3 Ways to Respond to Antisemitism
Unfortunately it seems like antisemitism is appearing everywhere recently.
From Kanye West's tweets, to pundits openly advocating the "Great Replacement Theory," to fliers being distributed in Raleigh neighborhoods, it's not your imagination. Antisemitism is on the rise.
Recent studies have shown there was a 131 percent increase in reported antisemitic incidents in North Carolina between 2020 and 2021. These statistics have become a reality in Raleigh. In the last two months, there have been three incidents of antisemitic flyers being found in North Raleigh Neighborhoods. The most recent incident was this week.
In the face of this hateful events, it is imperative that we are pro-active and do not just ignore these incidents. Here are three things everyone can do to fight back.
Report It
If you find antisemitic flyers in your neighborhood, or witness another act of antisemitism, the first step is to report it. Please contact the Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary, your congregation, or law enforcement. (In Raleigh, the police's non-emergency number is 919-831-6311) At the Federation, staff are ready to take your information, record the incident, and then share it with regional and national partners. Additionally, Federation staff and volunteer leadership are regularly in contact with local government and law enforcement agencies, ensuring they are aware of and taking these incidents seriously.
Talk about it and speak up
When you encounter antisemitism, it is important to talk about it with family, friends, colleagues and others, and not solely with your Jewish contacts. If we don't talk about it, others will not realize what an issue antisemitism is and may not have the awareness of how to be an ally.
People need to know this is happening. When you talk about it, you help others speak up as well. The more that others know, the more likely they are to step up as allies.
Confide in non-Jewish friends about how stressful it feels to deal with antisemitism. If someone makes a comment that invokes Jewish stereotypes, speak up and explain why it’s wrong. Speak with leaders of diversity and inclusion initiatives so that they include Jewish voices and needs.
Take Pride
Even when it may feel difficult, now is the time to take pride in being Jewish and being part of the Jewish community. Share your sukkah pics, wear your Jewish star or hamsa necklace, use your favorite Yiddish phrase, share your Bubbe's babka recipe. Don't let antisemitism take this from you. Remember what makes you proud about being Jewish, and what your "why" is. Others are looking to see how we will respond. Role model being proud of being Jewish and part of the Jewish community and share that today and every day.
What makes us proud is the enduring legacy of our shared Jewish values. Tikkun olam (repair the world) inspires us to help making the world a better place. B'tzelem elokim (created in the image of God) inspires us to see the unique value in every person. Hachnasat orchim (welcoming the stranger) inspires us to show kindness and hospitality to newcomers in our community and support others in need.
These values, and others, are the legacy that I hope to build our community upon and pass down to the next generation. Together, we can help our children associate their Jewish heritage not with fear, but with pride, love and purpose.
What makes you proud?