Taking A Stand Against Antisemitism

In this blog, leaders in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee share learnings from the 11/21 WGR Community Conversation: Taking a Stand Against Antisemitism. Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky, Director of Intergroup Relations at the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, framed the discussion by defining the Jewish people and explaining the many forms of antisemitism. Key points from the presentation include:

• The Jewish people are a racially and geographically diverse ethnic group with a shared religion and rich culture. Jews are not a monolith! An intersectional lens enables us to address all forms of bias, including antisemitism, impacting Jews of color, Jewish women, LGBTQIA+ Jews, Jews with disabilities, and more.

• Antisemitism is the marginalization and/or oppression of people who are Jewish or who are thought to be Jewish. It can manifest consciously or unconsciously, and it is embedded into our society– meaning no one is immune. 

• Antisemitism can look like hateful tropes and myths, including associating Jewish people with power, disloyalty, greed, deicide, or blood, and statements of Holocaust denial or anti-Zionism.

• The vast majority of Jews around the world feel a strong connection to Israel. It is NOT antisemitic to criticize the policies, practices, or members of the Israeli government (unless the critique relies on antisemitic tropes). It IS antisemitic to call for the destruction of Israel, or eny the right of Israel to exist as home to the world’s largest population of Jews and the Jewish homeland.

Rabbi Abbi also suggested 5 actions to challenge antisemitism in our communities:

1. Respect and learn about Judaism, without comparisons to other faiths;

2. Be mindful of the dates of Jewish holidays when scheduling events;

3. Check in with Jewish colleagues and neighbors when there are antisemitic incidents and attacks (there is no such thing as being “too late” to reach out),

4. Invite a Holocaust survivor to their descendants to speak to your community, department, or professional development program; and

5. Understand that Jews are not a monolith and don’t rely on stereotypes and generalizations. If you have questions, ask. 

Co-Vice Chair Rayven Davis: Often, I look for the right words before speaking. Over the recent weeks, I have learned that looking for the perfect words is not a perfect solution. Hearing from not one or two, but multiple members of the Jewish community that they yearn to be seen, that silence does nothing but add more divides– I’m humbled by their ability to bring their authenticity to the forefront. I cherish that we can gather and ask questions to gain understanding and perspective and be met with informed learning opportunities. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and support the Jewish community and immensely honored to be a part of raising awareness through informed programming and community.

Secretary Denise Murphy McGraw: Those of us who are not Jewish or Muslim may be struggling with the best ways to support our friends and loved ones during this devastating time. Rabbi Abbi reminded us that hate did not start, nor did it end, on October 7. For the past three years, I have hosted a community training program and weekly public affairs television program focused on DEI and allyship. I have learned that there are many signs and symbols of hate. As Rabbi Abbi pointed out about antisemitism– which she said is the oldest form of hate– the more we educate ourselves, the better prepared we are to combat symbols of hate and be effective allies. It is my hope our Community Conversations series can provide all WGR members with the resources and reflection time they need during these difficult days.  

Chair Larkin Willis: My major takeaway from this month’s discussion is that we can’t allow fear to obscure our common humanity. In her remarks, Rabbi Abbi urged us to keep reaching out to one another because it’s never too late for connection. From years of work on the DEI Committee, I know that connection is the source of hope in heavy, difficult times. Connection helps me to see beyond the monolith of stereotypes to honor the diverse and intersectional identities that comprise the Jewish people. Connection also helps me understand that, while antisemitism targets Jewish people, it is a form of hate that everyone is responsible for challenging. It reminds me to speak and act in ways that attend to the incredible amount of pain and generational trauma felt by Jewish loved ones. We need each other, now and always.

DEI Committee Board Liaison, Alpha Lillstrom Cheng: As a community of women in government relations, our skill sets include considering multiple perspectives and frames of reference. The insights and perspectives shared by Rabbi Abbi and all those participating in the inaugural Community Conversation, “Taking a Stand Against Antisemitism” helped me better understand the depth and intensity of the pain my Jewish friends are feeling and have been feeling for generations. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and fully appreciate their willingness to share their burdens. I look forward to each of these crucial conversations so that I can be a better ally as we build a community of women who support one another—both with information and with empathy.

Hate in all its forms is unacceptable. WGR is hosting a series of community conversations to learn about injustice with dignity and to connect through our common humanity. The series highlights a living program of issues, topics, and perspectives that are raised by our own members. We welcome all WGR members to join our Community Conversations. Register here for the next conversation on Uniting Against Islamophobia, taking place December 6th from 12 - 1pm Eastern Time.

We need your voice: follow this link to give feedback, recommend ideas for additional programming, and volunteer to support. All questions are optional. Please skip questions that do not apply to you: https://forms.gle/NoWijw1jXeihqgWZA

WGR DEI Leaders co-authored this month’s blog.