Local Action Against Antisemitism

In a recent op-ed for my local newspaper, the Traverse City Record Eagle, I explored the impact of local action against antisemitism. Here’s some of what I wrote:

The recent events have left many in our community emotional and upset. They are losing lifelong friends. Progressive Jews are losing allies. We are feeling alone and isolated. We see lies masquerading as truth, amplified on social media and in street protests. We see Jews being endangered on college campuses. Despite what you may read about a powerful Jewish lobby, Jews represent just 0.2% of the world’s population. We are a vulnerable minority, often perceived as more powerful than we are because of ingrained antisemitism.

…

So, what’s within our power to do?

Education is key. There are many who, once informed, would not advocate for harm against Jews.

We need to engage in conversations, whether online, on campuses, in politics or in the workplace, to dispel myths and share truths.

We must decide whether to block or engage with antisemitic rhetoric online and, when engaging, whether to respond with anger or education.

It’s about reaching those who are open to understanding, not just those who argue.

As we navigate these complex times, I urge you, regardless of your background or beliefs, to reach out to your Jewish friends and neighbors. Ask how you can support them.

Understand that acknowledging Jewish pain does not diminish others’ suffering. It’s about standing together against hatred and bigotry – in all its forms.

You can read the full piece here (For 99 cents, you can read it and support local journalism!) and reflect on how we can all make a difference in our local communities.

This emphasis on local involvement and understanding is also a central theme in my current project, “From Outrage to Action: A Practical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism.” What sets our book apart from others on the subject of antisemitism is its collaborative nature. This isn’t just my project; it’s ours. Through the Kickstarter “reward” tiers, many backers will be actively involved as beta readers, participate in Q&As, and contribute in various ways to the book’s content. Their insights and experiences will shape this book into a truly communal effort.

I recently had the opportunity to discuss this project and its broader implications on The Jew Function podcast. The conversation was an insightful exploration of the history of antisemitism, the role of Jewish identity today, and how our book fits into this larger narrative. I invite you to watch the interview here for a deeper understanding of the project’s context. It was also fun to do.