Combating Antisemitism in Rural Communities
When I joined NECHAMA – Jewish Response to Disaster earlier this month, I became part of an organization with an extraordinary legacy. With a background in experiential Jewish education and over a decade in Jewish nonprofit management, I bring a personal commitment to building bridges and fostering understanding. At NECHAMA, we embrace Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) as a guiding principle and a powerful tool to combat antisemitism in places where it often goes unaddressed.
NECHAMA is uniquely positioned to take on this challenge. While many initiatives focus on urban centers with large Jewish populations, our team has worked across 35 states over the past 30 years, often serving communities with little to no Jewish presence. By providing disaster recovery, we are able to connect with people in rural areas, offer support and engage in meaningful conversations about the Jewish community and its values.
In Western North Carolina, where we are supporting the recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, we have had the opportunity to build relationships in communities where many residents had never met a Jewish person. We have been very welcomed by the locals and these encounters have led to authentic conversation, where we can share our story and listen to others. This personal engagement is crucial in breaking down barriers, dispelling stereotypes about the Jewish community and build mutual respect – key ingredients in combating antisemitism.

The need for this work feels especially urgent today, after marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day yesterday, and as we mark the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation. The hatred that fueled the Holocaust is on the rise again. In 2024 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. surged by 360% following the October 7th attack on Israel, with over 10,000 cases reported. Globally, nearly half of adults hold harmful antisemitic beliefs, according to the ADL.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, antisemitic conspiracy theories spread online, targeting local public officials and disaster relief efforts. Baseless claims circulated widely, including accusations that Jews were withholding disaster relief funds or controlling natural disasters through “Jewish space lasers.” More recently, Jews were even accused of hoarding water in advance of and during the Los Angeles wildfires and that fire control resources were diverted from the region to support Israel’s war in Gaza.
These harmful narratives, rooted in old harmful tropes about Jewish control, slow recovery efforts and create fear in disaster affected communities, discouraging people from seeking help. In fact, FEMA had to issue a public statement to correct the misinformation, as victims were afraid to apply for aid.
NECHAMA is the only national Jewish organization providing sustained, direct recovery services in the wake of natural disasters. By showing up and caring for all communities – regardless of faith affiliation – we demonstrate our commitment to Tikkun Olam and offer a powerful example of how Jewish people contribute to the common good.
Since arriving in North Carolina on October 6, 2024, our team has been on the ground, completing 30 recovery projects and logging over 2,400 volunteer hours. These efforts have been deeply personal for many participants, including myself. I’ve seen firsthand how disaster recovery is more than just rebuilding homes; it’s about healing lives.
Growing up in Israel, I was influenced by my country’s commitment to global disaster relief. Over the past 26 years, Israel has sent 15 aid missions, providing medical care to over 2,300 people and saving 220 lives, reflecting the same spirit of compassion and action NECHAMA embodies. When disaster strikes, we don’t ask, “Who are you?” We ask, “How can we help?”
Our presence on the ground provides us with a unique opportunity to confront hate and misinformation at the grassroots level. To guide these efforts, we’ve established four key goals:
- Collaboration – Work with faith-based groups, NGOs, and politicians to promote Jewish values and combat harmful stereotypes.
- Media Presence – Create relationships with journalists to raise awareness of NECHAMA’s efforts and highlight antisemitism directed at disaster relief responders.
- Community Building – Invite local groups to visit our work sites and see how the Jewish community mobilizes to support their neighbors.
- Continuity – Establish a solid foundation with local partners to maintain our impact well after we depart.
Combating antisemitism in rural areas is a vital extension of NECHAMA’s mission to help disaster-affected communities. Our presence on the ground in Western North Carolina as a Jewish organization has led to these rural communities becoming more educated and more tolerant. Our efforts are crucial in addressing the rising tide of antisemitism and ensuring that Jewish values continue to resonate in communities across the country.