Note from My Desk: Fighting Antisemitism Has a Credibility Problem, and It Is the Jews’ Fault

Jews in America have lived with more freedom, security, and opportunity than almost any Jewish community in history. That does not mean antisemitism is imaginary. It means our communications should be accurate enough to distinguish genuine threats from ordinary disagreement.

For years, many mainstream Jewish institutions have relied on a permanent crisis: Jews are always in danger, antisemitism is everywhere, the Bad People in Flyover Country are coming to get you.

At the same time, some Jewish institutions minimized left wing and Islamic antisemitism while despising Midwestern and Southern Christians who sincerely support the Jewish people.

This failed. Badly.

Americans have little patience for institutions that demand blind trust and obedience. When Jewish organizations appear to ask for this, they create resentment.

So, what can be done?

1. Police your own- when Jews act bad, don’t cover for them

2. Apply the same standards to the left and the right.

3. Stop confusing disagreement or misunderstanding with hatred.

4. Welcome honest questions about Israel, Jewish institutions, and political influence.

5. Treat allies with respect rather than condescension.

Jews in America have lived with more freedom, security, and opportunity than almost any Jewish community in history. That does not mean antisemitism is imaginary. It means our communications should be accurate enough to distinguish genuine threats from ordinary disagreement.

For years, many mainstream Jewish institutions have relied on a permanent crisis: Jews are always in danger, antisemitism is everywhere, the Bad People in Flyover Country are coming to get you.

At the same time, some Jewish institutions minimized left wing and Islamic antisemitism while despising Midwestern and Southern Christians who sincerely support the Jewish people.

This failed. Badly.

Americans have little patience for institutions that demand blind trust and obedience. When Jewish organizations appear to ask for this, they create resentment.

So, what can be done?

1. Police your own- when Jews act bad, don’t cover for them

2. Apply the same standards to the left and the right.

3. Stop confusing disagreement or misunderstanding with hatred.

4. Welcome honest questions about Israel, Jewish institutions, and political influence.

5. Treat allies with respect rather than condescension.