The resurgence of antisemitism, coinciding with International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, cast a somber shadow over global commemorations. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, addressing the United Nations, lamented the erosion of the organization’s moral authority, questioning its failure to combat the pervasive antisemitism flourishing even within its own halls. He criticized the UN’s tolerance of antisemitic views and its distortion of the term “genocide” to unfairly target Israel, a phenomenon he termed “reversing the Holocaust.” Herzog highlighted the lack of unified condemnation and action against antisemitism, racism, and cruelty by member nations, allowing such hatred to thrive within the international body.
The alarming rise in global antisemitism is substantiated by a recent Anti-Defamation League (ADL) report, revealing that nearly half of the world’s adult population harbors deeply entrenched antisemitic attitudes, a figure more than double that recorded in 2014. The survey, measuring agreement with negative stereotypes about Jews, found disconcertingly high rates in the Middle East and Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. While lower percentages were observed in the Americas, Western Europe, and Oceania, these regions have witnessed a surge in violent antisemitic incidents, particularly since October 2023. This global resurgence of anti-Jewish sentiment has left many in the Jewish community feeling increasingly isolated and vulnerable.
The escalating antisemitism within the U.S. has prompted some American Jews to seek refuge elsewhere, with a notable increase in immigration to Israel. Nuri Katz, an expert in citizenship-by-investment programs, has observed a rise in Jewish clients seeking alternative citizenships, primarily in smaller Caribbean nations. This reflects a growing fear among American Jews of being trapped in a hostile environment, reminiscent of the plight of their European ancestors during World War II. The desire for a readily available escape route underscores the depth of anxiety and insecurity pervading the American Jewish community.
Rabbi Moshe Hauer, of the Orthodox Union, acknowledges the challenge of overcoming the deeply ingrained distortions and prejudices fueling the recent surge in antisemitism. He expresses hope for a return to peace and constructive engagement, allowing the Jewish community to focus on building a positive future and contributing to global problem-solving. However, the pervasive threat necessitates heightened security measures within Jewish communities, creating a significant financial burden and diverting resources from essential communal programs. This “antisemitism tax,” as it’s often called, not only strains financial resources but also transforms synagogues and other communal spaces into fortresses, impacting the very fabric of Jewish life.
While acknowledging the ongoing security concerns, Rabbi Hauer points to a glimmer of hope in the subsiding of mass protests fueled by antisemitism, attributing this to the inherent decency of the majority of people and their leaders. He expresses faith in a “sometimes too-silent majority” that rejects hate and calls for national self-correction. The ongoing hostage situation between Israel and Hamas, however, continues to cast a pall, with only some hostages slated for release. While welcoming the release of some captives, Rabbi Hauer expresses outrage at the prolonged suffering endured by the hostages and their families, demanding accountability for those responsible.
Despite the complex and challenging circumstances, there remains a sense of hope for a more tolerant and peaceful future. The efforts of individuals and organizations to combat antisemitism, coupled with the resilience and determination of the Jewish community, offer a beacon of light amidst the darkness. The need for continued vigilance, education, and advocacy remains paramount to ensure that the horrors of the Holocaust are never forgotten and that the scourge of antisemitism is eradicated. The challenge lies in transforming hope into concrete action, fostering understanding, and building a world where all people can live free from fear and persecution.
