Combating Antisemitism
The fight against antisemitism demands more than awareness—it requires active, strategic, and united opposition at all levels of society. Antisemitism’s persistence and ability to adapt highlight the need for a comprehensive approach, rooted in education, legal action, community solidarity, and an unwavering defense of the Jewish state. Only by addressing the problem from multiple fronts can we hope to build a future free from this ancient but ever-evolving hatred.
Education
Education is a crucial weapon in dismantling the myths, stereotypes, and conspiracy theories that have fueled antisemitism for centuries. Teaching the full history of antisemitism—including the horrors of the Holocaust, the vibrant reality of Jewish life, and the modern history of Israel—helps foster empathy, critical thinking, and moral clarity. Curricula around the world must include clear, honest reckonings with both the persistence of antisemitic bigotry and the triumphs of Jewish resilience.
Educational initiatives should:
- Equip teachers to confidently teach about antisemitism and Jewish history.
- Counter Holocaust denial and distortion with facts.
- Highlight Jewish contributions to civilization and culture.
- Encourage respectful, informed dialogue about Israel and Jewish identity.
Advocacy and Legislation
Real progress demands action from governments and lawmakers. This includes:
- Adopting clear definitions of antisemitism, such as the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) standard, which also addresses “new antisemitism” targeting Israel and Zionism.
- Passing and enforcing hate crime legislation that specifically protects Jewish individuals, communities, institutions, and heritage sites.
- Addressing online antisemitism forcefully by holding social media platforms to account, requiring them to monitor, remove, and penalize hate speech, incitement, and the spread of conspiracies.
When public figures, influencers, or institutions fail to condemn antisemitism or perpetuate double standards, advocacy organizations—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—must call out and confront these failures.
Interfaith and Intercommunity Solidarity
No group can defeat antisemitism in isolation. Building broad coalitions with leaders and communities—including faith-based, interfaith, minority, and human rights organizations—is vital. Solidarity must be rooted in action, going beyond statements and social media posts. Practical steps might include:
- Organizing joint events, dialogues, or study groups to build trust and mutual respect.
- Standing up publicly against antisemitic incidents or language wherever they occur.
- Educating the wider community about the interconnectedness of all forms of hatred and the imperative to respond to antisemitism with the same urgency as other bigotries.
Defending Israel
The State of Israel is at the center of contemporary global antisemitism. Efforts to single out, delegitimize, or destroy Israel are often rooted in age-old hatred in new forms. Defending Israel is not merely a political stance—it is vital to the security and dignity of Jews around the world.
Key principles include:
- Exposing and opposing campaigns that uniquely target Israel, such as boycotts, divestment, and “apartheid” slanders.
- Challenging efforts to equate legitimate defense with aggression or to portray Israel’s existence as a “provocation.”
- Calling out those who perpetuate conspiracy theories blaming Israel or Jews for world events or crises.
Every Israeli action taken in self-defense—against terror organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah or rogue states like Iran—sends a message: Jews will not submit to threats, and the world must not be silent in the face of existential danger.
Building a Resilient Future
Combating antisemitism is a continuous effort. It requires vigilance, commitment to moral clarity, and the refusal to tolerate hatred in any of its forms. Whether through education, advocacy, community engagement, or steadfast support for Israel, every individual and institution can play a role in this struggle. Together, we not only defend the Jewish people—we defend the very idea of a free, tolerant, and just society for all.