Is Being Jewish Controversial? A Look at Modern Antisemitism

Since the October 7th, 2023, attack, Jewish communities worldwide have faced a significant surge in antisemitism and outright hatred. This troubling rise manifests in various ways, from swastikas defacing public spaces to Jewish students being bullied on college campuses and Jewish-owned businesses being vandalized and ambushed.

A peculiar narrative has also emerged, often propagated by pro-Palestinian activists, claiming, “It’s not about hating Jews; it’s about hating Zionists.” This assertion is deeply problematic and feels like a form of gaslighting. If the animosity is directed solely toward Zionists, why are Jewish individuals and communities across the globe bearing the brunt of this hostility? This rhetorical distinction often collapses in practice, as Jewish people everywhere, regardless of their stance on Israel, become targets of hate.

A recent incident involving actor Adrien Brody further highlights this issue. Brody, known for his portrayals of Jewish characters in film, used his platform at the Golden Globes to address the rise in antisemitism over the years. During his speech, he stated, “Yes, unfortunately, there is obviously a tremendous amount of antisemitism. It’s intimate to me, the roles that I’ve played, and it makes me feel grateful to be a part of storytelling that speaks to this and the many other issues that the film provides insight into.” His remarks focused solely on antisemitism and avoided any commentary on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Yet, almost immediately, his words were met with a barrage of hateful comments online, accusing him of supporting “genocide.” The response underscores a troubling reality: speaking out against antisemitism is often met with hostility, even when the message has no connection to broader geopolitical issues.

To put this in perspective, imagine a Black man sharing his experiences with racism, discussing the historical trauma of slavery and systemic discrimination. Now imagine if his words were dismissed or weaponized, with critics accusing him of playing the victim or deflecting from other issues. Such a scenario would rightfully provoke outrage. So why is it that when Jewish individuals speak about their struggles, their pain is invalidated, reframed, or met with attacks?

This double standard is a stark reminder of the unique challenges facing Jewish people today. It begs the question: Why is being Jewish increasingly seen as controversial? When did acknowledging and confronting antisemitism become a polarizing act?

The answer lies, in part, in the pervasive nature of modern antisemitism, which often masquerades under the guise of political discourse. While criticism of Israeli policies is legitimate and necessary in the context of global politics, the line is crossed when this criticism spills over into broad, indiscriminate hatred toward Jewish people.

As antisemitism continues to rise, it’s essential to separate genuine political dialogue from hate-fueled rhetoric. The Jewish community, like any other, deserves the right to speak about its struggles, advocate for its safety, and exist without being vilified. Acknowledging this isn’t controversial—it’s a fundamental aspect of human dignity.