Antisemitism Is on the Rise…Including in Your Workplace
A 2022 study found that more than half of Jewish respondents experienced discrimination at work. In the US, we are now facing record high levels of anti-Jewish bias and violence, but antisemitism is still widely misunderstood and frequently overlooked in conversations about inclusion and justice.
Often described as the canary in the coal mine, antisemitism is a danger for everyone because it tends to fuel other forms of hate including anti-Black racism, xenophobia, misogyny, and transphobia. Anti-Jewish bigotry is a viral form of racialized hate. As Black antiracist activist Eric Ward puts it, “Contemporary antisemitism, then, does not just enable racism, it also is racism, for in the White nationalist imaginary Jews are a race—the race—that presents an existential threat to Whiteness.”
Many of you have asked me how you can support the Jewish community in your workplaces, schools, and organizations. Here are 5 ways to be an ally in the fight against antisemitism:
SPEAK UP Commit to being an ally of the Jewish community by publicly condemning acts of antisemitism. If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of antisemitism, please report it.
SHARE FACTS Educate others when you hear antisemitic myths, tropes, and conspiracy theories. The ADL’s Antisemitism Uncovered: A Guide to Old Myths in a New Era is a great resource.
DON’T GASLIGHT If employees or colleagues report antisemitism, don’t dismiss their experiences or concerns. Instead, treat these folks as you would any other team members who report bias or discrimination.
RECOGNIZE INTERSECTIONALITY Jewish people aren’t a monolith. Many of us are multiethnic, Jews of color, queer, transgender, nonbinary, and people with disabilities. Recognizing the various lived experiences of Jews is crucial to making your coworkers feel seen, heard, and included.
PROVIDE RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS Do you have a clear policy for religious accommodations? Inclusive organizations make reasonable efforts to respect the religious beliefs and practices of all employees.
Want to educate your team or organization on antisemitism and how to support your Jewish colleagues? Contact me and let’s discuss it!
