Countering Antisemitism

Introduction

Confronting antisemitism is not enough; we must also work to counter it. This means taking action to educate others, challenge misinformation, and build a culture that rejects antisemitism in all forms.

Antisemitism exists in schools, workplaces, communities, and online spaces. Many people do not realize when they are spreading antisemitic rhetoric because antisemitism is often disguised as political activism or social justice. This following provides practical and safe ways for students, young professionals, and activists to actively counter antisemitism in their everyday lives.

How to Counter Antisemitism in Everyday Life

1. Educating Yourself and Others

Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools in fighting hate. Many people do not understand Jewish history, the Holocaust, or modern antisemitism.

  • Read Reliable Sources: Learn about antisemitism from reputable organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and UNESCO.
  • Share What You Learn: If someone repeats antisemitic misinformation, calmly provide accurate historical facts.
  • Host Educational Events: Organize movie screenings, book clubs, or guest lectures about Jewish history and antisemitism at your school or workplace.
  • Use Archaeology and History to Debunk Myths: As noted in Digital Defenders, archaeology and historical records help counter claims that deny Jewish connections to Israel​.

Example: If someone claims that Jews are colonial settlers in Israel, explain that Jewish people have lived in Israel for thousands of years and cite archaeological evidence supporting Jewish history in the region.

2. Taking Action in Schools, Colleges, and Universities

Jewish students often face antisemitism in academic institutions, from biased curricula to hostile protests.

  • Demand Fair Treatment: If your school or college tolerates antisemitic speech or discrimination, report it to school administrators and Jewish advocacy groups.
  • Start a Jewish Student Union: If your school lacks a Jewish club, create one to provide education, support, and advocacy.
  • Push for an IHRA Definition Adoption: Encourage your school to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism to establish clear guidelines on hate speech.
  • Challenge Biased Education: Some curricula exclude Jewish history or present an anti-Israel narrative. Work with teachers and administrators to include factual, balanced perspectives.

Example: If a professor promotes a BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) resolution, remind students and faculty that BDS does not promote peace but seeks to destroy Israel’s economy, which is a form of economic antisemitism​.

3. Countering Antisemitism in Workplaces

Many Jewish employees experience discrimination, from hiring bias to workplace hostility.

  • Join or Start a Jewish Employee Resource Group (ERG): Advocate for Jewish inclusion at your workplace​.
  • Document and Report Antisemitism: If you experience discrimination, document incidents and report them to HR or legal teams.
  • Encourage Employers to Recognize Jewish Holidays: Many workplaces fail to accommodate Jewish employees’ religious needs. Advocate for time off on Jewish holidays and kosher food options.
  • Promote Accurate Information: Educate colleagues about Israel and Jewish identity to prevent misinformation.

Example: If your workplace schedules mandatory meetings on Yom Kippur, inform HR that this excludes Jewish employees and ask for a scheduling change​.

4. Fighting Antisemitism in Mainstream Media and Social Media

Social media platforms amplify antisemitic hate speech and misinformation.

  • Use Your Voice: Share accurate content about Israel and Jewish history.
  • Debunk Conspiracies: If you see antisemitic misinformation (e.g., “Jews control the media”), respond with facts and sources.
  • Report Hate Speech: Use platform tools to report antisemitic content and harassment​.
  • Support Jewish Content Creators: Follow and promote Jewish voices that counter antisemitism online.
  • Challenge Dangerous Rhetoric: When you see phrases like “From the River to the Sea”, explain that this is a call for Israel’s destruction, not a peaceful resolution​.

Example: When someone claims Israel is committing genocide, share factual statistics proving that Israel’s Arab population has grown significantly over the years.

5. Addressing Antisemitism in Community and Government

Many local and national governments have laws against antisemitism.

  • Know Your Legal Rights: In countries like Canada, the U.S., France, and Germany, antisemitic hate speech and Holocaust denial are punishable by law​.
  • Report Hate Crimes: If you witness antisemitic vandalism, threats, or violence, report it to authorities.
  • Engage in Advocacy: Contact lawmakers and urge them to enforce anti-hate laws and adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
  • Oppose Biased Policies: In Canada, the “Anti-Palestinian Racism” policy falsely equates support for Israel with racism. Counter these narratives by explaining that Zionism is the Jewish right to self-determination, not a racist ideology​.

Example: If your city allows protests in front of synagogues or Jewish schools, petition your local government to ban such intimidation tactics.

6. Engaging in Digital and Grassroots Activism

Many activists start small and grow into powerful voices.

  • Speak Up Online: In Accidental Activism, social media users who shared personal experiences gained thousands of followers and sparked change​.
  • Join Digital Defenders: Groups like Jewish on Campus and StandWithUs combat online antisemitism​.
  • Organize Peaceful Rallies: If antisemitic protests occur, organize a counter-protest promoting coexistence.
  • Build Bridges with Other Communities: Work with Black, Hispanic, LGBTQ+, and Muslim groups to combat all forms of hate together.

Example: If your school hosts a “Palestine Solidarity Week” that spreads antisemitic rhetoric, propose an “Israel-Palestine Peace Week” that promotes dialogue instead of hate.

Conclusion: Small Actions Make a Big Difference

Antisemitism thrives when people stay silent. By educating ourselves, speaking up, and supporting our communities, we can actively counter antisemitism in safe and effective ways.

How You Can Help Today

  • Educate Others—Share reliable facts about Jewish history and Israel.
  • Speak Out—Call out antisemitic speech at school, work, and online.
  • Report Antisemitism—Use institutional and legal channels to take action.
  • Support Jewish Voices—Follow and amplify Jewish educators, historians, and activists.
  • Build Coalitions—Work with other marginalized communities to fight all forms of hate.

Together, we can create a world where antisemitism is recognized, confronted, and eliminated.