Here Are The Best Ways To Support The Jewish Community With Antisemitism On The Rise

[Behind the Aegis]

With many instances of antisemitism making the news in 2022, including statements that have been made by public figures on their social media platforms, it's clear that open discrimination against the Jewish community is on the rise, per NPR. Vlad Khaykin of the Anti-Defamation League commented on this rise in antisemitism to CNN in October 2022, saying, "It breeds conspiracy theories that distort our ability to make informed decisions, which are central to any democracy."

A non-legal definition of antisemitism was adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in 2016, as noted by the U.S. Department of State. This definition is now in use by the government of the United States as well as the other governments who are members of the IHRA: "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."

If you're looking for ways to show your support for the Jewish community and stand against antisemitism as a non-Jewish person, we've rounded up some key tips to help you get started.

The first step in supporting the Jewish community is to educate yourself about Judaism. If you aren't already familiar with Judaism, there are many online resources to learn more about it. One such resource, although geared toward high school and college students, is Khan Academy's unit on Judaism.

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Some more helpful hints from a Jew:

Don't 'splain to us the real meaning of anti-Semitism.
Don't dismiss our concerns with "but others have it worse."
Don't demand this Jew or that one "speak up" about anti-Semitism.
Don't "inform" us about your cadre of Jewish friends, one-night stands, or possible ancestry based on family lore.
Do take the time to learn more about the Holocaust.
Do take time to learn about other examples of anti-Semitism that threatened the lives of my people.
Do take the time to learn the positive things about our culture, history, and people.
Do learn to LISTEN to us.

[brer cat]

1. K&R

[Beastly Boy]

2. I would like to add one "do" to that list.

Do take time to learn the long history of antisemitism in America. Realize that it is not a recent phenomenon, nor is it is exclusive to the fringes of American society.

[JudyM]

3. Right. It's among us. We need to be vigilant and willing to speak up when we witness it.

Including with friends, coworkers, neighbors.