Standing Tall During Antisemitic Times: Building Strength through Knowledge and Identity
The rise in antisemitism can feel overwhelming, but the sentiments fueling today’s rhetoric are not new–-they’re the product of historical movements, ideological shifts, and decades of one-sided narratives gaining traction.
As a Jewish Studies major at American University (2007-2011), I witnessed the start of a shift in public opinion about Israel. Leading my campus chapter of the OneVoice Movement—amplifying moderate voices for Israeli-Palestinian peace—I engaged with students, faculty, and external organizations and speakers who leaned toward the Palestinian narrative. I debated Students for Justice in Palestine members, traveled to Egypt, Jordan, and the West Bank, and listened directly to pro-Palestinian perspectives.
Back then, before buzzwords like “oppressor versus oppressed” and “colonizer versus colonized” dominated the discourse, historical omissions and distortions were already common. Key details were often left out, such as the legal purchase of land by Jews, the historical context before 1948, and Arab leaders’ calls for evacuation. In Ramallah, the West Bank proudly displayed billboards honoring the “martyrs” who suicide bombed Israelis during the Intifada.
Today, the narrative hasn’t just intensified—it has become entrenched in digital spaces where balance is nearly impossible to achieve. Social media algorithms amplify the loudest and most polarizing voices, drowning out nuance. Some of these voices, whether pro-Palestinian or outright antisemitic, now command followings that nearly quintuple the global Jewish population of 15.7 million—a staggering reality. While supporting Palestinians is NOT inherently antisemitic, the messaging often leans on age-old tropes, historical distortions, and the erasure of Jewish stories—a growing issue as people struggle to handle complexity or engage in meaningful dialogue.
So, how do we, as Jews, stand tall in times like these?
Step 1: Clarify Your Jewish Identity
Before we can effectively respond to antisemitism, we must feel secure in our own Jewish identity. What does it mean for you to be Jewish? Is it your cultural heritage, your family traditions, your religion, the values you live by every day, or some combination of the above?
Feeling clear in your Jewishness allows you to:
Speak confidently about your experiences as a Jew.
Build resilience against attacks that attempt to delegitimize your identity.
Embrace your connection to a global Jewish community that has thrived in the face of adversity for centuries.
Jewish identity is diverse—whether you connect through Shabbat dinners and holiday traditions, travel experiences in Israel, participation in Jewish organizations or social justice movements, or take pride in being part of an ancient and resilient community that values lifelong learning, treasures humor, and has contributed profoundly to the world, it’s all valid.
Step 2: Understand History, Beyond Headlines
Antisemitism thrives on ignorance. To counter it, we need a solid understanding of Jewish and Israeli history—on our own terms, not through distorted TikTok clips or cherry-picked headlines.
This means learning about:
Diaspora History: How Jews have adapted and survived in countries around the world, often while facing persecution.
Jewish-American History: Our contributions to the civil rights movement, labor unions, and American culture, despite systemic antisemitism.
Zionism and Israel: The historical context of Israel’s founding, the Jewish people's ties to the land, and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
When you know the history, you’re less likely to be swayed by simplified narratives. You’ll also be better equipped to educate others, challenging misinformation with clarity and confidence.
Step 3: Recognize and Address Antisemitic Tropes
Antisemitic tropes are like weeds—they resurface no matter how many times they’re pulled. Some of the most common include:
“Jewish money and power”: Claims that Jews control financial systems, media, or politics to manipulate global outcomes.
“Dual loyalty”: The accusation that Jews are more loyal to Israel than their home country.
“Blood libel” or “baby killers”: A medieval myth accusing Jews of murdering non-Jewish children for ritual purposes, now repurposed in modern accusations of wanton cruelty or targeting civilians.
When these tropes surface, we must be prepared to respond calmly but assertively and to educate the person who is making the claim. When you encounter these tropes, remember they reflect the ignorance of others, not your value or truth.
Learning Together: The Maccabi Mindset
Standing tall in antisemitic times isn’t something you have to do alone. Lifelong learning is a core Jewish value, and my 6-week group class, The Maccabi Mindset, was created to help you build the knowledge, confidence, and skills you need to navigate these challenges.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
Confidence in your Jewish identity: Define what being Jewish means to you and articulate it clearly.
A deeper understanding of Jewish history: Gain clarity on the historical truths that are often left out of mainstream conversations, so you can feel empowered in the face of rising misinformation.
Tools to combat antisemitism: Recognize tropes, address misinformation, and hold your ground in tough conversations.
Techniques for keeping your cool: Use your breath to regulate your nervous system during challenging conversations.
Join me for an empowering journey into Jewish resilience, history, and pride. Together, we’ll turn your questions into confidence and your fear into strength.
Final Thoughts
Standing tall during antisemitic times isn’t just about defending yourself—it’s about embracing who you are, educating yourself, and passing on that knowledge to others. When we’re clear about our identity, grounded in history, and equipped to call out antisemitism, we embody the resilience our people have shown for generations.
Let’s walk this path together. Sign up for the next round of the Maccabi Mindset, starting February 4th. By the end of the program, you'll not only stand tall as an individual but also feel part of a larger movement reclaiming Jewish narratives with pride. By embracing who we are and standing strong together, we can not only resist antisemitism but also reshape the narrative for future generations.
