The increasing prevalence of Antisemitism since Oct. 7 should alarm everyone
A recent study published on the anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks in Israel reveals that a staggering 3.5 million American Jews claim to have encountered various forms of antisemitism within the past year.
Highlighted findings from the National Opinion Research Council at the University of Chicago, a renowned social-science institution, include:
- 25% of Jewish respondents avoid showing their Jewish identity at work, marking a 33% increase over the previous year.
- 25% of those associated with a synagogue report that their institution has been subjected to graffiti, threats, or attacks since October 7.
- 39% of Jewish students at universities have felt uncomfortable or unsafe at campus events due to their identity, while 29% have experienced exclusion from groups or events because of their Jewish background.
Aside from emotional impacts, the Anti-Defamation League has recorded over 150 cases of physical assaults against Jews in the US over the past year, along with 8,000 instances of verbal or written harassment and 1,840 incidents of vandalism.
This translates to nearly 10,000 explicitly antisemitic acts committed against Jews in the US, marking a 200% increase from the previous year’s 3,300 incidents. This surge should be a cause for alarm for all.
Unfortunately, this issue has not received adequate attention.
Despite campaigning as a caring individual, Kamala Harris rarely acknowledges this crisis in her speeches, choosing instead to rely on trivial anecdotes. American Jews are not just feeling threatened; they are in danger. The response to this crisis is eerily reminiscent of past situations.
In the same way that victims of crimes from the 1960s to the 1990s faced blame and scrutiny, American Jews are now being forced to defend themselves against baseless accusations and questions regarding their perceived provocation. This growing hostility is often attributed to Jewish ties to Israel, among other reasons.
The antisemitism witnessed in the past year stems from long-standing prejudices that have persisted throughout history. Even today, certain political, intellectual, and academic circles in the US justify acts of violence against Jews as responses to alleged Israeli actions, failing to condemn these acts as unprovoked aggression.
This deep-rooted hatred of Jews is nothing new; it has existed for centuries and can be traced back to prominent anti-Jewish figures throughout history. On Oct. 7, the age-old scapegoating of Jews resurfaced, highlighting the ongoing threat it poses.
Thankfully, modern Jews now have a homeland, a strong military, and a commitment to overcoming their adversaries — including possessing nuclear weapons.
