(Photo courtesy of Levi Keir Clancy)
Strength in the Face of Rising Antisemitism
I am married to a Jew, but I am not a Jew. Dating back to my teenage years and forward to today, I count among my closest friends, Jews. I have long admired much of the Jewish wisdom and teachings. We are not born with hate and prejudice, fear and racism, but the rise of antisemitism is an acquired taste grown over time. Antisemitism is the purest form of racism, and isn’t racism one of mankind’s most hideous and despicable behaviors? What is the concern that the fearful, little antisemitic racists and those who would lead them like fools have? I don’t know, but I do ponder over how a Jew in America might respond today — as well as the rest of us.
When prejudice and violence rise like dark clouds on the horizon, it can feel overwhelming to navigate the fear and uncertainty. Antisemitism has existed for centuries and its origins are complex, but today’s apparent increasing acceptance for such is alarming to me. For American Jews, the surge in antisemitic incidents—both online and in public spaces—has been a sobering reminder that even in a nation founded on principles of freedom and tolerance, hate can persist. Whether widespread or just a couple of idiots parading around, cropped and made to look like a crowd, the media seems hellbent on feeding these fears. And that’s how things started in Germany in the 1930s.
But history tells us something else, too: Jews have survived and thrived in the face of adversity for millennia. From the depths of persecution, the Jewish people have emerged with their faith, culture, and resilience intact. Today is no different. That challenges are real. Quite frankly, I don’t have any ready or foolproof answers, but there are some tools you might consider in coping with them—solidarity, self-awareness, advocacy, and community—are within reach.
1. Ground Yourself in Identity and Tradition
Antisemitism aims to erode confidence and sow fear, but it cannot touch the inner strength that comes from knowing who you are. Judaism has always been a wellspring of wisdom, resilience, and purpose. Embrace your heritage—whether through prayer, learning, or engaging in rituals that ground you in your identity.
The Hebrew concept of tikkun olam, repairing the world, reminds that purpose transcends fear. Acts of kindness and justice, no matter how small, reclaim dignity and empower to contribute meaningfully even when the world feels uncertain.
2. Build and Rely on Community
One of Judaism’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on community (kehillah). Facing hate alone can be daunting, but together, find strength and comfort. Attend services, participate in local Jewish organizations, and support one another in times of need.
Communities also provide a powerful platform for collective action. When antisemitic acts occur, unified responses—whether through public statements, protests, or interfaith collaborations—send a clear message: hatred has no place here.
For example, after a series of attacks on synagogues, many Jewish communities partnered with local law enforcement and other faith groups to increase security and show solidarity. Such efforts demonstrate the power of togetherness in defying hate.
3. Educate and Advocate
Antisemitism thrives on ignorance and misinformation. Centuries of misinformation and outright lies have unjustly tarnished the Jewish people, and that continues today. By educating others, dismantle prejudice and foster understanding. Be willing to face adversaries with a sense of curiosity, compassion, and understanding. Racism is built on fear and by showing our common humanity, we begin to lessen it. Share your story, teach others about Jewish history and culture, and engage in conversations that challenge stereotypes.
Advocacy is equally vital. Support organizations that combat hate crimes, push for stronger legal protections, and promote Holocaust education. Engage with your elected officials, urging them to take meaningful action against rising antisemitism.
The rise of social media offers both a challenge and an opportunity. While it can amplify hate, it also provides a platform to share truth and counteract lies. Use your voice to spread messages of hope, understanding, and justice.
4. Find Allies and Build Bridges
Combating antisemitism is not a task for Jews alone—it requires allies from all walks of life. Reach out to other communities, particularly those who also face discrimination, and find common ground. Together, solidarity becomes a shield against hate.
Interfaith initiatives are a powerful way to foster understanding and cooperation. Partnerships with churches, mosques, and secular organizations can amplify voices against bigotry and demonstrate the shared values that unite us. My wife is well-supported in our little, local community by words and actions of support. How is yours? What is your role in that?
5. Draw Strength From History
The Jewish story is one of survival and triumph. From the Exodus to the resilience shown in the face of the Holocaust, Jewish history is filled with moments where courage and faith overcame despair. The attacks on October 7th were a gut punch, a sucker punch, with the Israeli government’s response a no-win situation — a calculated prediction on the part of its enemies. No, the Jews are not paranoid. In Israel, they are surrounded by those intent on destroying them.
Take inspiration from the stories of those who came before you—their sacrifices, wisdom, and unshakable belief in a better future. By remembering their struggles and victories, you can find the strength to face today’s challenges.
6. How About The Rest of Us?
All the rest of us are either part of antisemitism and racism, or we are part of the solution. There is no “sitting on the sidelines.” Mankind has invented the neat little concept of neutrality maybe originally reserved for survival. Today, neutrality usually just doesn’t cut it. In the constant motion and change of life, there is no neutrality, you are either moving in one direction or the other. Sitting on the sidelines just makes you part of the problem. Antisemitic behavior is the type of racist energy that can turn on any group in an instant. Think you are safe, think again. Explore the globe and you will find similar hate and violence. It is our job to wipe such out. You can support, educate, boycott, call out, correct, vote, or exemplify the type of loving behavior you espouse. In protecting minority groups like the Jews and others, we protect ourselves and advance humanity out of the Dark Ages.
Appreciate that when you encounter older Jews of the Baby Boomer Age, many live in constant despair and real fear. They have always lived with the stories of the horror their families faced with a few lucky members surviving, but many more cruelly lost in the Holocaust. As the United States goes from the land of freedom of religion to one increasingly in which Christianity is becoming the faux state-religion, they point to parallels so reminiscent of the Germany of the 1930’s — a reality most will share is today largely ignored. The theme that those who ignore history are apt to become victims of it is so real today. Racism in all forms must be stopped.
A Future Built on Hope
Why give up hope that things could be better? Antisemitism, though painful with no quick fixes, is not insurmountable. I feel that there is hope, but it won’t blossom quickly. It is a reminder of the work that remains, but it is also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to justice, unity, and hope. By leaning into identity, community, collaboration, and advocacy, American Jews can transform fear into action, and despair into determination. It is incumbent upon all of us non-Jews to support them and others of any faith. Hatred is the poison for the human race.
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov once said, “The whole world is a narrow bridge, and the main thing is not to fear at all.” In the face of rising hate, let this wisdom be a guide. Together, we can walk that narrow bridge with courage, faith, and the conviction that a better, loving world is not just possible—it is within our power to build.
