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If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
As early as the Babylonian period, Hillel the Elder emphasized the importance of self-support, taking responsibility for one’s own needs as a foundation for recognizing and attending to the needs of others, without slipping into selfishness, and acting with urgency rather than delay. This teaching resonates with my own journey in fighting antisemitism.
Growing up openly Jewish in the diaspora, I have always been conscious of antisemitism. Participating in a youth movement fostered pride, purpose, and education, giving me confidence to discuss Israel and Judaism with non-Jews despite initial fear of judgment.
Antisemitism has adapted to today’s polarized politics. On the right, far-right nationalism in Europe revives old antisemitic tropes; on the left, particularly in academic spaces on university campuses, we see anti-Israel activism giving rise to hostility towards Jews. Antisemitism is being excused as intellectual discussion, with no real penalties.
A survey run by The Intra-Communal Professorial Group , where 497 Jewish students from more than 80 universities in the UK found........