How Has Antisemitism Affected You?
Steven Zimmerman, Reporter, New Mexico
We took to our social media channels with a simple question: How has antisemitism affected you since October 7th?
Since the Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, antisemitism has become more visible and more radical, and we wanted to know what you have experienced.
Let’s start with a few negative replies we received.
RubyMoonBeam.art, over on TikTok, describes herself as an “Artist, Nurse, energy healer, shamanic practitioner, gardener, creator of things” and says, “Free Palestine! What kind of disgusting peice of filth commits genocide on children!.”
Of course, there are far too many in the United States who have taken the propaganda of Hamas, and they believe it as if it is their gospel.
TikTok user Al-Masih ad-Dajjal says, “That doesn’t exist….is a made up excuse to carry out the genocide in Gaza…”
A user on Instagram told us that the only antisemitism is towards Muslims around the world. This particular user, Adnan, decided that message was important enough to share on all our posts and with those who follow us. Blocked, and we moved on.
Someone by the name of Malcum decided to call us and leave a voicemail, sharing his view of antisemitism since 7 October 2023.
“Ain’t no Jew hate,” he screamed into our voicemail. “I find you and finish what the Austrian painter couldn’t cook your Jew pig ass.”
That voicemail echoes a comment that we see pretty often on TikTok. A comment that TikTok says is in no way connected to antisemitism.
Before we move on from the negative comments we received, let’s consider what a Christian patriot had to say.
Samual Williams, United States Army (ret) and current congressional candidate from Florida, shared a Tweet showing a pro-Palestinian protest, with a man proudly making the Nazi salute.
Williams said of the rising antisemitism in America, “It’s anti-American; it needs to stop.”
Samuel Williams has said that it is time for the United States Immigrations and Customs to take a hard look at who is protesting Israel and the Jews and maybe revoke their student visas.
“We [speaking of the United States] have imported the problems from the Middle East,” says Williams. “We are allowing far too many military-aged men into our country, uncheck. The way Islam and pro-Hamas sentiments are growing in the United Kingdom, they are following the same path here in the US.”
What did you have to say about the antisemitism you have experienced since 7 October?
On X (formerly Twitter), Lisa says, “Ruined my entire mental health.”
Monica, who decided to visit us in person, agreed with Lisa.
“I don’t want to detract from those in our world who are truly suffering from PTSD and depression,” says Monica, “but I am finding myself suffering with both. I fear even walking out of my home and purchasing groceries.”
According to WebMD, recent studies show that senseless hatred or othering of a group of people based on their social identities like religion, race, ethnicity, nationality, or beliefs can lead to harmful long-term effects on physical and mental health. It can suppress personal identity, too.
When you experience discrimination, bullying, or hatred from another person or establishments like schools, colleges, or work, it can take a toll on your mental health. It can affect your day-to-day quality of life.
It can trigger fear, anxiety, stress, doubt, insecurity, crankiness, PTSD, and substance abuse.
It can also damage your health by raising your cortisol, increasing your heart rate, causing inflammation, weakening your immunity, and raising your blood pressure.
If you are feeling like Lisa or Monica, I urge you to visit with your doctor and Rabbi. I also urge the creation of support groups within the Jewish community to create a safe space to decompress and share.
A Rabbi who sent us a message on X and asked us not to mention his name said that his whole community is afraid.
“We are in [location redacted], in a Jewish neighborhood; we all know each other,” says the Rabbi. “We know who doesn’t belong.”
The Rabbi said they have had to hire security to patrol their community. They are also now transporting the older community members to Shul on Shabbos.
“We shouldn’t be driving,” says the Rabbi, “but we’ve hired drives to collect those who are most vulnerable to thugs that may come back again.”
Yakov, a Yeshiva student, messaged us through Facebook.
“I have a fear for my life now, every day,” he writes. “I have been punched; I had my hat and kippah taken off from me. This thing happened in these United States, not some far off place. Very disgusting.”
Dana says she began a transformation on 7 October 2023.
“I have taken this as a sign and opportunity for becoming frum,” wrote Dana. “This is not the 1930s or 40s, this is 2023 and 24, I will be more Jewish, and live my Jewishness publicly.”
I agree with Dana. Since the attacks by Hamas, I’ve started to become more frum, more Jewish in my thinking and acting. Hiding who I am, what I am, serves only to dishonor my family and causes the pro-Hamas groups to win.
We may be suffering abuse of all kinds, but we won’t let their hate win. We must stand together, stay strong, and educate the world.
We would love to hear from you now, what are you doing to strengthen your faith and your community in the face of rising hate and antisemitism.
Am Yisrael Chai
