Jewish lightning | #TranslateHate
Jewish lightning
theme \ 'joōiSH 'lītniNG \
: a derogatory phrase describing the act of burning down a home or institution in order to collect the insurance money
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:
“Jewish lightning,” like “Jew down,” is a phrase rooted in Jewish stereotypes of stinginess and greed (see greed). The faulty reasoning argues that because Jews love money and are unwilling to spend it, they will commit insurance fraud. Whether directed at Jews or non-Jews (this term is also referred to as “Greek lightning” or “Irish lightning” depending on the area), it is an ethnic slur that should be condemned. The phrase “Jewish lightning” was used during an episode of popular Hulu series The Bear to describe a potential arson attack committed to collect insurance money. In the show, the phrase was rightly condemned as problematic.
