Stronger Together: Making a Case for a Jewish-Asian Alliance

In today’s polarized world, two historically resilient communities—Jewish and Asian—find themselves at a similar inflection point. Once celebrated for their hard-earned academic and professional accomplishments, both groups are now facing a cultural backlash against the very idea of meritocracy. Achievements once seen as the fruits of perseverance, cultural investment in education, and intergenerational effort are increasingly recast by some as evidence of “privilege,” sparking resentment and anger.

Consider: in New York City, anti-Asian hate crimes surged nearly nine-fold in 2020. Of the 20 individuals arrested for these attacks, 11 were African American, 7 Hispanic, and only 2 white. In a report in Voice of America by journalist Masood Farivar, it becomes clear that these crimes were not driven by the stereotype of white men lashing out over COVID-19 origins. Instead, they reflect a broader dynamic which is discussed by lawyer Suzanna Sherry: there is a growing hostility toward groups seen as succeeding too well within systems of merit. Sherry, in her talk On the Racist CRT and DEI Movements, warned that ideological assaults on meritocracy risk stoking this kind of targeted resentment.

This is not a new pattern. It’s an old story, one described by Dr. Jordan Peterson through the biblical narrative of Cain and Abel. Abel’s superior sacrifice earned favor, but Cain—rather than aspiring to do better—was consumed by envy and struck him down. Peterson argues that this archetype plays out repeatedly in societies: excellence, rather than being emulated, is resented and punished. Today, we are seeing this story retold, not with individuals, but with entire communities as its protagonists.

This cultural moment demands clarity, courage—and coalition.

Shared Values, Shared Struggles

Jewish and Asian communities, though originating in different parts of the world, share deeply resonant values: reverence for learning, strong family cohesion, resilience in the face of adversity, and a commitment to self-betterment through knowledge and discipline. Both groups carry the legacy of diaspora and have long histories of thriving in often-hostile environments.

Each has faced exclusion from elite institutions. Jewish quotas in Ivy League schools in the early 20th century find an eerie echo in today’s legal and social battles over Asian American access to top universities. In both cases, academic excellence and cultural ambition are no longer seen as laudable—but as suspect.

The New Face of Discrimination

Recent legal challenges and data analyses have shed light on patterns of discrimination that undermine the principle of equal opportunity:

• College Admissions Disparities: A study of 685,709 applications to selective U.S. colleges found that Asian American students had 28% lower odds of admission than white peers with comparable credentials. For South Asian applicants, the gap widened to 49%. These disparities are tied to factors like legacy preferences and regional admissions biases.

• Harvard’s Internal Review: In 2013, Harvard’s Office of Institutional Research found that Asian American applicants faced a “negative effect” in admissions despite stellar academics. The findings were not made public at the time.

• Thomas Jefferson High School Case: Changes to the admissions policy at this top-tier Virginia school caused Asian American enrollment to drop sharply—from 65–75% to 54%. This sparked legal challenges alleging race-based discrimination.

These cases illustrate a concerning trend: that merit itself is being devalued under the banner of diversity, disproportionately affecting communities—like Jews and Asians—that have historically prioritized education.

A Historic Opportunity for Alliance

Now is the time for a renewed alliance between Jewish and Asian communities—not merely to protect access to education, but to uphold a vision of society where excellence is honored rather than punished. This is not about exclusion or elitism. It is about affirming a culture where integrity, discipline, and achievement are values to be celebrated.

And encouragingly, such alliances are already forming:

• Yale’s Asian Jewish Union, founded in 2023, has grown rapidly. Events like its Asian-themed Shabbat—drawing nearly 300 attendees—showcase a hunger for spaces that celebrate shared identity and mutual respect.

• The Asian-Jewish Business Network (AJBN) in the UK brings together leaders from both communities to foster collaboration and inclusion, earning recognition for its impact on diversity.

• Moments of Solidarity: In the wake of the Monterey Park shooting, Rabbi Mira Rivera stood publicly with Asian American communities, offering prayer and presence.

• Cultural Bridges: The opera Émigré tells the story of Jewish refugees who found shelter in Shanghai during World War II, highlighting a little-known but profound moment of Asian-Jewish solidarity.

• Joint Advocacy: Organizations like the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) have partnered with Asian American groups to combat hate crimes and promote educational equity.

From Isolation to Strategic Solidarity

Neither community can afford to stand alone. Antisemitism and anti-Asian hate are both rising. In both cases, silence has only enabled the hostility. The answer is not just shared grievance—it is shared principles and proactive partnership.

Dr. Peterson’s warning is sobering: when societies vilify the successful, they re-enact the archetypal tragedy of Cain and Abel. In this retelling, it is not an individual sacrifice that provokes envy, but the success of entire communities. And it is not wrongdoing that brings judgment—but doing well.

We must resist the narrative that achievement is shameful. We must push back against the idea that cultural excellence—rooted in learning, family, and resilience—is a threat to equity. On the contrary, it is the foundation of a thriving and pluralistic society.

The time to stand together is now.