This is an extraordinary post. I am breaking it in two, but quoting it in full. L'Chaim gives a very reasonable assessment of reasons that European Jews have made such a disproportionate contribution to almost every sphere of human activity.
Insofar as they are separate, I think that culture is as important as education. Consider the Rabbinical tradition of debate, with consideration given to all arguments. It contrasts sharply with the Catholic position where it was an offence punishable by death for a lay person to even read the bible, let alone challenge the church's interpretation. It seems obvious to me that this type of tradition is far more likely to lead to advances in human knowledge. Malcolm Gladwell explains the importance of generations of culture and tradition to current traits in his book
Outliers. I don't think it is overstating it to say that without the Rabbinical tradition of debate, humanity would not have advanced nearly as much as it has in the last 1,000 years.
L'Chaim demonstrates the contradictory nature of much of the prejudice against Jews. I think that this pretty clearly shows that this is post-rationalisation of irrational reactions. For some people the hate comes first, the explanation comes later.
And then L'Chaim says
Really?
- A map of Israel and the occupied territories, accurate as far as I can see
- Some Israeli war planes
- A cartoon highlighting the West's hypocrisy towards the real nuclear weapons in Israel and the imaginary ones in Iran, along with the incredible bravery of one (Jewish) man in opposing them in his country
Just how is this hatred of either Israel or Jews?
You could note how this demonstrates the courage of many Israelis, their commitment to a sense of moral duty, or even the humane treatment of dissent, at least compared to Iran.
There is absolutely nothing in any of the images that refers to religion. Map, war planes, nuclear weapons. Nothing about religion. Where did you get that? L'Chaim, before you go accusing others of bigotry, can I suggest that you examine the reasons why you are seeing hatred and bigotry where they plainly don't exist. As you demonstrate some people, regardless of reality, will always find reasons to hate. Are you one of them?