Unbridled fear is pervading Chicago’s Jewish community. Yet in the last few weeks those with whom my organization regularly partners have been largely silent in the face of prevalent attacks on Jews. Some have recognized that antisemitism is a societal problem, have joined your Jewish neighbors in standing up and speaking out against the new surge in hate targeting Jews. Please join us and them at AJC’s #WheresTheOutrage campaign and help raise awareness that Jews are under attack.
Everything You Need to Know About Antisemitism
Antisemitism is a tangible threat to Jews and the very fabric of democratic societies. American Jewish Committee (AJC), with a global presence, works every day to combat Jew-hatred through global diplomacy, political advocacy, coalition building, and strategic communications.
The resources below include key insights on antisemitism including the connection between antisemitism and anti-Zionism, antisemitism from the far-right, the far-left, and in the name of Islam. It also includes explanations of philosemitism, the Working Definition of Antisemitism, white supremacists, Holocaust distortion, conspiracy theories, and more.
To find answers to your questions about antisemitism use the search bar below and check boxes on the left to view articles, videos, podcasts, columns, eBooks, and more. Don’t see an answer to your question about antisemitism? Click here to let us know.
As Antisemitism Rears Its Ugly Head Again, Who Will Stand Up For Jews?
Holocaust Exploitation Is Antisemitism
Over the past few weeks, we have seen activists, students, celebrities, and politicians perpetrate antisemitism in a variety of forms, with physical assaults, verbal attacks, vandalism, and banners to online comments and videos. Many of these same people decry discrimination against other groups yet seem oblivious to the hatred they are inciting against Jewish people.
Attacking Seattle Jews does not resolve Middle East conflict
Why do individuals proclaiming to be the keepers of openness, liberalism and justice not reject Hamas, a murderous terror organization? Why is this terrorist organization not broadly condemned here? Why do many in this region remain impassive when facing some forms of hatred and discrimination and not others?
Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism: Is America Following in Europe’s Footsteps?
I am feeling déjà vu. During the latest Israel-Hamas battle, my Twitter and Instagram feeds were flooded with messages from Hollywood stars, American supermodels, influencers and hard-left U.S. Democratic lawmakers condemning Israel in the strongest possible terms, often using terms such as “racial inequality,” “police violence” or “apartheid.” Sitting here in Europe, I have seen these kinds of descriptions before.
Instagram Posts Alone Can’t Change Antisemitism
As American Jewish Committee’s Deputy Director of Young Leadership and a young Jewish woman who is active in many progressive spaces, I’ve found myself conflicted. I admire the number of young Jews who are posting and speaking up about antisemitism. It’s been refreshing given that the fight against antisemitism is often a lonely one. However, many of my Jewish peers choose to stay quiet, fearing that raising the issue will seem “too controversial” or “too Jewish.” Others are not prepared to effectively engage.
How Many Jews Need to Be Attacked in America Before Progressives Speak Up?
Perhaps it's fitting that May is Jewish American Heritage Month. After all, despite our success in America and the richness and beauty of our faith and culture, there may be no more consistent part of our heritage as Jews than to be violently attacked, viciously demeaned, and utterly disregarded as we cry out for support. In that respect, some of our fellow Americans have been doing an excellent job marking the month.
Mayors Must Lead in Combating Antisemitism
Mayors must be committed to combatting all forms of hatred, which requires an understanding of how such bigotries manifest. To understand and combat the ancient hatred of antisemitism, American Jewish Committee (AJC) and The U.S. Conference of Mayors have called on U.S. mayors and municipal leaders to reject antisemitism unequivocally in all of its manifestations.
In Poway And Pittsburgh, Mayors Join Fight Against Hate After Synagogue Attacks
Poway Mayor Steve Vaus and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto have seen firsthand the danger of an ancient hatred lying in wait. Amid a precipitous rise in hate incidents across the country, they want others to be mindful of the peril. Ahead of the Poway shooting’s second anniversary, nearly 600 American city leaders, Vaus and Peduto included, have signed the Mayors United Against Antisemitism statement, an initiative of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the American Jewish Committee.
Antisemitism and Four Travesties of Justice
Four years after the murder in Paris of Sarah Halimi, a 65-year-old French Jew, mother, and doctor, the case is back in the news in France. The French high court ruled this month that the perpetrator, Kobili Traoré, could not stand trial, even though no one contested that he had brutally beaten his victim and thrown her out a third-floor window, while declaring “Allahu akbar.”
In Student Governments, Jews and Zionists Need Not Apply
A Jewish student is elected to the university’s student government. The student’s fitness for office is challenged by peers who question whether that student can maintain “neutrality” on campus issues because of their Jewish identity. The student is targeted for impeachment, presumed guilty of the apparent high crime of being a Jew. Several cases following this exact formula have disrupted campus life at schools across North America, causing Jewish students to feel isolated and ostracized simply because of who they are.
Asians And Jews, Standing United
Within a matter of days, two violent hate crimes targeting Asian Americans and Jews occurred in broad daylight on the streets of New York. If these were stand-alone incidents, they would be worrisome enough. But they are not. They are indicative of larger trends in America today, and their sources are multiple. Hate and division are on the rise, and two of the principal targets are Asian-Americans and Jewish Americans.
Philadelphia Models Brotherly Love, Sisterly Affection When It Fights Antisemitism
When the U.S. Conference of Mayors and American Jewish Committee recently called on municipal leaders across the country to condemn antisemitism, Philadelphia was one of the first to join the Mayors United Against Antisemitism movement.
Antisemitic Tropes Are Proliferating. Can You Spot Them?
Like any virus, antisemitism mutates, making it next to impossible for lexicographers to keep up and for governments to recognize its many variants. Accordingly, the “Translate Hate” glossary includes the IHRA Working Definition of antisemitism to help flag any new terms or conspiracies that might arise.
Exploring Holistic Approaches to Combating Antisemitism
Jason Isaacson, American Jewish Committee (AJC) Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer, called for all UN member states to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism. Isaacson addressed the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) conference on “Exploring Holistic Approaches to Combating Antisemitism.”
Fighting Antisemitism Is A Communal Priority
San Jose was among the first municipalities in the country to join Mayors United Against Antisemitism, a new national initiative led by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the American Jewish Committee. They are calling on mayors across the country to declare unequivocally that antisemitism is incompatible with fundamental democratic values.
Mayors Across The Country, Including In Miami, Take A Stand Against Antisemitism
All leaders in government, in civil society, must speak out and mobilize their constituencies to confront this evil, recognizing that antisemitism is not a Jewish problem; it’s a societal problem — a national danger. Having a clear and common definition of what precisely constitutes antisemitism is essential. That is why the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and AJC have partnered on a national initiative, calling on mayors to declare unequivocally that antisemitism is incompatible with American values, human rights and the pillars of a free, democratic society.
Combating Antisemitism: We Need Swivel-Headed Jews
Those who genuinely care about antisemitism must open their eyes wide and be swivel-headed – and not allow partisan political thinking to narrow the field of vision and sense of outrage.
It's Time We Taught Antisemitism
I have no doubt that if one asks young Americans whether they hate Jews, the overwhelming majority would say they do not. But a majority of them do not know what antisemitism is, and many can’t even recognize it when it’s staring them in the face. Antisemitism is a full-blown problem on American campuses.
