How to treat the disease of antisemitism

In “Antisemitism is a Malady,” we identified the defining characteristic of the antisemitism disease: its breathtaking irrationality. The charges leveled against Jews are so absurd that our instinct is to dismiss them. But that very irrationality makes the threat more dangerous, not less. It lulls us into inaction. We assume no one will believe it, even though history shows—again and again—what happens when this disease flares. It catches us off guard each time, reducing us to passive observers even when our backs are (literally) against the wall.

We have diagnosed the disease. Now we must face the treatment.

And the first truth is this: in medical terms, antisemitism is a chronic condition. It can be managed, but never cured. It is the world’s oldest hatred. Wishing for its disappearance is not a strategy. Preparedness is.

So we must act—not react—and we must begin now.

The treatment begins with collective organization.

There are hundreds of Jewish organizations—possibly more than those of all other major religions combined—despite our tiny population. Why, then, is organization our first step? Because the abundance of groups has scattered our focus. We have numbers, history, moral clarity—yet no unified strategic effort. But we do have the framework for one. And that is a start.

What we need now is a Joseph—or a group of Josephs—to lead us through this moral famine.

We need leaders who will actually lead. Leaders who will set aside political biases and personal grievances—and followers willing to do the same, however difficult. The goal is not to be “right.” The goal is to win. That means unity. It means alliances. It means showing up when asked. It means coordination, communication, and resolve.

Antisemitism must be overpowered. And we have done this before.

We mobilized thousands to march for Darfur. We mobilized for Soviet Jewry. We can mobilize now. But marches are only one tool. The approach this time must be multifaceted, strategic, and sustained—beginning before the midterm elections. Our adversaries are already preparing. Pro-Israel candidates have targets on their backs.

A candidate who is pro-Israel is, by definition, pro-safety of Jewish Americans. That is what this fight is about. The war against us is no longer distant. It has reached our shores.

We cannot settle for candidates who offer the weaselly escape hatch of “we oppose all forms of hate.” The numbers do not lie: Jews suffer more hate crimes than all other groups combined. If a candidate cannot name the hatred clearly and forcefully, we must oppose them. Lip service is not protection. And leaders who can’t speak truth will not stand with us.

We will need to protect ourselves. We will need to be strong. It is now painfully clear that law enforcement cannot contain the current levels of harassment and violence. We must face this reality with open eyes. Our leaders must say it plainly.

A memory stays with me: months ago, outside the White House, I saw about ten Palestinian protesters dressed in white, holding signs. Beside them stood a sharply-dressed professional woman directing the arrangement—clearly a consultant. They were organized. They had a network. They acted. They mobilized.

We must be better. We can be better. We have more at stake.

So who will lead us through this moral famine? Who are our Josephs?

Antisemitism Is Surging. Leadership Must Surge Faster.

One organization already represents at least fifty major Jewish groups: the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. They are the most promising place to identify the leaders we need. An energized outgrowth of this organization could provide the leadership, structure, and momentum we urgently need. Certainly, all sources should be considered.

It is time for leaders to mobilize.

To coordinate.

To build alliances.

To act—today, not tomorrow.