Hatred is often birthed by ignorance and most antisemites know little about Judaism beyond toxic myths.  That’s not surprising, considering that there are only 15 million Jews in the world, less than 0.2% of the world’s population.  

But Judaism is a religion that is infused with positivity and light.  At its heart is “Tikkun Olam,” repair of the world.  The Old Testament teaches “v’ahavta l’rei’acha kamocha, you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18), and it expands upon this idea a few verses later in Leviticus 19:33-34) - “you shall love [the stranger] in your land as yourself, because you were once strangers in Egypt.” At the core of Judaism is a mission of putting more light into the world and defeating hatred and intolerance.

So like many of the world’s great spiritual traditions, Judaism has some beautiful gems to offer the world.  Let’s share these gems. 

Michelle Obama said it well: “When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you don’t stoop to their level. No, our motto is: ‘When they go low, we go high’.”

The way to counter negative, false stereotypes is to offer positive stereotypes.  Let’s combat antisemitism by leading by example, and putting light into the world instead of feeding the darkness.

Antisemitism is but one pernicious example of hatred directed against an out group. There will always be out groups.  

"First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."

—Martin Niemöller

When we fight against antisemitism, we must make it part of an even larger battle against ALL forms of hatred, intolerance, lies, and demagoguery.

(Okay, that’s technically two E’s, which means we have 5 E’s in total….)

Whether Jewish or of another faith, we can all find it within ourselves to be enthusiastic and proud ambassadors for Judaism.  Over the centuries, when Jews have been subjected to persecution, we’ve “circled the wagons” and turned inward. This may have played an important role in the survival of Judaism.  But perhaps it’s time to add outreach (engaged enthusiasm) as a response to antisemitism.  We’re not talking about proselytizing--Judaism has always been respectful of other spiritual traditions and does not seek converts.  But Judaism has much to offer the world and we don’t need to dim the light we can offer.

Certainly it makes sense for Jews to be enthusiastic ambassadors and positive representatives of their own religion, but non-Jews, how is that possible?  Note that one of the definitions of “ambassador” is “proponent.”  You don’t have to be Jewish to be an enthusiastic proponent for the positivity that Judaism can offer the world.