No One Is Coming to Save Us—So Let’s Act Now

This year’s Never Is Now conference, hosted by the ADL, wasn’t just an event—it was a powerful call to action. It was a gathering that brought together students, celebrities, influencers, and leaders from across the globe, all united by a shared purpose: to confront the growing crisis of antisemitism and mobilize for real change.

From packed plenaries to raw, unfiltered breakout sessions, one thing was clear: the fight against hate is far from over—and we all have a role to play in it.

A Moment That Hit Me Hard

Of all the powerful voices I heard, one moment stayed with me long after the session ended. Content creator and fearless activist Zack Sage Fox took the stage and said something that struck a deep chord:

“Nobody is coming to save us—and we shouldn’t need tragedy to feel proud to be Jewish.”

That line hit like a lightning bolt. It wasn’t just a soundbite—it was a wake-up call.

(courtesy)

Too often, we wait. We wait for the perfect moment. We wait for the right words. We wait until tragedy forces us to act. But Zack’s words reminded us that waiting is no longer an option. You don’t need a massive platform to make an impact. You just need courage, clarity, and the willingness to show up.

Whether it’s sharing a post, calling out hate when you see it, or simply starting a conversation—every action counts. And right now, action is everything.

Hate Is Rising. Fast.

The urgency of Zack’s message became even more real when the ADL released its 2024 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents. The numbers are staggering—and heartbreaking:

• 9,354 incidents were recorded in 2024—a 5% increase from 2023.

• That’s a 344% spike over five years, and an 893% increase since 2014.

• It’s the highest number ever recorded since tracking began in 1979.

• Every single state—including Washington, D.C.—reported incidents of antisemitism.

Let that sink in: this isn’t just a wave. It’s a tsunami.

What Hate Looks Like Today

These aren’t just statistics. They’re real people, real communities, and real lives disrupted by hatred. Here’s what the data tells us:

• Assaults increased by 21%, affecting 250 individuals.

• Vandalism jumped 20%, with 2,606 acts of desecration.

• Harassment surged to 6,552 cases.

• Alarmingly, 58% of incidents included references to Israel/Zionism, often disguised as “protest” but crossing clearly into antisemitic rhetoric.

Campuses No Longer Feel Safe

The most jarring trend? A staggering 84% rise in antisemitism on college campuses. Universities should be sanctuaries of learning and dialogue—not hotbeds of intimidation and hate. But in 2024 alone, there were 1,694 campus incidents. That’s nearly one in five of all reported cases nationwide.

Jewish Institutions Still Under Siege

Even with a 14% drop in incidents at Jewish institutions, threats remain relentless. Bomb scares, protests outside synagogues, and ongoing harassment are becoming disturbingly normalized. We cannot let that continue.

The Path Forward: Courage Over Comfort

This report isn’t just a warning. It’s a demand—for action, for accountability, and for solidarity.

We need:

• Policymakers who don’t just offer thoughts and prayers, but enact real protections.

• Universities that stop enabling hate and start defending their Jewish students.

• Social platforms that go beyond empty promises and take down dangerous content.

• And most importantly, we need everyday people—you, me, all of us—to raise our voices.

Not after the next tragedy. Not when it feels safe or popular. Now.

Because silence isn’t neutral. It’s fuel for hate.

We Don’t Need Another Tragedy to Act

Never Is Now reminded me that even in dark times, there is light—and that light comes from community, courage, and truth. Let’s channel that energy into action. Let’s show up for one another. Let’s teach our children that being Jewish is not something to hide—but something to be proud of.

No one is coming to save us. But we can save each other—if we act, together.