the Democratic Party of Democratic Officials and activists, who see no shame in hobnobbing with avowed antisemites.

The Democratic Party that condones this behavior either vocally or tacitly in their silence, is no longer a welcoming place for Jews.

Where are the voices of the Leftist Jews condemning the antisemitism that has hijacked the Democratic Party? Are Jewish Democrats willing to tolerate and excuse the rise of antisemitism in their party? Has Judaism for them become so politicized that it has been replaced by Liberalism?

The distinction between the two is lost when Jews ignore the antisemitism that has invaded the Democratic Party’s leadership.

The widespread antisemitism in the Democratic Party, has manifested itself as well, in the form of anti Zionism. How can Jewish Democrats remain silent while their party of choice adopts an anti Israel platform reminiscent of the time when we as Jews fought against the infamous UN resolution equating Zionism and Racism?

This antisemitic and anti Israel stance was reiterated by a defender of Louis Farrakhan and a leader of the Women’s March, Linda Sarsour, who noted that Zionism was creepy. Sarsour was later championed by Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand who thought Sarsour was a wonderful role model for all women.

Democratic rallies shout anti Israel slogans against the “apartheid state of Israel.” Pro Israel speakers are shouted down at college campuses by progressive leftists, who refuse to allow them to speak. Events are canceled as event organizers yield to bullying.

All the while Democrats remain focused on demeaning our president, notwithstanding the amazing show of friendship he has shown to Israel and to the Jewish people, while ignoring the growing antisemitism within their own party.

It is time for Jews to wake up.