Jewish Community Relations and the October 8th Jew

Key Findings:

David Bernstein, founder of the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values, discusses how in the aftermath of October 7th, many left-wing Jews were shocked to experience antisemitism from their liberal-aligning peers. Bernstein argues that the realization that “progressive politics are no safe haven from antisemitism”, requires a response from Jewish organizations. 

Bernstein implores those Jewish organizations, who exist in progressive spaces and deal with intergroup relations, to refocus their approach in this time. His call to action provides the following suggestions for change: 

1. Engaging in radical honesty in conversation or debate, especially with the non-Jewish world. 

2. Ceasing partnership with other organizations or individuals who propel antisemitic views. The deplatforming of individuals who engage in this behavior and rhetoric is the correct course of action, not the opposite.  

3. Disengaging with “antisemitic-adjacent” rhetoric that is often interlaced with “earning a seat at the table” when it comes to progressive politics. 

4. Partnering with groups that promote and support democratic values rather than any form of radicalism, either on the right or left. 

5. Working towards calling out and isolating extremists from entering the mainstream of schools, politics, and institutions. 

6. Actively fighting back in a less “buttoned up” manner. (Protesting, resisting, etc.)  

7. Speaking out against left-wing antisemitism more often. Openly speaking of this uncomfortable truth is necessary in order to fight back against it, regardless of the fear of losing progressive allies in doing so.