'The Jews are Guilty' Reflections on Antisemitism Old and New

Key Findings:

According to studies from ADL and Tel Aviv University, antisemitism in America is on the rise, growing at rates that are higher than any time in the recent past. 

The author points out a common denominator between four recent lethal attacks against Jews in America— each perpetrator echoed the same sentiment: Jewish people are guilty, simply by their birthright. 

This is not dissimilar to the sentiments held by Hitler’s right hand man, Joseph Goebbels, who wrote an article by the name The Jews are Guilty.

The author states: “We are now in an era where antisemitism is not only growing, but antisemites also feel much more free to express themselves in both word and deed. But there is no indication that the sources of today’s antisemitism are at all different from those that appear to operate perpetually.”

Remembering where antisemitism comes from is a key component of being able to defend against it. The author references antisemitic texts ( The Protocols of the Elders of Zion) and antisemitic leaders (Church Fathers) that threatened Jews along the course of history. He urges the reader to consider that past and present sentiments driving antisemitic attacks are not far from one another, stating simply that “Goebbels’ formulation is alive and well.”

The essay concludes with five concrete examples on how to defend against the threat of antisemitism today. They include taking an honest look at the physical safety of Jewish communities in America; pouring resources into safe spaces for Jewish students on campus; political and personal support held by American Jews in regards to the safety of Israel; and holding individuals more accountable for antisemitic speech, especially high profile figures.