We are witnessing a significant spike in the frequency and severity of antisemitic incidents across the country and around the world. This increase has been exacerbated by the response of some to the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. Countering antisemitism is a matter for four steps:
EDUCATE YOURSELF
SPEAK OUT
HOLD ELECTED OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE
REPORT HATE INCIDENTS
EDUCATE YOURSELF – Take time to understand antisemitism in all of its manifestations so you can call it out when you see it and educate others. Here are some helpful resources:
- American Jewish Committee: Translate Hate
- Anti-Defamation League: Antisemitism Uncovered: A Guide to Old Myths in a New Era
- Rabbi Jonathan Sacks on the connection between antisemitism, anti-Zionism, Judaism and Israel (short video – great for younger audiences)
- Dr. Deborah Lipstadt: Antisemitism Here and Now
- Bari Weiss: How to Fight Antisemitism
- UC Berkeley Antisemitism Education Initiative: Antisemitism in our Midst: Past and Present (11-minute film)
- Rose Project, Temple Beth Tikvah, Congregation Shir Ha’Ma-alot: Antisemitism - Implications for Today featuring Eric Ward, Executive Director, Western States Center
SPEAK OUT – Call out antisemitism wherever you see it – online, at work or in school, and in the media. Understand when antisemitism is disguised as anti-Zionism. Calling out hate can be intimidating and exhausting, but silence fosters complacency.
HOLD OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE – Pay attention to how your elected officials respond to antisemitism. Thank those who speak out, and call on those who don’t speak out to do so. And ask them to take action. Right now you can call on your federal elected officials to:
- Support bipartisan Congressional efforts to combat antisemitism
- Double the amount of funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program
- Fully fund the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE ACT
REPORT HATE INCIDENTS – Most hate incidents never get reported. Robust data enables community organizations to understand local trends so that they can educate lawmakers, law enforcement, and other community stakeholders and take appropriate action. In Orange County, report antisemitic incidents to the Anti-Defamation League or Orange County Human Relations.