What will you do?

Did you know that Jews are on the receiving end of 55% of all religious hate crimes, yet are only 2% of the U.S. population? I did not until today. A friend, Monica Gebell, sent me this video titled #StandUpToJewishHate: The Blue Square. Please take one minute to watch it.

Monica is Director of Community Relations for the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester. She gave me permission to use their website (see https://www.jewishrochester.org/antisemitism-jewish-trauma) for my post today. Most of us have so much to learn – or maybe be more aware of even if we “know” - about antisemitism and the current spike in antisemitic activity.

“Antisemitic activity includes overt acts or expressions of anti-Jewish bigotry and hostility. Unfortunately, as cataloged by the ADL, antisemitic occurrences happen far too often.” These include a wide variety of acts such as speech, vandalism, harassment, threats, assaults, and discrimination, as well as hate group activity.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) … purports that antisemitism manifests in a variety of ways, including:

· Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination (e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor).

· Applying double standards by requiring of Israel a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.

· Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.

· Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.

· Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.

Most of us may need to begin by learning the history of antisemitism and facing ourselves – our own subconscious prejudices and inherited assumptions about Jewish people. If we witness antisemitic behavior, we can “report the incident” and “find local advocates and assistance.” Beyond that, here is a document prepared by the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester - “Tools for Understanding and Coping with Antisemitism.”

Last winter I participated in a community event to raise awareness and show support for the Jewish community in Brighton, New York, where we live. That’s where I first heard about the “blue square” or “blue light” idea. We have for many months now had a blue light bulb on at our front door. It’s simple. Perhaps most people don’t even notice. But however small it seems, it’s a beginning.

I hear more than ever before about efforts to end hate – to raise awareness of the effects of hate on our society and individuals. One of those is the Levine Center to End Hate (https://www.endhateroc.org/) in Rochester, New York. I count Karem Elam, the executive director, as a friend as well and encourage you – wherever you live – to explore their website and learn how you can be part of this effort to end hate. Join their email list. Explore the resources they offer (https://www.endhateroc.org/learn). Just get started.

Perhaps, like me, you have been appalled to see white supremacist rallies and militias, synagogue and Jewish cemetery vandalism and shootings, antisemitic flyers in your neighborhood, and to hear the hate-filled rhetoric of public “personalities.” It will not stop if we try to ignore it because we think it has nothing to do with us. Of course it does. Where anyone is being harmed by hate and violence, it is our concern. We must be involved. It’s past time for all of us to decide what we can do – no matter how insignificant it may seem – and go and do it. Please join me.

Where to begin

What do they want?