Confronting Antisemitism

Introduction

Antisemitism is not just a relic of the past—it remains a persistent problem today. While education and awareness are essential in understanding antisemitism, it is equally important to confront it whenever it appears. Confronting antisemitism means recognizing it in all its forms, calling it out, and taking action to stop its spread.

Antisemitism today exists in many spaces, from public schools and universities to social media, mainstream news, and even government policies. It also appears in global movements and protests, often disguised as political activism. The following will help teens and young adults recognize and challenge antisemitism safely and effectively.

Examples of Modern Antisemitism

Modern antisemitism often hides behind political and social causes. Some of the most common examples include:

1. The BDS Movement: A Campaign Rooted in Antisemitism

The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement claims to advocate for Palestinian rights, but its true goal is to economically and diplomatically isolate Israel and work toward its destruction.

Why is BDS Antisemitic?

  • BDS seeks to eliminate Israel: One of the movement’s co-founders, Omar Barghouti, has explicitly stated that the goal of BDS is the elimination of Israel, not coexistence.
  • Double standards: BDS targets Israel alone while ignoring human rights abuses in China, Iran, Syria, and other nations.
  • Economic destruction: BDS aims to cripple Israel’s economy, harming Jewish and Arab citizens alike.

How to Confront BDS:

  • Educate Others: Many people who support BDS don’t realize its antisemitic roots. Explain the movement’s true intentions.
  • Support Israeli Products: Buying Israeli goods is a way to push back against economic warfare.
  • Engage in Advocacy: Write to school administrations and government representatives when BDS campaigns arise in your community.

2. “From the River to the Sea”: A Call for Genocide

The chant “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is widely used at anti-Israel protests. While it may seem like a call for Palestinian self-determination, in reality, it is a call for the destruction of Israel and the elimination of its Jewish population.

The Origins of the Chant:

  • The slogan was first used by the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and later by Hamas, both of which have openly called for the destruction of Israel.
  • In its original Arabic, the phrase explicitly refers to making the land “Judenfrei” (free of Jews).

Why is This Antisemitic?

  • Erasure of Jews: It denies the right of Jews to live in their ancestral homeland.
  • Used by Terrorist Groups: Hamas and other extremist groups use this slogan to justify violence against Jews.
  • Encourages Harm: The chant often accompanies rallies where people celebrate terrorist attacks against Jews.

How to Confront This Slogan:

  • Explain its true meaning: Many people don’t realize it is a call for ethnic cleansing.
  • Call on leaders to denounce it: Public figures who claim to support peace should be challenged to condemn genocidal rhetoric.
  • Report Hate Speech: If this chant is used in your school or online, report it to the appropriate authorities.

3. The Keffiyeh: A Symbol of Intimidation

The keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern headscarf, was politicized by the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and later by Hamas as a revolutionary symbol. Today, it is often worn at anti-Israel protests to intimidate Jewish people.

The Keffiyeh’s Role in Antisemitic Movements:

  • Used by Terrorists: During the Intifadas (Palestinian uprisings), the keffiyeh was worn by attackers to disguise themselves when targeting Israeli civilians.
  • A Tool for Harassment: Jewish students and community members report feeling threatened when mobs in keffiyehs march near synagogues and Jewish schools.
  • A Political Statement: The keffiyeh is often displayed alongside flags of Hamas and Hezbollah, organizations that call for the extermination of Jews.

How to Confront This Issue:

  • Recognize Context: Wearing a keffiyeh isn’t always antisemitic, but when used in protests against Jews or Israel, it carries a hateful message.
  • Educate About its History: Many people do not know the keffiyeh’s association with terrorism and antisemitism.
  • Speak Up: If you feel uncomfortable with its use in a classroom or protest, express your concerns to teachers or event organizers.

4. The Spread of Antisemitic Rhetoric Through Intersectionality

In recent years, antisemitism has been disguised as a social justice cause by linking it to unrelated issues. Some groups attempt to:

  • Connect Palestinian activism to anti-colonial and racial justice movements (ignoring Jewish indigeneity in Israel).
  • Link Islamic causes with pro-Palestinian activism, even though Palestinian identity is not an inherently religious issue.

Why is This Dangerous?

  • It forces Jewish students into difficult positions, as many progressive groups require them to disavow Israel to participate in broader social justice movements.
  • It erases Jewish history, claiming Jews are “white oppressors” rather than a historically persecuted minority.

How to Confront This Issue:

  • Call Out Hypocrisy: Many who push anti-Israel rhetoric have little understanding of Middle Eastern history.
  • Educate Others: Help your peers understand the true history of Jews in Israel.
  • Don’t Be Forced into False Choices: You can support human rights without accepting antisemitic narratives.

Confronting Antisemitism in Institutions

1. Public Schools, Colleges, and Universities

  • Jewish students often experience harassment and exclusion for expressing their identity or supporting Israel.
  • Schools sometimes allow antisemitic guest speakers or student organizations to promote hate speech under the guise of free speech.

How to Take Action:

  • Report antisemitic incidents to school administrators or Jewish advocacy groups.
  • Educate teachers and students on antisemitism.
  • Advocate for Jewish student protections, such as enforcing anti-hate policies.

2. Mainstream Media and Social Media

  • News outlets often distort facts about Israel, presenting Jewish self-defense as aggression.
  • Social media amplifies antisemitic conspiracies, such as blaming Israel for global conflicts.

How to Respond:

  • Fact-check news sources and call out bias when you see it.
  • Report antisemitic content on social media platforms.
  • Support reputable Jewish and Israeli news sources to counter misinformation.

Legal Protections Against Antisemitism

Many countries have laws that make antisemitism illegal.

Canada

  • Many municipalities and provinces have laws against hate speech, including calls for violence against Jews.
  • By-laws prevent hate demonstrations in front of synagogues, Jewish schools, and community institutions.

United States

  • The Civil Rights Act protects Jewish students from discrimination.
  • The FBI monitors antisemitic hate crimes, which are punishable by law.

Europe

  • Germany and France criminalize Holocaust denial and hate speech targeting Jews.

How to Use Legal Protections:

  • Report threats or harassment to local authorities.
  • Use legal channels to challenge institutions tolerating antisemitism.

Conclusion

Confronting antisemitism requires knowledge, courage, and action. By identifying antisemitic rhetoric, educating others, and standing up for Jewish communities, young people can help combat this hatred.

How You Can Help

  • Stay Informed—Read reliable sources about antisemitism and Jewish history.
  • Speak Out—Challenge antisemitic comments, misinformation and call out hate when you see it.
  • Report Antisemitism—Use school, social media, and legal channels to hold perpetrators accountable.
  • Support Jewish Communities—Engage with Jewish organizations and advocate for their safety.

By standing together, we can ensure that antisemitism has no place in our schools, communities, and society.