Antisemitism.
This is not a political statement. This is not a joke. This is blatant hate.
Antisemitism is the hostility to or prejudice against Jewish people. In truth, though, that definition doesn’t begin to cover the topic. It is the constant worry of being attacked and the hesitance to wear a Star of David. It is the want to suppress an integral part of my life.
In this day and age, antisemitic behavior has infected our world. As a Jewish person, I have often felt fear in places I should feel the most safe.
Fear of hateful speech in school.
Fear of decorating my home for the holidays.
Fear of being harmed for my identity.
In December, my home was vandalized after displaying decorations for the holidays. Our inflatable Hanukkah bear was knocked down and almost destroyed. Every other house on the block had decorations. Every other house was rejoicing in the festivities of the season. The only difference? We were celebrating a different holiday—a Jewish holiday.
I witness at least one antisemitic “joke” a day, whether that’s scrolling on the internet or walking through the halls of Monarch. We have integrated antisemitism into our daily lives—hurting and creating an unsafe environment for our classmates and closest friends.
Over the past ten years, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reports an 893% increase in antisemitic incidents in the United States. That’s a difference between 942 incidents reported in 2015 to 9,354 in 2024.
Fifteen people murdered at a Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration in Australia on Dec. 14. Among those killed was a Holocaust survivor.
A couple shot leaving the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington.
A fatal attack on a Manchester temple on Yom Kippur—the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
The firebombing of a peaceful hostage protest in Boulder last spring.
These events are a few headlines on the ever-growing list of horrific antisemitic attacks plaguing the nation.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, the Jewish people are suffering. Suffering from the actions of people who believe they have a right to harm others because of their opinions.
Through the media and political leaders, antisemitism has become a political matter. A product of false and provocative information. A normalized hatred. A virus.
The masses have blurred the line between criticizing Israel and Israel’s actions and criticizing the existence of the Jewish people, which is unacceptable. No matter who someone is or what their political beliefs are, no one has the authority to declare a group of people less worthy of life and humanity than another. We have a right to life, to expression, and to feel safe in our own homes.
To reiterate, this is not a political statement. This is a plea from myself and my community. A plea for the freedom to decorate my house for the holidays without fear of being attacked.
In a world of the internet, social media, and all different types of information being spread, it is implorable to double, triple check statements you see on the internet. But above all, stop spreading hate. It takes so much extra time out of your day to say a negative word, ruin a person’s day, or commit a vile act of harm. Use that energy to be the highlight of someone’s day. Lift people up over tearing them down. Create a positive and accepting environment for everyone—no matter who they are, where they come from, or what religion they practice.
