Responding to Antisemitism: A Jewish Perspective

No one wants to be making a post about antisemitism. And yet, here we are—again. Someone asked: What should our response be to antisemitism? It’s not an easy question. The answer isn’t something you can wrap up in a one-minute clip. But we can start with three honest thoughts.

First: Don’t ask why it’s happening. That question belongs to God. Jewish history is full of suffering, exile, and hatred—and we’ve asked “why?” for millennia. The truth is, we may never fully know. But there’s something deeply Jewish about trusting that even suffering has purpose, even if it’s not clear yet.

Second: Know when to take action. Sometimes antisemitism is just a comment or a look. Other times, it crosses the line and needs to be reported. A story was shared in this video—someone asked if they should report an incident. The speaker didn’t know the answer at first, so they asked their rabbi. The rabbi said yes. That shows how important it is to seek guidance and to act when necessary.

Third: Elie Wiesel once said not to ask “why” but “what.” What can I do now? What does this mean for me as a Jew? In hard moments, those questions can actually lead us closer to Judaism. When we’re shaken, it forces us to examine who we are, what we believe, and why. And sometimes, oddly enough, that’s where real clarity comes in.

Antisemitism is never just about hatred. It’s also about how we respond. And in responding—through reflection, community, and renewed commitment—we find a way to reclaim our dignity and deepen our Jewish identity.