The Blogs: Standing against rising antisemitism

I feel like I’ve written these words before: the alarming rise in antisemitism around the globe is impossible to ignore. From murders, attempted kidnappings, violent assaults to disturbing acts of vandalism, Jewish communities are facing threats that hearken back to darker times in history.

It’s frightening. Heartbreaking. Unacceptable.

Many have eyes on the doors whenever they enter a Jewish space. Security measures are heightened. It’s no way to live. Professor Uriya Shavit from Tel Aviv University, agrees, “If current trends continue, the curtain will descend on the ability to lead Jewish lives in the West—to wear a Star of David, attend synagogues and community centers, send kids to Jewish schools, frequent a Jewish club on campus, or speak Hebrew.”

Modern-Day Pogrom in Amsterdam

A few weeks ago, following a soccer match, Israeli fans in Amsterdam were subjected to brutal assaults by antisemitic mobs that were engaged in (in their own words) a “Jew Hunt.” These attacks resulted in multiple injuries and hospitalizations—and an El Al air lift of Jews and Israelis out of The Netherlands.

Tragic Loss in the UAE

The Jewish community was shaken by the abduction and murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad emissary based in Abu Dhabi. Prime Minister Netanyahu denounced the act, correctly, as a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.”

Domestic Woes

In the United States, Jewish communities have reported a significant increase in antisemitic incidents. Such as:

and these are just a few—without getting into the support for terrorism on our college campuses and mass shootings that are seemingly just considered commonplace.

A Call to Action

These incidents are not isolated. There are increased attacks on Jews throughout the world. These reflect a troubling resurgence of antisemitism that demands immediate and concerted action. It is imperative for governments, institutions, and individuals to stand in solidarity with Jewish communities, unequivocally condemn antisemitic acts, and implement effective measures to prevent such occurrences.

Education plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. By fostering awareness and understanding of Jewish history and culture, we can challenge stereotypes and dispel myths that fuel hatred.

Moreover, robust legal frameworks must be enforced to hold perpetrators accountable and deter future offenses. Even in New York, one couldn’t count on police to arrest someone for assault. They needed a new law to make it clear that it is illegal to yank off someone’s yarmulke.

Silence is not an option. Inertia is not an option. We must speak. We must act.

Some of our organizations are doing just that.

I’d like to ask you to support one of them at this time. Intown Jewish Academy, a cornerstone of Chabad Intown, is launching a fundraising campaign to continue its vital work. They act. They educate. Supporting them is a stand against antisemitism.

They’re aiming to raise $770,000 to support various programs that nurture Jewish identity, education, and community.

This is where we come in.

I’m serving as an ambassador for this fundraising effort because I believe in their mission. I believe in the power of community. And I believe that together, we can make a difference.

Will you join me in supporting Atlanta’s Intown Jewish Academy?

Your donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward programs that educate, inspire, and protect our community. Plus, every dollar you give is matched 1-for-1 until the campaign ends—doubling your impact.

To donate, please visit https://causematch.com/ChabadIntown/jamesdemmindeliseteam.

Let’s stand together against the tide of antisemitism. Let’s support the organizations which uplift us. Let’s make our voices heard through action. Together, we can make a safer, more inclusive world.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for caring.