I want to DO something about the Anti-Semitic attacks.

[TomSlick]

I've been mulling last weekend's attack in Pittsburgh. I just read about the attacks in New York - [link:https://www.democraticunderground.com/100211356787|

I think we (or at least I) need to stop mulling and DO something.

Any suggestions?

[Behind the Aegis]

1. The best thing you can do, is learn about anti-Semitism.

There are several good books out there about anti-Semitism. There are various types of anti-Semitism and learning what they are and how they manifest will allow you to confront it when you see it. Also, listen to Jews when they tell you something is anti-Semitic. You needn't always agree, but at least take the time to listen why they feel something is anti-Semitic. Be willing to confront anti-Semitism no matter where it manifests, even if it is uncomfortable to do so.

[TomSlick]

7. Thanks.

I have done a lot of reading on anti-Semitism since my college days. (I wrote a senior thesis on anti-Semitism and remain very interested in the issue)

Anti-Semitism in my area is subtle, probably because there are so few Jews in this area. However, when I hear it - I bark.

[qwlauren35]

25. I'm having difficulty with something.

i went on line looking for something about anti-Semitism from the Left. I found an article. It seemed to say some truths, but when I posted it on Facebook, the response I got was so militant, I am really taken aback.

Is it possible that the Right is right about the Left and anti-Semitism?

Here is the article.

https://www.commentarymagazine.com/articles/rise-black-anti-semitism/

I'd like your opinion.

Also, if you could, please lead me to some links from Jewish sources, preferably non-partisan, about anti-Semitism coming from both sides.

[nolabear]

2. Well, I went to Shabbat at a friend's synagogue tonight.

There were a bunch of Christians, Muslims, atheists like me, etc. who just went and sang and read and even danced a little, because we were told that now is the most important time to dance. Some people guarded the doors, just to show they were willing to protect our friends. We talked about healing and social justice and the need for activism in this insanity. That wasn’t adjacent to the service, it WAS the service. I felt more peace there than in most places I go, because we mattered more than them, or him.

It’s a good start.

[TomSlick]

8. That occurred to me.

But there are no synagogues any where near me.

[MurrayDelph]

13. Same here

The nearest shul is 80 miles away. I'd planned to go today, but found out the Saturday services started at 9:15, which would mean leaving by 7. Couldn't do it.

[TomSlick]

16. Almost exactly my situation.

Give or take five miles.

[leftynyc]

3. Try and catch the first

20 minutes of Bill Maher's show last night. Bari Weiss writes for the NYTimes and she had her Bat Mitzvah at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. She and Bill had an important discussion about anti-semitism - on the right and on the left.

[TomSlick]

9. I never miss Maher.

I have to wade through his religious animus but it's usually worth the trip. I will curious to see whether he can discuss anti-Semitism without attacking Judaism.

[leftynyc]

12. I can't think of a time

when Bill trashed Judaism. I know his mother was Jewish and while I've seen him burn other religions, he singes Judaism and only referencing the Chassidic especially those that don think Israel should exist yet.

But in all honesty, it was one of the best of his shows I'd ever seen. Relevant talk from start to finish.

[TomSlick]

15. It's recorded. I look forward to it.

I also cannot recall hearing him attack Judaism - at least not directly. His general anti-religious attacks are off-putting.

The broad brush religious attacks are unhelpful. The right is anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim. Some on the left simply are simply anti-religion. We need to learn to simply respect each other. Mocking religion - any religion - is illiberal.

[qwlauren35]

19. I watched it.

some things I took away.

Left-wing anti-Semitism is often aimed at Israel.

Right-wing anti-Semitism is usually in the form of a conspiracy theory that Jews control everything.

Jews are 2% of America's population, but the recipients of 50% of all hate crimes.

That last one, I didn't know, and I am sickened. And I want to do something.

Let me know if you have any ideas.

[leftynyc]

22. I can only tell you

what I try and do. Never let hatred or bigotry stand, when you see it, when you hear it, say something. We'll never stamp it out but driving it underground, making it seen as the ugliness it is, educating when you can - those are the things we can all do. But please don't kid yourself when it comes to anti-semitism. It's the oldest hatred and Israel is merely the latest excuse and plenty on the left, some right here make comments like Israel controls our policies. No different from the ugliness from the right.

[Solly Mack]

4. Listen, read, visit - look for community programs in your area.

Lots of good books explaining anti-Semitism. Jewish people will tell you what is and isn't offensive - just ask.

Reach out, mainly.

Reach out and let people know you want to help.

[MissB]

5. Bring light

That was the message I read in an article after the attack. I’d rather not link to it, but the gist of it was to fight the darkness, bring light through good actions in your community. Those actions can be with the Jewish community or not- just bring light into the world through good actions.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

6. What's your goal?

[TomSlick]

11. That's the problem.

My goal is vague - I just want to DO something.

I guess I want to say very clearly that the anti-Semitism is not acceptable. There is a very small Jewish population in this area - no synagogues for miles. The anti-Semitism in this area is subtle because there is no one on whom to focus the hatred.

Maybe the problem is that my soul is hurt and needs to DO something.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

14. How is anti-Semitism expressed in your area?

[TomSlick]

17. I RARELY hear anti-Semitic remarks.

Mainly from older folks. (I've broken my parents from such - at least in my earshot.)

You're making me think - thanks. I think my problem is that anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim, racism, misogyn, etc. are becoming socially acceptable - at least among the Trumpsters. A sign in the yard for Dem candidates, a futile vote in my very red district, contributing to Dem candidates that have a shot at winning, all help. I still want to somehow say "This isn't me - Hate is not acceptable."

[LAS14]

10. Vote, vote, vote. Get others to vote. Raise money. Make calls. Write postcards. nt

[TomSlick]

18. All done.

Just need to do something more specific.

[diva77]

20. I don't know anything about the ADL, but according to this,

"The mission of ADL (Anti-Defamation League) is to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all."

it might be a good place to get ideas.

https://www.adl.org/

[TomSlick]

21. Good idea.

Or maybe, the HIAS. The murder seems to have particularly hated the HIAS. Maybe a check to the group this putz hates is the answer. I think the HIAS has branched out to aiding all immigrants so maybe I can get a twofer.

Thanks.

[leftynyc]

23. HIAS is the world's oldest

refugee organization. Founded in 1888 to resettle Jews fleeing programs and other persecution. Now they're one of 9 other organizations that work with our state department helping refugees all over the world. They say they started helping and taking in refugees because they were Jewish and now help others because we - HIAS - is Jewish. They pay it forward. And that's what had that Jew hating piece of shit attack that synagogue.

[TomSlick]

24. I sincerely appreciate the suggestion.