“Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose”
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
— Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, from his 1849 journal Les Guêpes

This quote captures the essence of antisemitism’s enduring nature. Even with social progress, these old prejudices persist. Living in Jerusalem, surrounded by millennia of history, I experience this struggle daily. Walking through the Old City, you can feel the weight of centuries of conflict and reconciliation, but the battle against antisemitism continues.

Navigating the Complexities of Criticism and Hate

Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, an important question arises: how can we distinguish between anti-Israel sentiments and antisemitism? This issue became particularly evident during an incident at Harvard involving Yishai Rebo, a prominent Israeli singer known for his interpretations of biblical texts and spiritual music. His concert, which aimed to promote culture and unity, was met with protests from pro-Palestinian groups. It was disheartening to see how quickly these protests turned into antisemitic rhetoric.

Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet’s observation that criticism of Israel can sometimes mask antisemitism rings true. Striking a delicate balance between valid critique and harmful bias is crucial. Discussions about the Israel-Hamas conflict often reveal how constructive dialogue can quickly turn into hostility.

This incident demonstrates the concerning overlap between antisemitism and anti-Israel protests, where animosity towards Israel becomes a socially acceptable cover for anti-Jewish sentiments. While many present their criticisms as political, the line often blurs, exposing deeper prejudices rooted in broader intolerance.

The Thin Line Between Activism and Antisemitism

This reality extends beyond individual incidents, highlighting a broader societal issue. While many advocates seek justice, some calls for human rights can conceal deeper prejudices against Jews. A poignant example of transformation is Nonie Darwish, who evolved from a life steeped in anti-Israel rhetoric to one advocating peace and reconciliation. Her journey began in Gaza, surrounded by hostility toward Israel. It wasn’t until she moved to the United States and started interacting with Jews that she began to question the biases she had grown up with.

Darwish’s story is a powerful reminder that deeply held beliefs can be unlearned, and bridges can be built where there were once walls. Her daughter, Shireen Said, continues this legacy and promotes understanding and reconciliation. Shireen focuses on creating dialogue between diverse communities to dismantle stereotypes and foster mutual respect. Through her efforts, she embodies the message that transformation is possible—not just on an individual level but within entire communities. This emphasizes the need for empathy and shared humanity to bridge our divisions.

The Battle of College Campuses

The recent Israeli-Hamas conflict has heightened tensions on college campuses, leading to a surge in incidents perceived as antisemitic alongside pro-Palestinian activism. This issue has roots in a 2014 YouTube video where Jewish students shared experiences of antisemitism from pro-Palestinian groups, revealing a troubling pattern of hate speech, vandalism, and social exclusion across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

The ongoing Gaza conflict has garnered media attention and prompted congressional hearings, with lawmakers criticizing university leaders for inadequately addressing Jewish students’ concerns amid protests that often include anti-Israel rhetoric. According to reports from The Washington Post, many students feel unsafe due to rising antisemitism, prompting some universities to deploy law enforcement against demonstrators. This situation complicates the discourse on free speech and student safety, as highlighted in this article from The New York Times.

These tensions expose broader ideological biases in academia, influenced by external funding and political pressures. A Journal of Higher Education study discusses how these factors shape campus environments, illustrating the challenges universities face in today’s complex social landscape. Research shows that funding often comes with conditions affecting curriculum and faculty choices. Recent debates illustrate how lawmakers and donors have pressured universities on critical race theory, threatening financing if they do not align with specific ideological standards (Inside Higher Ed).

External funding can compromise academic autonomy, pushing institutions to favour donor interests over unbiased inquiry. Instances of political interference, particularly in Middle Eastern studies, underscore this concern, as the U.S. Department of Education has scrutinized programs for perceived ideological biases (Inside Higher Ed).

For deeper insights, consider articles from Inside Higher Ed and Times Higher Education that analyze how funding shapes campus climates. These articles offer context for discussions about ideological biases in academia.

Creating safe and inclusive spaces for all students is essential in today’s universities. This means having solid policies to combat racism and antisemitism while also promoting respectful dialogue. Bias training, open forums, and support services for marginalized students are crucial for a healthier academic atmosphere and equity for all, regardless of beliefs.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Statistics from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reflect a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents, particularly during Middle Eastern conflicts. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, emphasizes the severity of the situation: “This data confirms what Jewish communities across the country have felt and seen firsthand—and corresponds with the rise in antisemitic attitudes.” These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real pain and suffering within our communities. Greenblatt stresses the importance of collective action to combat this rising tide of hate. For more details, you can view the ADL’s report here.

Finding Guidance in Sacred Texts

In these challenging times, I seek guidance and comfort in sacred texts. One of my favourite teachings from Pirkei Avot states, “In a place where there are no humans, strive to be human.” Judith Klitzner expands on this idea beautifully in her book, In Your Brother’s Blood is Crying: Biblical Origins of Our Divided Society. Her exploration of biblical sibling conflicts helps us understand today’s societal divisions, reminding us that ancient wisdom can still guide us through contemporary issues.

A Path Forward: Combating Antisemitism

Addressing antisemitism requires a thoughtful approach:

1. Education: Advocate for accurate representations of Jewish history in discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As Dr. Morgentaler said, “Hatred thrives in ignorance.” Institutions like the Jewish Public Library are crucial in understanding and preserving history.
2. Interfaith Dialogue: As championed by Nonie Darwish, building bridges is essential. Today, she is a testament to the power of personal transformation and dialogue in fostering peace.
3. Supporting Organizations: Support groups like the ADL that work tirelessly against antisemitism and protect our communities.

My journey has deepened my understanding of the complexities of antisemitism and reinforced my commitment to fighting it with both knowledge and empathy. What steps can you take in your community to challenge and combat antisemitism? I invite you to reflect on this question and consider how you might contribute to fostering understanding and tolerance in your daily interactions. We can work towards a more compassionate world by taking these steps and embracing diverse perspectives.

Footnotes:

1. Karr, Jean-Baptiste Alphonse. Les Guêpes. 1849.
2. Klitzner, Judith. In Your Brother’s Blood is Crying: Biblical Origins of Our Divided Society. Jewish Publication Society, 2007.
3. Greenblatt, Jonathan. “ADL Report on Antisemitic Incidents.” Anti-Defamation League, 2024, www.adl.org/news/press-releases/adl-report-on-antisemitic-incidents.
4. “Inside Higher Ed.” Journal of Higher Education, 2024, www.insidehighered.com.
5. “The New York Times.” “Concerns Over Antisemitism on College Campuses.” The New York Times, 2024, www.nytimes.com.
6. “The Washington Post.” “Surge in Antisemitic Incidents Amid Conflict.” The Washington Post, 2024, www.washingtonpost.com.
7. Darwish, Nonie. Now They Call Me Infidel: Why I Renounced Jihad for America, Israel, and the War on Terror. St. Martin’s Press, 2006.