This past month, I’ve been a podcast guest to discuss my work as I write my book on combating antisemitism. While I need to work on my stammering and head-tilting during these interviews, and I find myself more eloquent in writing than speaking, I’m learning as I go along. By the time my book is released, I’m hoping to sound and look more confident. This past month, I’ve appeared on the “Never Again is Now” and “The Jewish Lens” podcasts. I discuss various aspects of antisemitism, my personal background, and my professional projects.
Never Again is Now
I appeared on the “Never Again is Now” podcast, hosted by Evelyn Markus and Phyllis Zimbler Miller, where we addressed the critical issue of antisemitism in K-12 American schools. Our conversation started with an examination of the troubling educational content provided by the National Education Association (NEA) and its collaboration with groups like Jews for Racial and Economic Justice. These materials often present a distorted view of Israel and Jewish history, depicting Israel as a white settler colonial state and fostering misinformation. It’s disheartening how such biased educational resources misinform teachers and students, perpetuating antisemitic stereotypes and false narratives.
We also discussed the challenges faced by Jewish teachers who feel unsupported in their efforts to counteract this biased material. I shared the story of a teacher who sought help from various Jewish organizations without success, highlighting the overwhelming power and influence of the NEA. The conversation underscored the need for Jewish organizations to prioritize their battles strategically while acknowledging the crucial fight against antisemitic indoctrination in schools.
We emphasized the importance of grassroots action and building coalitions with allies, given that the Jewish population is only 0.2% of the world. We talked about ways to take action, such as donating accurate educational materials to schools, attending local school board meetings, and supporting organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and CAMERA. The episode ended with a call to action for listeners to stay hopeful and proactive, reinforcing that while combating antisemitism is challenging, it is a fight we can tackle together.
You can watch the full Never Again is Now podcast episode here.
The Jewish Lens
During our discussion, Jonathan and I tackled October 7th, a date that will forever be etched in my memory. It was my 58th birthday. That day, I woke up to the horrific news and felt a profound shift within myself. Despite my awareness of rising antisemitism, the speed and ferocity of the world’s call for more dead Jews took even me by surprise.
We also talked about the rise of antisemitism in academia and publishing, emphasizing the need for Jewish-friendly spaces and proactive measures to support and uplift Jewish voices in these fields. We also touched on my involvement in starting a new Jewish-friendly publishing company, aiming to provide a platform for Jewish authors and stories that are often marginalized or silenced.
