What are jews doing about antisemitism Jewish communities and organizations are actively addressing antisemitism through a multifaceted approach, driven by the recent surge in incidents, particularly since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023. Here are key actions being taken, based on current information: Education and Awareness: Jewish organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) are promoting education to combat antisemitism. The ADL’s “Antisemitism Uncovered” guide provides historical context and contemporary examples to raise awareness, while AJC’s “Translate Hate” initiative helps identify antisemitic rhetoric online. Educational institutions are also integrating antisemitism into curricula, with programs like UNESCO’s teacher training and UC Davis’s speaker series on topics like “Defining Antisemitism” and “Antisemitism and Islamophobia” to foster dialogue and understanding. Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Jewish leaders are pushing for stronger legal and policy measures. The ADL and others advocate for the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism by governments, universities, and corporations to standardize identification of antisemitic acts. In the U.S., Jewish senators and community leaders have called for federal actions, such as enhanced security for Jewish institutions and better hate crime reporting. The White House’s 2023 National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism outlines over 100 actions, including improving security and raising awareness, informed by input from over 1,000 Jewish leaders. Community Support and Security: In response to violent incidents, such as the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting and recent attacks like the 2025 Boulder march bombing, Jewish communities are bolstering security. Chabad, for instance, organized volunteers to ensure safety for Jewish fans during a wave of anti-Jewish violence in Amsterdam in 2024. Jewish federations and organizations like Hillel are also providing resources and support to help communities cope with rising threats, including funding for security at synagogues and community centers. Intercommunity Solidarity and Allyship: Jewish groups are building coalitions with other religious, ethnic, and civil rights communities to combat hate broadly. Initiatives like UC Davis’s programming on Jewish-Muslim convergence and environmental peacebuilding in Israel-Palestine aim to bridge divides. Jewish leaders, such as Rabbi Eliana Fischel, emphasize allyship, expressing frustration when support from progressive allies is lacking, as noted in NPR discussions about the 2021 Israel-Gaza conflict’s aftermath. Challenging Online Hate: With 90% of Jews in Europe reporting encountering online antisemitism in 2023, organizations are pressing social media companies to remove hateful content per the EU’s Digital Services Act. Project Shema trains Jewish communities to address antisemitism in progressive spaces, particularly online, where coded forms of hate are prevalent. The ADL also works to monitor and moderate antisemitic content, training AI tools to detect it. Promoting Jewish Education: Some Jewish leaders argue that strengthening Jewish identity through affordable, high-quality education is a long-term strategy to counter antisemitism. A post on X from Chabad leadership emphasized redirecting resources from Jewish nonprofits to education to empower future generations. Public Condemnation and Dialogue: Jewish organizations are vocal in condemning antisemitic acts, urging influencers, celebrities, and politicians to denounce hate clearly. For example, after Kanye West’s antisemitic remarks in 2022, Jewish leaders called for stronger responses from public figures. Community forums, like those at UC Davis, encourage open dialogue to address biases and foster understanding. Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Some Jewish voices, like Dara Horn, argue that Holocaust-focused education may not address subtler modern antisemitism, advocating instead for curiosity-driven learning. Others, including Jewish senators, criticize policies that blur pro-Palestinian activism with antisemitism, complicating efforts to address genuine hate without stifling free speech. Additionally, 56% of American Jews reported altering behaviors due to fear of antisemitism in 2024, reflecting the emotional toll. These actions show a proactive, resilient response, though many Jews feel the broader societal response remains insufficient, particularly when antisemitism is normalized or lacks clear condemnation from allies. 36 posts 15 web pages