A Frightening Reality: It's a Scary Time to Be Jewish in America
The Unsettling Rise of Antisemitism and a Plea for Unity
In the land of the free, where diversity is celebrated, a deeply concerning trend has taken root: a significant and alarming rise in antisemitism, making it a truly frightening time to be Jewish in America. This isn't merely about uncomfortable moments or isolated incidents; it's about a tangible threat that has manifested in harassment, vandalism, and, tragically, even murder. As fellow Americans, we must confront this reality and recognize our collective responsibility to foster a society of respect and love for all, especially for our Jewish neighbors.
The Unsettling Surge: A Look at the Numbers
The statistics paint a grim picture. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a staggering 361% increase in antisemitic incidents in the U.S. in the three months following October 2023. The impact is profound: the "State of Antisemitism in America 2024" report, published in February 2025, revealed that a third of American Jews (33%) have been personally targeted by antisemitism, either in-person or virtually, in the past year. Even more disturbingly, 56% of American Jews reported altering their behavior out of fear of antisemitism in 2024, a notable jump from previous years. FBI data from September 2024 showed that anti-Jewish hate crimes had increased by 63% since 2023, and despite Jewish Americans making up only 2% of the U.S. population, these crimes accounted for 68% of all reported religion-based hate crimes.
A Litany of Tragedies: When Hatred Turns Deadly
The rising tide of antisemitism is not just a statistical anomaly; it has a human cost, marked by horrific acts of violence:
Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting (October 2018): In the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in U.S. history, Robert Bowers, fueled by white supremacist and antisemitic beliefs, murdered eleven worshippers and wounded six others during Shabbat services in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The victims, ranging in age from 54 to 97, included Joyce Fienberg, Richard Gottfried, Rose Mallinger, Jerry Rabinowitz, Cecil Rosenthal, David Rosenthal, Bernice Simon, Sylvan Simon, Daniel Stein, Melvin Wax, and Irving Younger.
Poway Synagogue Shooting (April 2019): Less than six months after Pittsburgh, another synagogue was targeted. Lori Gilbert-Kaye, 60, was killed and three others, including the rabbi, were injured when a gunman opened fire at the Chabad of Poway synagogue in California.
Monsey Hanukkah Stabbing (December 2019): During a Hanukkah celebration at a rabbi's home in Monsey, New York, an assailant wielding a machete attacked partygoers, severely injuring Josef Neumann, 72, who later died from his injuries.
Killings outside Capital Jewish Museum (May 2025): Two staffers from the Israeli Embassy were tragically killed in an attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. The suspect reportedly shouted "Free Palestine," and the incident is being investigated as a hate crime and act of terrorism.
Boulder Rally Attack (June 2025): In Boulder, Colorado, a man allegedly used a flamethrower and hurled homemade incendiary devices at people gathered at a rally supporting the release of Israeli hostages, injuring eight. The FBI labeled it a terrorist act.
These are just a few stark examples of the violence that has shaken the Jewish community. Beyond these tragic fatalities, there have been numerous attempted attacks, instances of vandalism, and constant harassment that leave Jewish Americans feeling vulnerable and unsafe.
The Everyday Impact: A Climate of Fear
The effects of this increased antisemitism extend far beyond overt acts of violence. Jewish Americans are experiencing a pervasive climate of fear that impacts their daily lives:
Altered Behavior: A majority of American Jews are changing their behavior—avoiding publicly displaying items that identify them as Jewish, refraining from posting online about Jewish issues, and even avoiding certain places or events.
Feeling Unsafe: Three-quarters of American Jews (77%) report feeling less safe as a Jewish person in the U.S. since the October 7th attacks in Israel, with nine out of ten believing antisemitism has increased since then.
Online Harassment: The digital world is no sanctuary, with roughly seven in ten Jewish adults reporting experiencing antisemitism online or on social media.
Campus Climate: Jewish college students frequently encounter anti-Israel protests and demonstrations that make them feel unsafe, with nearly one-third feeling that faculty members have promoted antisemitism or hostile learning environments.
A Call to Compassion: Standing Together
This is not a Jewish problem; it is an American problem. When any community within our society is targeted, the fabric of our shared values is weakened. Antisemitism, often referred to as the world's oldest hatred, morphs and adapts, but its insidious goal remains the same: to marginalize, demonize, and ultimately harm.
We, as Americans, must stand in unwavering solidarity with our Jewish neighbors. This means more than just condemning hate; it means actively cultivating understanding, empathy, and respect. It means:
Educating Ourselves: Learning about Jewish history, culture, and the Holocaust is crucial, but so is understanding the nuances of current events without resorting to antisemitic tropes.
Speaking Out: Silence is complicity. When you witness or hear antisemitic remarks or actions, speak up. Challenge misinformation and prejudice.
Building Bridges: Engaging in interfaith dialogue and fostering relationships across religious and cultural divides can dismantle stereotypes and build a stronger, more cohesive society.
Supporting Victims: Offer compassion and support to those who have been targeted by antisemitism.
Demanding Accountability: Encourage law enforcement and public officials to take antisemitic incidents seriously and prosecute hate crimes to the fullest extent of the law.
The vision of America is one where all people can live freely and without fear. For our Jewish community, that vision is currently under threat. It is a scary time to be Jewish in America, but it doesn't have to remain so. By choosing respect, understanding, and love, we can collectively push back against the tide of hate and ensure that the promise of America shines brightly for all its citizens.
A prestigious institution like Stanford University should not let it be a barrier to graduation. They just barred some students from graduating because of different ideologies.