SJS-
I’m glad you notice the similarities. Now let’s note the differences.
Let’s leave the “bloody history” of Tanach for a different discussion. Let it suffice for here to say that it is not an example of persecution.
At the most simplistic level, the difference is that we write off the NK as misguided (read: unguided) loonies with perverted sense of right and wrong, while the actions of the Crusaders and Jihadists are designed, sanctioned, and/or supported by the rank leaders of the faith. As such, all followers of the faith are buying in to that “service of G-d” (or god, as the case may be) by recognizing that leadership. In the case of NK it is quite clear that Jewish leadership and their followers denounce them and their actions. We do not support them financially or otherwise. We vocally condemn their atrocities (atrocities by our standards, not the much lower standards of the general public).
In the case of the Christian Crusaders, no one denies that the opposite is true – the holy war and the pillaging of communities was indeed sanctioned by the pope himself, as was the Inquisition. That is why it is important that the current leaders of the religion publicly distance themselves from those atrocities- so as to not be counted as a participant.
In the case of the Muslims of today, it is a bit more murky – in that although it has been proven time and again that terrorism is directed, funded, and encouraged by Islamic leadership, they still deny it for PR reasons and pretend that each individual terrorist is a random misguided loony. Which is precisely what makes these conversations difficult – because there are two sides here, 1) you can take the Muslim leaders seriously, or 2) you can just add lying to the world to the list of their crimes against humanity.
I don’t expect you to change your mind, but I will stand solidly behind what I am saying – Muslims collectively do not refuse to be associated with the leadership that has shown involvement with Jihadists. They do not condemn and distance themselves from the “loonies”, except when the cameras are rolling. As long as the worshipers continue to follow such leaders, they are giving tacit approval to the decisions by the leaders to support the war against the rest of the world.