Antisemitism is rising. What can you do?

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There is a rising tide of hate and polarization in America and beyond. Recently released data crimes shows hate crimes at a 16-year high, according to the FBI. Recent antisemitic rhetoric incidents coming from all sides of the political spectrum and ideological diverse actors highlight the problematic increase in Jew hatred. 

Mostly notably, Kanye West has made controversial, antisemitic remarks, including claiming that he wanted to go “death con 3 on Jewish people.” His words spurred an antisemitic hate group to hang a banner over a busy Los Angeles freeway stating “Kanye is right about the Jews.” A number of people raised their arms in a Nazi salute as they stood behind the banner. His comments have spurred other prominent figures in sports and pop culture to weigh in, some of them defending his antisemitic rhetoric. 

Antisemitism on both sides of the ideological spectrum, exhibited in new and sometimes deadly ways, demands that communities find ways to combat it. One of the best approaches to combating it is to build allies and an understanding that hate against one group of people impacts us all.

So, what can you do about the rise in antisemitism? The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center has the tools and resources you need to confront hatred and antisemitism when you see it. Here are seven things you can do today. 

1. Educate yourself by watching our recent webinar, Unpacking Antisemitism Today: Tropes, Conspiracy Theories & Violence

The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council and the American Jewish Committee, hosted “Unpacking Antisemitism Today: Tropes, Conspiracy Theories & Violence.” Watch a recording. 

2. Share a newly created curricular resource with an educator you know. 

In response to recent antisemitic event, the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center created a NEW CURRICULAR RESOURCE FOR EDUCATORS CALLED, “WHAT IS ANTISEMITISM AND WHY DOES IT MATTER TODAY?” In this interactive lesson,students will develop an understanding of Jewish identity and historical and contemporary antisemitism. Students will watch testimony from local survivors, analyze visual imagery, and examine sources relating to laws and propaganda to understand antisemitism in all its forms through history. This resource can be used to build relevant background knowledge prior to a visit to HHC, as an introduction to any Holocaust unit or as a catalyst for discussing current-day antisemitism with students. Share it with an educator today. Questions? Contact Education Outreach Manager Lauren Karas at [email protected]

3. Visit the museum and learn about the evolution of the world’s oldest hatred. 

When you visit the museum, you’ll learn about the origins and complexities of antisemitism, and you’ll learn how to spot its contemporary manifestations. Located at Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal, the site where numerous Holocaust survivors arrived in Cincinnati to rebuild their lives, THE MUSEUM EXAMINES THIS WATERSHED MOMENT THROUGH ITS LOCAL CONNECTION. Using innovative storytelling, interactive experiences, and genuine artifacts, visitors witness the strength and courage of the human spirit set against the backdrop of one of the darkest chapters in human history. The museum incorporates media, artifacts, art, and interactive exhibitions to share this history and its lessons. It also includes the Humanity Gallery where visitors explore moments, meeting individuals who activated their character strengths to become upstanders and bring change to our community and world. 

You can also experience our newest artificial intelligence exhibit. Using specialized recording and display technologies and next-generation natural language processing, DIMENSIONS IN TESTIMONY allows visitors to ask two-dimensional displays of Holocaust survivors questions and receive responses in real time. Dimensions in Testimony is on exhibit in only eight other museums in the world. The exhibit experience – sponsored by the Harold C. Schott Foundation – is included as part of general admission to the Holocaust & Humanity Center’s museum at Union Terminal.

4. Book a training opportunity with HHC and the JCRC. 

Contact the Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Cincinnati for a special training opportunity for your company, church, congregation, or other organization. HHC and JCRC professionals will facilitate important, relevant lessons about antisemitism today and how you and your organization can take a stand against it. BOOK IT today. 

5. If you see antisemitism, be an upstander. 

If you witness antisemitism in your antisemitism in your local school or work communities, reach out for help. The JCRC can help you navigate to ensure an effective response. The mission of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) is the survival and security of the Jewish people in our community and nation, in the Jewish and democratic State of Israel, and throughout the world.  Learn more on their website or contact JCRC Director Ari Ballaban at [email protected].

6. Join with allies. 

Join with the CINCINNATI REGIONAL COALITION AGAINST HATE, which is housed at HHC, in standing together against hatred and bigotry of all kinds. Learn about next week’s full slate of programming across the community marking United Against Hate Week, and sign the pledge against hatred today.

7. Support our work. 

With antisemitism and hate is increasing at alarming rates, your support has never been as important as it is today. When you give as a Beacon of Humanity, you empower the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center to carry out its vital mission. The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center exists to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today. As we embark on a new chapter of expansive growth, the Center is reaching millions through educational programming, ground-breaking technology, innovative digital events, and museum experiences that touch hearts and minds. Support OUR MISSION. 

ABOUT THE NANCY & DAVID WOLF HOLOCAUST & HUMANITY CENTER

The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center exists to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today. Located at Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal, HHC impacts more than 2.5 million people every year through digital and in-person events, museum tours, educational experiences, social media, and virtual content. From Australia to India, individuals from more than 25 countries and 30 states engage with our mission. For  more information, visit WWW.HOLOCAUSTANDHUMANITY.ORG