In the history of America after World War II, there has been steady progress in reducing discrimination against minority groups, including women, African Americans, and the LGBTQ+ community. This progress has also extended to the Jewish community, with restrictions on where Jewish families can live and quotas for university admissions becoming things of the past. Jews have risen to prominence in various fields such as academia, philanthropy, business, entertainment, and politics.
However, despite these achievements, there is a concerning trend of increasing negative attitudes and experiences towards Jews. Antisemitism, which had previously been more prevalent among older generations, is now growing among younger Americans. Recent surveys conducted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reveal that millennials and members of Generation Z hold more antisemitic views on average than older generations.
Facing the Resurgence of Antisemitism in Modern America (Credits: New York Times)
This rise in antisemitism among younger Americans is contributing to an overall increase in intolerant attitudes towards Jews. The percentage of Americans with extensive antisemitic views has more than doubled in recent years, reaching 24%. This normalization of antisemitism is evident across society, with extremist groups on the right and left becoming increasingly vocal in promoting anti-Jewish sentiments.
The surge in antisemitism is also reflected in the dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents across the country. Bomb threats, harassment of Jewish students, physical assaults, and other acts of hate have become more prevalent, particularly following significant events such as the Hamas attacks. There has been a shift in attitudes towards Israel, with a growing number of younger Americans expressing anti-Zionist views.
It’s crucial to recognize that anti-Zionism often serves as a guide for antisemitism. While criticism of Israeli government policies is valid, anti-Zionism denies Jews the right to self-determination in their homeland and perpetuates discriminatory beliefs about Jews as a people. This ideology not only undermines justice but also reinforces historic anti-Jewish tropes and prejudices.
To combat antisemitism effectively, it’s essential to address it in both theory and practice. This means confronting hateful ideologies, whether espoused by extremist groups or individuals on college campuses.
Moreover, there is a need to educate younger generations about the dangers of antisemitism and its potential to harm society as a whole. By acknowledging and combating antisemitism in all its forms, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and tolerant society for everyone.
