A Research Training Internship (RTI) Report | June 2019 Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge those who played an important role in supporting our research this year. First, we would like to thank Dr. Beth Catlett, Dr. Amira Proweller, and the DePaul University Library staff for being resources during our research. Thanks to Beckee Birger and Jesse Allen for all the work you put in all year to make everything happen. We would like to thank all the RTI cohorts who paved the way and served as an inspiration for us, and we want to thank our families for driving us and supporting us through the many hours spent working on this project. We want to acknowledge all Jews who have ever felt alone and all women who have ever felt powerless: we are here because of you. Finally, we want to thank DePaul University, the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, all of our funders (listed below). Without your support and generosity, this work would not have been possible. Table of Contents A RITUAL FOR … Acknowledgements 2

RTI Cohort 5 Positionalities 4 Jewish holidays and rituals are critical pieces Introduction 8 of Jewish life. They help us find meaning in joy and purpose in sadness.

I. The History of Antisemitism in America 9 Each research subgroup chose a Jewish ritual to connect our research to create ways for II. L’dor V’dor: Antisemitism in Daily Life 12 our readers to connect their everyday lives to antisemitism. III. Jews, Mental Health, and Antisemitism 18 Honoring Jewish heroes 11 IV.  Learning From Our Allies: through costume on Purim Lessons From Other Oppressed Groups 22 Educating others about 18 antisemitism for Hanukkah Testimonials 27 Using mikveh to cleanse ourselves 21 Resources 29 after an act of antisemitism

In Memoriam 28 Thinking about allyship and 25 antisemitism at Passover

Contributors

Research conducted by Research Training Internship (RTI)

Interns Alana Newberger Ellie Goldsmith Ellie Ousley Estefani Smith Gwen Tucker Julia Gershberg Mariel Mudrik Rachel Fadem Rebecca Gross Sabrina Goldsmith Sara Grostern Scarlet Zell Shaina Grossman Sydney Kaplan

RTI Report | June 2019 3 RTI Cohort 5 Positionalities

As feminist researchers, we believe Alana Newberger (she/her) that our positions in the world (such Lane Tech High School as race, class, and gender) add 11th grade important context and depth to our I am an ethnically Jewish, straight, white, cis girl. I feel this research is work. Instead of attempting to avoid all important to me because I can feel the bias, we want to acknowledge that bias rising antisemitism in my life and think that the most effective way to create exists as part of life. By acknowledging change is to fully analyze the situation and evaluate what changes would be the most advantageous. More specifically, our positionalities, we can help the I feel that conducting research on the role of allyship was reader situate the subjectivities and immensely impactful. power structures that impact us as researchers and impact our research on antisemitism.

Ellie Goldsmith Ellie Ousley (she/her) (she/her) Highland Park High School Rochelle Zell Jewish High School 10th grade 9th grade I am a conservative Jew, identify as I identify as a cisgendered, heterosexual, white, straight, and cisgendered. and an able-bodied Jew. As an African I applied for RTI because of the American and Sephardic Jew, I have frustration I feel regarding the lack always felt different from my community. of understanding of what feminism Because of my differences, it is often is. There are a lot of misconceptions, and I personally had a hard for me to accept my Judaism in fear of being rejected by few that have been changed as a result of RTI. Furthermore, both communities. RTI has been a safe space where I am able antisemitism is a rising problem in the U.S. that gets little to no to come to terms with who I am. RTI has taught me that my recognition and this needs fixing. RTI has provided me with a voice is as valuable as anyone else’s. I now realize that thanks to space to combat sexism and antisemitism. my differences, I am able to share a unique perspective of my Judaism with others.

4 An exploration of antisemitism in the 21st century RTI Cohort 5 Positionalities

Estefani Smith Gwen Tucker (she/her) (she/her) Lincoln Park High School Evanston Township High School 10th grade 10th grade My important identity traits: I am a white, cisgender, Female, Jewish, Hispanic, bisexual, Ashkenazi Jewish woman. These Guatemalan, upper middle class, intersectionalities in my identities help cisgender, able-bodied. This research me to better understand social justice about antisemitism and working with and the concept that we can be both my group on mental health is so important to me because I privileged and oppressed. By recognizing my privileges, my have experienced antisemitism throughout my life. Especially race, socioeconomic status, and more, I can better understand as a Jew of Color, I have overheard comments about Jews that the power that I hold and my own ability to help others who are I wasn’t supposed to hear only because they thought I wasn’t oppressed. Being an active member of the Jewish community Jewish since I don’t look “Jewish.” I come from two different through my synagogue, programs like RTI, and in other secular worlds since I am adopted, and I carry a unique story with me. I spaces has given me a unique perspective, especially on have struggled with mental health for a few years but having a issues like antisemitism. With the rise in antisemitism around support system in RTI and having resources to help me combat the world, I have become more and more aware of the space my problems has helped me drastically these past few months. that my Judaism holds. In my personal life and in the political Mental health is such a taboo topic that should be talked about sphere, I often see issues of antisemitism being pushed to the more. Just like a person with a broken leg has to go to the side and disregarded. It has been so empowering for me to able hospital, a person struggling with a mental disorder needs help, to use my voice along with my cohort to create an important care, and attention too. I hope people remember to reach out conversation about this issue. It is sometimes very scary to be when someone is having a bad day, and keep in mind mental Jewish, but I am so proud of my identity and the perseverance disorders are a real thing even if we can’t see them. of Jewish people and culture.

Julia Gershberg Mariel Mudrik (she/her) (she/her) Walter Payton College Prepatory Glenbrook North High School 9th grade 10th grade I am a cis, white, straight, upper At Glenbrook North, I am a member middle class, first generation of Color Guard and a participant in American, female. Recognizing my various clubs such as After-School All- privilege and oppression has been Stars and the School Magazine. I am a an interesting topic to navigate while Jewish, sixteen-year-old, Caucasian, both conducting research and in discovering my identity. and cis-gender woman who aspires to connect people of Antisemitism seemed like a prevalent topic to explore because, different religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds through especially in recent times, it is widely persistent yet very much art. By going to Camp Nageela for four years and traveling to unrecognized. With the rise of social media and the ability Israel for the past two summers, I have broadened my love and to spread hate to millions in the matter of seconds, I was understanding for my Jewish heritage. As an American citizen interested in not only researching how antisemitism affects and a child of immigrants from the former Soviet Union, I hear teens but how it affects their mental health in particular. I have my parents speak about the antisemitism they experienced seen in my own community how antisemitism affects young there and notice the same antisemitic patterns visible in adults in such sweeping ways. modern American society. I truly believe that the most effective way to combat oppression in the 21st century is by diverse groups of people coming together and letting the general public know that they will support each other and not stand by while one of them is hurt.

RTI Report | June 2019 5 RTI Cohort 5 Positionalities

Rachel Fadem Rebecca Gross (she/her) (she/her) Whitney Young High School The Francis Parker School 12th grade 10th grade As a cisgendered, white-functioning As a young Jewish female, this work female, I recognize my privilege. I have has become increasingly important used this privilege to learn more about to me. From Vanessa Wruble getting social justice and become an advocate kicked out by the Women’s March, for many causes. Outside of RTI, I to a fellow Chicago high school girl advocate for mental health issues and have advocated against holding up a cardboard swastika for a picture, to the two racism and antisemitism. I also enjoy writing and music and synagogue shootings this year, I feel that it is becoming hope to one day become a journalist. I was fortunate enough to more and more important to bring widespread awareness to spend last summer in Israel, and that experience strengthened the escalating issue of antisemitism. my Jewish identity. This research is important to me because as a proud Jew, I have been constantly discriminated against. I go to a super liberal and diverse school, and I have realized that discrimination against Jews is not something that is important to other people at my school. As a liberal Jew, I have found it hard to find my place within the political and social spectrum. Doing this research has helped me understand my intersectionalities better.

Sabrina Goldsmith Sara Grostern (she/her) (she/her) Lane Tech High School Walter Payton College Preparatory 10th grade 11th grade I am a white, female, middle class, first I was raised in a Jew ish, upper-middle- generation American. This research class family in an urban environment is important to me because I strongly and attended a majority white, see a need for more research and privileged Jewish middle school. I am education on antisemitism throughout fortunate to experience rich diversity society. This is a bigger issue than just derogatory slurs or at my public high school. As a white, cisgender female, I offensive “jokes”, both of which I have personally experienced. understand my privilege and realize that this privilege impacts People need to understand that antisemitism is a real, physical my everyday life and opportunities. The research we conducted threat to all Jews. We shouldn’t have to wait for another during RTI this year is important to me because antisemitism synagogue shooting to make people in power understand the is so widespread and rampant in society today and clearly impact of this threat. needs to be addressed; RTI is an amazing opportunity to do something about this by spreading awareness about such an important problem in the Jewish community. I have a passion for understanding how social justice relates to Jewish identity and culture. I conducted in-depth research about this topic for one of my classes. I hope to continue to investigate how different Jewish issues and social justice issues are impacted by American society today, and RTI has given me the perfect platform to do so.

6 An exploration of antisemitism in the 21st century RTI Cohort 5 Positionalities

Scarlet Zell Shaina Grossman (she/her) (she/her) Walter Payton College Preparatory Rochelle Zell Jewish High School, 11th grade 10th grade

I identify as female, Jewish, white, I identify as female, Caucasian, and cis-gender, heterosexual, upper-middle heterosexual. I am an Ashkenazi class and American. I understand that Jew, and I have attended a Jewish I have privilege and with it comes a day school or high school for fifteen responsibility to give others who do not years. The research we conducted in have privilege a voice. This research is important to me because RTI is important to me because it has meaning, purpose, and it has a direct effect on my life and the lives of others, Jewish and non-Jewish alike. I think it is important that everyone learns instills a new understanding of antisemitism that is not taught in the prevalence of antisemitism in our society, especially now that school. Antisemitism is prevalent both in our communities and it is on the rise. beyond, and it is not given the platform it deserves. I hope that the research we conducted in RTI will shed needed light on this overlooked topic.

Sydney Kaplan (she/her) “Individuals bearing Deerfield High School 11th grade witness cannot do the I am Jewish, female, Caucasian, and straight. This research is work of social movements, so important to me because antisemitism is so persistent in but they can break a society today and antisemitism needs to be combated. I believe the researching antisemitism in the Chicagoland area is necessary in order corrosive and to educate others so that they can use that knowledge to take key steps necessary to combat antisemitism. As a Jewish teen girl, doing this research helps me dig deeper demoralizing silence.” into my identity and help the Jewish community I am apart of overcome antisemitism. ~ Ellen Willis

RTI Report | June 2019 7 Introduction

In the beginning of our year together, games took place. We giggled as mental health of Chicagoland teens. none of us knew where our research feminist Jewish stand-up routines Surveys were created and spread by would lead us. The Research Training were crafted. We agonized over AP the hundreds; dozens of interviews Internship, a program hosted by the exams, the SAT, the ACT, and all the conducted; powerful testimonies were Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan other demands of a busy school year. collected. Hours were spent at DePaul’s Chicago in partnership with the DePaul The more times we got off track, we Richardson library pouring over colonial University and the Beck Research began to realize just how vital it was historical texts as our RTIs charted the Initiative for Women, Gender, and to observe the world around us while migration of 17th century American Community brought us fifteen building meaningful relationships with Jews. Meanwhile other RTIs explored exceptionally bright teens from the one another; we learned this was the the university’s extensive database, Chicagoland area. Our interns didn’t right track all along. finding the most breakthrough research know much about each other, nor did on how trauma from the Holocaust can These observations are what ultimately we know much about them, but we disrupt Jewish DNA sequencing. As spearheaded our research. In October, had a year to research social justice, feminist scholars, our research is not we found ourselves coming together as feminist research methodology, and centered on discovering a “universal” a cohort in the freezing rain to mourn explore our Jewish identities. truth or establishing hard and fast the brutal murder of eight Pittsburgh generalizations about our world, but This was, of course, not an easy Jews in their house of worship and rather to understand the experiences year. We had to adjust and alter our protest the largest antisemitic attack that are rooted within the margins. planned curriculum various times in US history. Again, we had to stop These experiences, often gendered because current events required us and grapple what it meant when a and racialized, are powerful centers to pay attention and to create space Minnesota congresswoman tweeted of empirical knowledge and offer us for difficult conversations. In one of a antisemitic trope in her criticism of untold wisdom. It has been a superbly our earliest sessions, we paused to AIPAC. We found ourselves questioning fantastic experience seeing our RTIs observe how racism and misogyny whether antisemitism was present tap into these wisdoms and become intersect one another in the unfair in leftist spaces as accusations came sources of knowledge creation in their treatment at the US Open of Olympic forward against the Women’s March own right. athlete, Serena Williams. A few weeks founders. Our RTIs sensed that modern later we found ourselves pausing again antisemitism was a problem that While we are sad that our year together as Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testified not enough people were exploring. is coming to a close, we are excited against the man who sexually assaulted The mission of their research was for our RTIs to present their research her, a man who would ultimately end to establish a conversation between and disseminate their knowledge to up on the Supreme Court, and more people who are directly affected by their communities. They have worked importantly, what happens when a antisemitism and their communities to incredibly hard and we know that their survivor tells their story. There were foster solidarity through this dialectical work will bring change, growth, and joyous moments, too, where we paused exchange. space for healing. We are also excited to celebrate: in mid November, we for what is to come for our RTIs; after With the help of Dr. Beth Catlett printed the names and pictures of the witnessing all their accomplishments and Dr. Amira Proweller, our RTIs unprecedented number of women and growth throughout our time learned the ins and outs of feminist elected in the midterm election. It together, we know that there is no limit methodology, as well as how to wasn’t just current events that got to what they can achieve. develop and orchestrate participatory us off track. There was collective action research. Driven by a desire What a year it has been! praise and sighs of relief as college to heal their communities, the RTIs acceptance letters were mailed out. decided to also explore how past Beckee Birger & Jesse Allen We rooted for each other as skating and present antisemitism affects the and dance competitions and basketball

8 An exploration of antisemitism in the 21st century

The History of Antisemitism in America

We researched the history of antisemitism in the United States because, in order to understand current events, one must realize that everything repeats itself. Our goal as a cohort was to raise awareness of and combat antisemitism. By presenting you with this information, we hope you will understand the threats Jewish communities are facing and will be better equipped to handle them in an efficient manner. It is important to know where we as Jews started in order to understand how to move forward. By creating a timeline that clearly shows antisemitism is well and alive in America, we demonstrate that antisemitism is not just the Holocaust, it is a cycle of sustained oppression and discrimination.

1654 1842 1915 Sephardic refugees arrive in North Rhode Island finally permits white Leo Frank is lynched in Georgia by America. Jewish men the right to vote, 66 a mob that believed he killed Mary years after the Declaration of Phagan, a young Christian girl. There 1655–1666 Independence. with no evidence to back it up. Peter Stuyvesant (1592-1672), the Dutch colonial governor of New 1861 1922 Amsterdam seizes the Jewish Appellate Court of New York declares Harvard University limits Jewish colonists’ possessions, auctions them, Christianity as “the acknowledged students to only 10% of the total refuses to issue trade permits to religion of the people.” student body. Many other U.S. Jewish settlers while legal restrictions universities and colleges follow are set on Jews throughout the 1862 this trend. American colonies barring Jews from During the Civil War, Ulysses S. practicing medicine, law, and art. Grant expels all Jews from the 1924 military district under his control on The Johnson Act, which creates 1759 the grounds that “they’re profiting immigration quotas, cuts down on Jews are finally allowed to enter the from trading with the Confederacy.” Jewish immigration. French North American colonies. I n New England, Jews are expelled. 1868 1927 White Jewish men are granted the Henry Ford funds, publishes, and 1790 right to vote in North Carolina, distributes “The Protocols of the Despite the U.S. constitution’s 92 years after the Declaration of Elders of Zion” in the U.S. This text separation of church and state, Independence. is a fabricated antisemitic tool religious tests for holding public claiming to describe a Jewish plan offices are established to sanction 1877 for global domination. The Nazis later Jews from holding office. White Jewish men are granted the use the document as propaganda right to vote in New Hampshire, against Jews. 1815-1861 101 years after the signing of the Two million German-speaking Declaration of Independence. 1934 Europeans migrate to the United Hank Greenberg, “The Hebrew States, including thousands of Jews. 1885 Hammer”, an American professional North Carolina removes the last of baseball player who refuses to play 1820 the laws restricting Jews in America, on Yom Kippur, is often called American Society for Meliorating the 109 years after the signing of the “Christ-killer” and is sent death Condition of the Jews is founded. Declaration of Independence. threats. Pitchers are encouraged This is a Christian movement to throw pork chops at him. designed to convert all Jews to Christianity.

RTI Report | June 2019 9 1936 1991 2017 Roman Catholic priest, Father Northwestern University prints The Unite the Right Rally, a Charles Coughlin, preaches on the Bradley Smith’s ad titled “THE group composed of neo-Nazis radio the Great Depression is the HOLOCAUST STORY: How Much is and Klansman, descend upon Jews’ fault. False? The Case for Open Debate,” Charlottesville, chanting “Jews Will claiming the Holocaust never Not Replace Us.” The following day, 1938 happened. a woman counter-protesting is killed Gallup polls reveal: about 50% of after a car plows intentionally into Americans have a negative view of 1999 a crowd. President Donald Trump Jews, 54% believe persecution is Five people, including four children, responds by stating that there are “partly the Jews’ own fault”, about are injured at the Los Angeles Jewish “very fine people on both sides.” 60% agree that Jews are “greedy, Community Center by a white dishonest, and aggressive,” 12% supremacist gunman. 2018 claimed that events like Kristallnacht A shooting occurs at the Tree of Life would be supported in America. 2000 Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA resulting Joe Lieberman is added to the 2000 in 12 deaths and 10 injuries. This is 1939 Democratic presidential ticket; the deadliest antisemitic attack on Over 900 Jews fleeing Germany on Lieberman is the first observant Jews in U.S. history. the ship SS St. Louis are turned away Jewish candidate to run on a major and sent back. More than 250 of them party presidential ticket. Almost 2018 are killed by Nazis while Congress immediately, there are multiple Two days after the attacks in rejects a bill to take in about 20,000 online attacks against the Jewish Pittsburgh, Vice President Mike Jewish refugee children from Europe community in response. Pence invites Loren Jacobs, a Messianic “rabbi” to offer a prayer 1941 2011 for the victims and their families. Charles A. Lindbergh advocates Supreme Court rules in favor of Jacobs is affiliated with a movement against American involvement Westboro Baptist Church (an anti- that appropriates Jewish customs in World War II, blaming the gay, antisemitic organization) after and culture to promote Christian British, the Jews, and the Roosevelt they picket the funeral of Matthew evangelism. administration for getting America Snyder, a U.S. Marine killed in the involved. Iraq War. 2019 In her tweet “It’s all about the 1953 2016 Benjamins baby,” Rep. Ilhan Omar Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, accused Congressman Steve King meets in implies that a pro-Israel lobbyist of espionage, are executed even Austria with leaders of the far-right group, AIPAC, is bribing American though they claim innocence. Freedom Party, a group founded politicians. Omar later apologizes for American Jews fear an increase in and affiliated with former Nazis. her use of an antisemitic trope. antisemitism because of these events. Over the course of his congressional career, Rep. King goes on to meet 2019 1973 with various far-right leaders from Louis Farrakhan, leader of Nation Jews for Jesus, a religious multiple nations. After being re- of Islam, a political and religious organization seeking to steer Jews elected in 2018, Rep. King asks, movement, claims that “the wicked towards the belief that Jesus was the “white nationalist, white supremacist, Jews,” want to use him “to break up Messiah, is founded. Western civilization — when did this the women’s movement.” language become offensive?” during 1977 an interview with the New York 2019 Times. Illinois Supreme Court rules that the A gunman open fires inside the National Socialist (“Nazi”) Party of Chabad of Poway synagogue, in America have a First Amendment 2017 Poway, California. The attack is right to demonstrate in Skokie. The Anti-Defamation League staged on the last day of Passover. cites over a thousand incidents of One woman is killed and three other 1986 harassment, 163 bomb threats, 950 people are injured. vandalisms, and 19 assaults happened The Supreme Court Case of Goldman against Jews. This includes 25 v. Weinberger denies a Jewish air instances of harassment, and 22 acts force officer his right to wear a kippah of vandalism against Jews specifically with his uniform. in Illinois.

10 An exploration of antisemitism in the 21st century A RITUAL FOR …

Honoring Jewish heroes through costume on Purim

Purim is a celebration of survival. It is a celebration of a people who, through the courage of Queen Esther, survived a massacre. When we celebrate Purim by Below are dressing up as various heroes from the story, we show how valuable our history some examples of can be to us. We use our history as inspiration for the future. What many people Jewish people you may don’t realize is that Jewish history doesn’t end at the last word of the Torah. Jewish history continues through every Jewish person today. We suggest that you bring want to dress up as for our research into your lives by choosing to wear Purim costumes representing the next year’s Purim many Jews who have stood up for their communities through history.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Emma Lazarus Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a Supreme Emma Lazarus was an advocate for Court justice who has worked to further refugees, a writer, and a poet whose women’s rights. poem, The New Colossus, is inscribed on a plaque on the base of the Statue

of Liberty. How to dress like RBG:

A long, flowy black robe, glasses, Sandy Koufax To honor Lazarus, dress as the earrings, and hair tied in a bun. Sandy Koufax was a former American Statue of Liberty: Major League Baseball player who did A flowy green dress, a green wig, not participate in a 1965 World Series RBG has many different collars a torch (stick with orange paper game because it fell on Yom Kippur. which she wears over her robe. attached), green crown and a copy of Each neckpiece means something the Declaration of Independence of special to her. Add a necklace the US. How to dress like Koufax: or piece of jewelry which is meaningful to you. A white T-shirt over a blue long sleeved Share Lazarus’ poem, shirt, blue baseball cap, white pants, The New Colossus, black belt, and black shoes. by wearing a copy as a part of your For an added touch, decorate your costume. shirt by writing Dodgers in cursive and a big 32 with a blue marker.

RTI Report | June 2019 11 L’dor V’dor: Antisemitism in Daily Life

L’dor V’dor is Hebrew for “from generation to generation.” L’dor V’dor entails making connections between different generations. This research explores how different generations view and experience antisemitism. In order to investigate the prevalence of antisemitism in America today, we wanted to understand how different generations of Chicagoland Jews view antisemitism. We approached this subject in two parts. We sent out a survey and conducted interviews with Chicagoland Jews of various generations. In the survey, we hoped to find general trends about where antisemitism manifests itself and how it personally impacts the daily life of respondents. Below you’ll find results from our survey and interviews.

Survey qualitative responses: Q: How have you reacted to Q: How do you think American antisemitism? society reacts to major acts of antisemitism in comparison to Q: How have you seen There is no uniform way in which other acts of oppression? antisemitism in your daily life? people react to antisemitism. Many Many people that we surveyed have people have said that they remain Many of those surveyed believe that seen antisemitism in their daily quiet due to feeling uncomfortable society does not regard antisemitism lives. However, the forms in which standing up for themselves. Even those as a hate crime as much as it should. they manifest are different. A large who have attempted to call people out There is a belief that people do not amount of those surveyed have seen for saying antisemitic remarks noted want to recognize Jewish oppression antisemitism on social media and that the offenders often continued due to the idea that it is not as serious through off-handed comments and spreading hateful rhetoric. as other forms of oppression. Due jokes. One respondent even explained Q: How have people around you to this mindset, many Americans do how they had been preached to about reacted to antisemitism? not act in the face of antisemitism, so being a lesser human, told they will there is less of a reaction outside of the Many respondents said that they have be enslaved, and told the Holocaust Jewish community. not seen their non-Jewish peers stand was the correct thing to do. Many Q: Has the recent rise in up to antisemitism, because they antisemitic comments clearly arise out antisemitism caused you to believe others may feel uncomfortable of ignorance, however one response change the way you live your speaking out against it. However, exemplifies this: “At the University life? If so, how? one respondent noted that after the of Illinois, my dorm neighbors asked Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, Antisemitism has not uniformly to see my (and my roommates’) tail many of their community members affected the ways in which respondents and horns. These college students and members of other religions came live their daily lives. Some respondents did not believe they were antisemitic. together to show their support for the mentioned how they have found Their request was serious.” Individuals Jewish community. Although people themselves to be more aware and recounted times that they were both have allied with the Jewish community wanting to further educate themselves physically and emotionally attacked, during instances of extreme, violent on the topic. On the other hand, some showing how antisemitism is clearly a antisemitism, one respondent noted respondents did not think that there prominent problem in society today. that “many people let… careless was a rise in antisemitism, but a rise in remarks pass without notice, but I showing it, meaning it is more openly do not.” acceptable to perform antisemitic acts.

12 An exploration of antisemitism in the 21st century Q: Do you think it is worth Q: In what ways is contemporary When asked, “Have you seen distinguishing between right- antisemitism different from or experienced any form of wing and left-wing antisemitism, earlier forms of antisemitism antisemitism in your life? (slurs, or do you think that they’re that you have studied? jokes, discrimination, etc.)?” arising from similar things and it Social media has changed the nature is more helpful to think of them of antisemitism, and it is clearly together? emphasized in the responses. Social Responses to this question were mixed. media allows antisemitism to be under Some people thought it was all the the radar and seldom discussed. Jews 82.6% same. For example, one respondent used to be attacked and expelled from yes said, “Antisemitism is antisemitism.” places, but antisemitism is infiltrating Others thought it was important the Jewish communities themselves. 10.4% to distinguish. “I think it’s better to Many surveyed also believe that yes 7% address them separately because Israel has become a major scapegoat maybe they are arising from different things. for antisemites and that much of Right-wing antisemitism comes from a antisemitism stems from ignorance. 86 responses total place of hatred and neo-Nazis, whereas left-wing antisemitism is usually found when people don’t like Israel but don’t understand where attacking Israel Many surveyed believe that Israel has become a stops and Judaism begins, or when major scapegoat for antisemites and that much they can’t categorize Jews as having a certain amount of privilege.” of antisemitism stems from ignorance.

In our interviews, we looked for more detailed insights about how the Holocaust impacts modern- day antisemitism. The interviews were beneficial in providing more nuanced responses about how different generations view modern-day antisemitism. The interviewees were selected from four age groups: high school students, millennials, 40-70 year-olds, and Holocaust survivors. All interviewees were asked the same questions, but due to the different ages, experiences, and backgrounds, their answers and opinions were varied. Here are their answers, organized by question.

Through this research we realized that Jews all have different experiences with antisemitism. While there are some trends, we decided that by drawing conclusions about each generation, we discredit the experiences of those not interviewed. Instead of drawing a general conclusion, we decided to include shortened responses from the interviews that we conducted in order to highlight individual views on antisemitism, and this will allow readers to get a sense of how different individuals (from different ages, backgrounds,etc.) experience and are affected by antisemitism.

High school students Millennials Ages 40-70 Holocaust survivors

Jordyn – Age 16 Hannah* – Age 33 Rebecca* – Age 47 Beatrice – Age 85

Lily – Age 17 Pierce – Age 21 Rachel* – Age 50 Steen – Age unknown

*Names have been changed as requested by participants Jeff – Age 60 Ralph – Age unknown

RTI Report | June 2019 13 Do you think that antisemitism has changed since the Holocaust? What do you think antisemitism It is hard for Steen to understand why people looks like now? haven’t learned from the

Jordyn: She said that antisemitism Rebecca: She thinks that antisemitism past. He believes over the comes from a lack of knowledge. isn’t openly denounced currently, so last five to ten years, there Whether it is saying the Holocaust it is allowed to continue. Things like has been more antisemitism didn’t exist or that a horrible conspiracy college campuses with the Boycott than in the previous ten to about Jews is real, hearing something Divest Sanction (BDS) movements twenty years. like this in the media does not mean it and the measles outbreak in a Hasidic is true. Media misrepresentations of community have spurred antisemitism. Israel can lead to antisemitism because Rachel: She said that today it looks back. She said President Trump has it reflect badly on Jews, as Israel is like people being anti-Israel and anti- caused that boom to escalate in ways the Jewish homeland. She believes Jewish. White nationalists show a lot she hasn’t seen since the Holocaust. antisemitism has changed since the of general antisemitism and a lack Holocaust because it is more subtle and Steen: He believes that today there is of understanding and openness to not as outright. more antisemitism in Europe and other differences. She thinks the global anti- countries than before. It is hard for Lily: She said that antisemitism is not Israel sentiments are deeply rooted in him to understand why people haven’t as bad as it used to be, but it still exists. antisemitism. People tell her that this learned from the past. He believes She notices microaggressions that is the best time to be Jewish because over the last five to ten years, there stereotype Jews and more extreme Jews aren’t oppressed in the U.S. has been more antisemitism than in situations, like a bomb threat at her (Jews can go to college, get jobs, etc.). the previous ten to twenty years. He synagogue. She believes that a large She is also aware that right before said he is partially more aware of this issues lies with white supremacists the Holocaust, Jews in Germany had antisemitism now because he speaks to groups who want to convert Jews and incredibly vibrant and free lives, so she students all the time. blame them for things, but that’s not sees parallels there. most of America. Ralph: He said that the antisemitism Jeff: When he was growing up, he we are experiencing now is on an Hannah: She said that she was experienced and noticed anti-Jewish even greater level than what we have more worried about the emergence sentiment. It used to be more anti- seen in prior years. The difference is of “quiet antisemitism.” Things like religious. Now there is antisemitism in its new political roots. He believes Charlottesville and various Alt-Right by omission, and the anti-Zionist once people started to view Jews movements make it easy to identify movement is on the rise. He said that as a race instead of a religion, that what that form of antisemitism looks antisemitism has gone and continues was inherently antisemitic because like. Twitter’s reluctance to censor hate to go through many forms. There is race is actually based on physical speech (particularly antisemitism), and the old hooked-nose Jew propaganda characteristics and has nothing to the presence of antisemitic tropes in which represents the conspiracy that do with religion. Common physical media are more alarming to her. She Jews are trying to take over the world. characteristics do not define Jews said that it is scary to think about what There is a new form of hatred that is because Judiasm is a religion. He the fanatics and extremists are doing, directed at Israel. believes that antisemitism changed but it’s also frightening to think that Beatrice: She said that antisemitism immediately after the Holocaust. This is there is institutional level hatred for isn’t openly apparent. She believes partly due to the fact that antisemites the Jewish people that the majority of that recently, especially in the age denied the Holocaust ever happened. Americans are okay with. of social media, antisemitism has He thinks white nationalists groups still Pierce: He thinks the stereotypes become more underground and thus seem to follow the teachings of Adolf remain, and the way that it’s conveyed more dangerous. During a talk she Hitler. Additionally, he believes with is shown through anti-Israel rhetoric. gave in Indiana, someone said to her, the movement of Muslims immigrating It’s easier for people to rationalize “When did you people [Jews] all decide to many countries, antisemitism is antisemitism when it’s targeted at a to write books?” The “us vs. them” now growing because he thinks most place instead of directly targeted at narrative has led her to ‘feel like a virus’ antisemites are now Muslim whereas the people. as a Jew. She thinks we see pauses in they used to be Christian. antisemitism, and then, boom, it comes

14 An exploration of antisemitism in the 21st century Have you noticed antisemitism in politics and Beatrice: She said that President Trump didn’t happen overnight. in rhetoric from political parties? Is it worth His election is a demonstration of distinguishing between right-wing and left-wing something that’s been happening for years. She believes we ignored a whole antisemitism? American population that was never doing well and never had a voice, and Jordyn: Jordyn has seen that there causes. She said it is worth digging them President Trump came, giving is a misconception that anyone who down to the source because we can’t that population a voice. We elected supports Israel supports Jews and have healthy dialogue if we don’t know a president who’s entire platform is anyone who has negative views on the source. She believes we have to run by fear, hatred, and racism. She what is going on in Israel has negative understand where they come from and said the that right-wing antisemitism views on Jews. This correlation occurs why that shapes the way they look at is more apparent, outward, and hate- in politics. She believes all antisemitism the world. For example, we have to fueled. She thinks Charlottesville is an stems from a lack of knowledge and try to empathize with Rep. Ilhan Omar example of what antisemitism is like on lack of ability to see connections instead of resist engaging. She was the right. The left-wing is also guilty of between Jews and other religions, so very upset about President Trump’s antisemitism. Israel is a country, and she thinks all antisemitism stems from election, and since he’s been in office, if you omit politics of government, is the same things. She said that you can she has been more involved in politics. there another country anyone wants to work to end antisemitism on the right She believes that leaders have a take off face of the earth? One can be and the left with similar tactics, but significant impact on creating culture, critical of administration in Israel, but recognizing the differences in the two and she fears that the “cancel culture” wanting to eradicate whole country is can help too. that is happening in politics right now antisemitic. She said that she doesn’t causes people to close their minds. see people blaming Christians in Lily: She said that she hasn’t governments of other countries for really noticed a trend in political Rachel: She thinks that any time there causing problems. antisemitism. are individuals in society who don’t have opportunity, there is a tendency Steen: He believes that antisemitism Hannah: She is deeply bothered by the to blame the Jews, whether that comes more from the right-wing than growing number of right-wing leaders is on the right or the left. Jews are the left-wing. and pundits who use antisemitism to perceived to be wealthy and have all of promote thinly-veiled Islamophobia or Ralph: Ralph personally feels that the opportunities, control the banks, outright racism. Antisemitism is a very antisemitism in America is very much etc. She doesn’t think the political real problem, but let Jewish people a right-wing thing rather than a left- antisemitism that is happening now is tell you what is or isn’t antisemitic and wing thing. He sees antisemitic acts different from any other time. what actions we wish to take towards coming from the right-wing in America ending it. Erasure and silencing our Jeff: Antisemitism works by putting and Europe much more than from voices is an antisemitic act in itself. Jews in power and attempting to the left-wing, and this does not seem get Jews on board with any political coincidental to him. Ralph brought up Pierce: Right-wing anti-Semitism isn’t movement. He said that people believe how in Charlotesville the neo-Nazis as focused on in the media as left-wing that if one Jew believes something talking were right-wing. antisemitism, and he thinks that is then all Jews will believe that. He problematic. Right-wing politicians seem believes that the Right works through a to get a pass because of the way they White, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant (WASP) treat Israel, and left-wing politicians are view of America that does not include When asked, “How concerned shown in a very negative antisemitic Jews. These people think Jews destroy are you about violence directed ways. He doesn’t believe that all left- the fabric of the WASP America. The at Jews, Jewish symbols, and wing politicians are “squeaky clean”; Left is caught up in equations of Israel. Jewish institutions in America?” both sides have issues. In the news Jews have been called Nazis due to you’re more likely to see Rep. llhan 44.2% said extremely concerned Israel’s actions, and people on the left Omar than you would any offensive 41.9% said concerned believe that Jews are intolerant of antisemitic politicians on the right. 12.8% said somewhat concerned other minorities. He said that in the 1.2% not at all concerned Rebecca: She thinks it is important end antisemitism is the hate of the Jew, to distinguish between antisemitism so the end result is the same. on the right and the left to get to root

RTI Report | June 2019 15 How do you think Jews are portrayed in the media happens on both sides. There isn’t a middle ground anymore. and on social media? Jeff: He said social media has unleashed hate, not only antisemitism. Jordyn: Jordyn has felt misrepresented grown up seeing and hearing hatred Anonymity of social media allows for as a Jew by the media since she has towards Jewish people, she probably the worst to come out. People are gotten comments saying you look would have hidden that part of her angry, and social media allows them to Jewish or you look Israeli. For example, identity. She claims that it’s very easy unleash anger. He believes the media she once wore glasses to school, and to assimilate when you’re already isn’t telling both sides. We don’t teach a boy commented that her glasses feeling the effects of systemic hatred enough history, and every student brought out her Jewish nose. This has and oppression. should be required to take a world created a stigma that Jewish girls need Pierce: He said it depends but usually religions class. People are ignorant a nose job in order to look beautiful. She relatively good! Shows like Broad City about Judaism and who Jews are, and also believes that the rise of social media and New Girl have allowed for some this begins with education. Debate is and mass communication have made people to see that Jewish people exist valued in Jewish culture, and Jews are antisemitic comments more accepted. and have problems. Broad City does not a monolithic block of people who Lily: She said that there isn’t a lot of a good job at showing the average believe one thing. representation of Jews in the media. American twenty-something and their Beatrice: She said that lots of other When she thinks about it, she can’t think struggles. You don’t see the main minorities are highly represented in the of many Jewish characters. When she characters, Abbi and Ilana, in towering media, but she has never seen Jews does think of Jewish characters, they are unrealistic New York City mansions. depicted as a whole. This is due to the very stereotypically Jewish in that they They both have roommates and have “mindset” that Jews are already rich are nice Jewish boys. She thinks the money problems and are more relatable. and successful, and that every Jew has representation is mostly pretty neutral. Rebecca: Jews have the reputation of already made it. The most stereotypical representation being privileged, wealthy, intelligent, is from the television show Marvelous Steen: He sees that there is a stigma successful, and favored in some ways. Mrs. Maisel, but she doesn’t think it’s a around Jewish people since they There is backlash because of this poor representation of Jews because it is are perceived as being successful in reputation, but at the same time, about Jews in the 1950s. Lily considers business and banking and that Jews going back to Charlottesville, there is herself a pretty secular Jew, but she only tend to be better off than the average the amplification of antisemitism as a sees religious Jews in the media, so she person. He does not feel personally result because of the feeling that Jews would like to see more representation misrepresented other than the are taking over the world. There is of different types of Jews. Holocaust. He believes social media is probably an uptick in antisemitism as a very big factor that is responsible for Hannah: She says she is always worried a result of that. Holocaust denial. by the amount of antisemitism younger Rachel: She believes that social media generations are exposed to. She grew Ralph: He said over the years, the narrows people’s news sources, and up right before social media became media has portrayed Jews as in control it is creating an echo chamber which a staple of our lives, and if she had of the media. He also says that Jews were portrayed as being rich and controlling of money. This was symbolic When asked, “If you have seen antisemitism, of what it meant to be Jewish in the 11.8% where/how have you seen it?” 43.4% 1700s and 1800s when Jews could in places of have seen only have certain jobs as money lenders worship 31.8% antisemitism since they could not trade or own land. 51.8% at the at school He said people used to blast antisemitic comments on the radio. Today he feels in politics/ workplace that politicians on the left and right political are careful not to speak as antisemites parties 49.4% 78.8% because they would lose support if they in public places jokes about 61.2% did. The media does not necessarily (vandalism/ Jews/Jewish on social have antisemitic things in it, however, graffiti, etc) stereotypes 86 responses media the news does make a lot of comments total about antisemitic acts.

16 An exploration of antisemitism in the 21st century How have you personally seen people combat Beatrice: Silence is never golden. She said when companies want to antisemitism? How have you coped with expand to minority groups, they think antisemitism? Black, Latino, or even Muslim, but Jews are never regarded as a minority Jordyn: Knowledge is the key to Rebecca: She has been a part of to consider. She said that she won’t combating antisemitism. After a different educational experiences wear a diamond because during the student wrote antisemitic comments on where Jews are educated on how Holocaust when Jews were escaping, the pizza box at Israel club, she talked to combat antisemitism but also they brought their diamonds with them to her principal and had a conversation educational programs that bring into America, so once the Jews arrived with the student. Jordyn has a strong different religions together to spread in America, they could sell these connection to Israel, speaks Hebrew, awareness about antisemitism. She diamonds for money. This made people and practice Jewish values. She personally tries to educate and open up begin to associate Jews with having believes being strong in your values conversations about antisemitism and diamonds and wealth, and she feels if and knowledgeable is most important in Jewish culture. She intentionally joined she walked around with a diamond on order to combat antisemitism. a non-Jewish sorority in college. As a her finger, people would think she was result, she came across people who had a Jew. She is not sure if by doing this Lily: She doesn’t think she hasn’t seen never met Jews, so she tried to educate she is giving into antisemitism or a lot of people combat antisemitism them about Jewish culture and looked combating it. because it isn’t really present in her at this as an opportunity to educate daily life. She hasn’t been personally Steen: He has seen people combat people, but it wasn’t always easy. targeted, but after the bomb threat antisemitism by educating others, and at her synagogue, there was a service Rachel: She has personally combatted that is why he talks to over 70,000 for everyone at the synagogue which it when she has explained to people people about his experiences. Right made her feel like she had a stronger that general comments about the after the Holocaust, since he lost his community there. wealth of Jews isn’t true and shared father, he wanted to be as far away facts about how Jewish people have from Judaism as he could be. He had Hannah: While she doesn’t believe the same level of wealth and poverty as suffered in concentration camps for 18 in “cancel culture,” she does believe anyone else. She tells people how she months and wasn’t sure if the Holocaust setting up self-care boundaries. delivers meals to Jewish people, and could rise again, so he didn’t want to be She says she refuses to talk or work how there are poor elderly Holocaust brought up with Jewish faith. with people — regardless of political survivors. She said that she copes by affiliation — who make assumptions Ralph: At his Passover seder today, he continuing to be herself even after about her based on her Jewish identity reminds the people who have gathered facing antisemitism, especially in her or do not believe in her humanity. She about what their experience was like in work. She said it helps knowing that she cited James Baldwin as inspiration: “We Germany, and he teaches children to be isn’t alone in being a minority and in can disagree and still love each other upstanders. He said he tried to explain being oppressed. unless your disagreement is rooted how Nazis gained strength in the early in my oppression and denial of my Jeff: He said he once filed a lawsuit years because no one seemed to care humanity and right to exist.” against a school where headmaster about the antisemitic bias. He believes said antisemitic comments. He wants the key to combating antisemitism is Pierce: He thinks the best and most people to teach the real history of the teaching and being an upstander. He effective way to combat antisemitism holocaust and show where antisemitism also explained how in his opinion the is just being there for another person. can lead. It is important to learn the birth of Israel in 1948 has made Jews There will be a time where an incident dangers. The Anti-Defamation League more observant. happens in class or in everyday is great at combating antisemitism. conversation, and you have to be It is important to speak out against ready to support the people effected antisemitism. in the way that they ask and surround yourself with people with a similar mentality. “We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” ~ James Baldwin

RTI Report | June 2019 17 A RITUAL FOR …

Educating others about antisemitism for Hanukkah

Through our studies of how people from different generations viewed antisemitism, we found out that many people believe antisemitism stems from lack of education. By reimagining Hanukkah gifts, you can give the gift of knowledge to eight separate people on the eight days of Hanukkah in order to bring awareness to and combat antisemitism.

Night 1 Night 2 Tell someone about how antisemitism has personally Educate someone about the history and impact of the affected you and how it made you feel. holocaust on the Jewish people.

Give a Jewish Star to show perseverance Give a yahrzeit candle to commemorate a and Jewish faith in the face Holocaust survivor. of antisemitism.

Night 3 Night 4 Tell someone about a false Jewish stereotype and why Teach someone about hate symbols in our society, it is harmful. such as swastikas, and the strategies used to respond and eliminate them. Give chocolate ‘gelt’ as a way to talk about the stereotype that “Jews control Give a hamsa to show that symbols all the money.” can be optimistic and positive too.

Night 5 Night 6 Educate someone about left- and right-wing Educate a college student on how to combat antisemitism. antisemitism on college campuses.

Find a politician you feel is thoughtful about Donate to a Hillel in the student’s honor. fighting antisemitism and donate to their campaign.

Night 7 Night 8 Educate someone about how to combat antisemitism Encourage someone to learn about another group in the media. (outside of Jewish people) who are suffering under oppression. Follow @combatingantisemitism on Instagram to keep your Jewish faith in the media! Give a gift card to a coffee shop so they can meet with someone from another minority group for coffee to talk.

18 An exploration of antisemitism in the 21st century

Jews, Mental Health, and Antisemitism

“What is required to face trauma is the ability to mourn, fully and deeply. All that has been taken from us only through mourning everything we have lost can we discover that we in fact survived; that our spirits are indestructible.”

~Aurora Morales Levins

Children of Holocaust survivors often release of cortisol, and the effects in a vacuum. We chose to use a survey present with unresolved anxiety and transcend the individual and can be to explore whether antisemitic events anger. Intergenerational transition of passed along to future generations. affect multiple generations and to trauma is widespread and varied, and The antisemitism many believe is explore the combinations of epigenetic can include psychodynamic, socio- in the past still lives in the DNA of and societal expectations on Jewish cultural, familial, and biological effects. youth today. mental health. Antisemitism can be tied to mental Holocaust survivors experience many First, we wanted to see if Jewish health in a plethora of ways. Not only triggers in their daily life. These individuals were more likely to suffer does it impact the daily life of Jewish triggers can range from prodding from a mental illness as opposed to people around the world by making during a health exam as a result of people of other faiths. We gathered them feel inferior and unworthy, but treatment in concentration camps, to responses from ninety individuals, the has significant biological ties to past a fear of Jewish holidays, when many majority were teens residing in the trauma. This suggests a correlation Jews were rounded up and killed by Chicago area. 47.3% surveyed were between the holocaust and mental Nazis. It seems like these triggers non-Jewish while 52.7% were Jewish. health issues would exist in a vacuum, but by A vast majority (80.2%) of people who Epigenetics, literally meaning “above studying the children and grandchildren took our survey identified as female. the genome,” is gaining traction within of Holocaust survivors, we may debunk 18.6% of people identified as male, and the scientific community. Researchers the notion that the trauma of the 1.2% of people identified as non-binary. in this field are studying how traits Holocaust is isolated to individuals While analyzing our data, we uncovered expressed can be changed even directly affected. In a study where adult that twenty-one Jews surveyed did not when DNA stays the same based on mice were shocked when they smelled suffer from mental illnesses, while 24 changes in the nucleosome. These cherry blossoms, their children also reportedly did. From our research, we changes are triggered by disruptions became nervous when they smelled learned that the most common mental in environmental factors and have the cherry blossoms, despite experiencing illness was anxiety. About seventeen ability to instruct genes to turn on and no trauma themselves. Jewish people Jews and sixteen non-Jews surveyed off. Furthermore, these traits remain could be impacted in the same way, and reported suffering from anxiety. Those stable, meaning the altered DNA is experience triggers despite not having who suffered from anxiety were more passed down for future generations. experienced the direct trauma of the likely to have parents who suffered as Though this is still a developing field, Holocaust. well, suggesting epigenetics may be at the hypothesis behind epigenetic play. Our subgroup focused on the studies is that major traumatic events correlations between mental health One important data point we found was — such as the Holocaust— can cause and antisemitism. Our research that 56% of people who had suffered physiological trauma far beyond its was sparked by current events that from the effects of the Holocaust initial occurrence. When a person specifically target and affect Jews and had previously or are currently experiences PTSD along with high the idea that traumatic events happen experiencing a mental health illness. levels of stress, this triggers the

RTI Report | June 2019 19 If we look at the national average of people suffering from mental health We see this antisemitism illnesses, we see that approximately perpetuated throughout history, one in five adults and teens in America whether governments are suffer. Our survey also found a 36% increase in mental health illnesses with using hatred of Jews to further people associated with the Holocaust political agendas or using Jews as opposed to Jews who are not as scapegoats for other issues. directly affected by the Holocaust. We define directly effect as being a survivor or having a family member who is or was a survivor. This suggest a correlation between the Holocaust and mental health issues. When asked where people see antisemitism most frequently, mass media was mostly commonly cited, with political groups coming in at a close second. 65.6% of respondents credited mass media (including social media) for perpetuating antisemitism, and this may be due to the fact that hateful information can be spread to millions of people in a matter of seconds. Take the most recent antisemitic attack in San Diego, where a man shot congregants at a synagogue and his hateful monologue was shared globally through social media. The ability to spread hate so easily is one of the main contributors to mental health issues and makes Jews scared for their lives every day. Half of people also answered that political groups were main perpetrators. We see this antisemitism perpetuated throughout history, whether governments are using hatred of Jews to further political agendas or using Jews as scapegoats for other oppression can internalize the negative We believe that one step to battling issues. The ever-present nature of stereotypes that society says about antisemitism and mental health issues these two social systems perpetuating them, and we call this internalized in our community is to think more antisemitism may explain the reason oppression. In our survey, 80.8% of about the ways antisemitism might for increased depression within the Jewish respondents said antisemitism play a role in Jewish mental health. Jewish community as opposed to the affects their mental health very little In general, there needs to be more rest of the people we surveyed (23.4% or not at all. Meanwhile, only 6 out of research about how trauma affects for Jews compared to 19% for non- 47 Jewish participants said they see subsequent generations, because the Jews). no antisemitism in their daily lives. The more understanding we have about disconnect between these two numbers what affects our own mental health, It is important to note that one hurdle leads us to believe that many Jews the more healing is possible. to exploring the connections between are internalizing the constant refrain epigenetics and antisemitism is Jewish that antisemitism “isn’t that bad” or internalized antisemitism. Sometimes “doesn’t matter that much”. a group that is suffering from

20 An exploration of antisemitism in the 21st century A RITUAL FOR …

Using mikveh to cleanse ourselves after an act of antisemitism

Our research focused heavily on the pain and trauma brought forth by antisemitism, both past and present, but we also wanted our research to uncover how Jews in Chicago have and gather resilience. We chose to reimagine the Jewish ritual of the Mikveh to heal our community.

The Mikveh is a bath used for collected from rivers or oceans. We Step 5: The pitcher is passed around, the purpose of ritual immersion; ask everyone coming to our Mikveh and everyone is asked to cleanse their traditionally, in Judaism, the Mikveh is to bring a small amount of water. hands. In a traditional Mikveh, an used to achieve ritual purity. The word This represents that we all bring our individual steps foot into a pool and is “Mikveh” comes from the Hebrew word separate strengths and tools to healing immersed. Wash our hands is well- for “collection” referring to a collection from the pain of antisemitism. suited to a group, and symbolically of water. This Jewish tradition can be honors the work our hands do in Step 2: Each person should sit down used to convert someone to Judaism, creating coalitions and partaking in and compose a free write about past before and after surgery, before activist work. painful experiences, both first hand someone reads the Torah for the first and the trauma experienced by our Step 6: When everyone has cleansed time, becoming a grandparent, or any ancestors. their hands, we say three prayers as a other spiritual cleansing. conclusion of our ritual. These prayers Step 3: As a group, we must ask Traditionally, taking a bath in the have been adapted to reflect upon the ourselves to consider what healing Mikveh is used as a return to purity. specific injustices of our time. They looks like. We will practice saying We would like to stress that the Mikveh also serve as a meditation for the work positive affirmations aloud to one is all about the immersion of the soul, we have been doing and the work that another. not being physically dirty or clean. We must still be done. have decided to reimagine the role “If I have anxiety, I know there will be a and practice of the Mikveh to heal safe place to collect my thoughts.” Prayers from current and ongoing effects of “If someone says something hateful “We are many identities, heritages, and antisemitism. The Mikveh is usually an to me, I know I will have allies in my loves, many genders and none. May individual experience, but we expanded community that will support me.” this in-between light illuminate our way this ritual to suit a group. Although to God.” individual healing is important, we “I know that if I feel pain, I have the are using our Mikveh to heal our resilience to heal.” “May I be released from the pain of the community collectively, emphasizing Step 4: The water is pooled together past as I enter this new phase of my the vital importance of solidarity. into a clear bottle, vase, or pitcher. journey.” We do this as a reminder that when “As I leave these waters, may I be How to guide for our mikvah: we see our reflection in the glass, we filled with renewal, energy, power, Step 1: The water of the Mikveh is are reminded of our own courage and and direction.” traditionally collected from bodies of endurance. running water, gathered from rain or

Although individual healing is important, we are using our Mikveh to heal our community collectively, emphasizing the vital importance of solidarity.

RTI Report | June 2019 21 Learning From Our Allies: Lessons From Other Oppressed Groups

When attempting to combat antisemitism, we must look at the ways that our allies combat their oppression in order to work together to end all oppression. We worked as a group to interview various organizations and individuals who combat specific types of oppressions*. Our goal was to find common trends for strategies that were successful in combating various types of oppression in order to apply those strategies to our lives when combating antisemitism. We conducted interviews with various organizations and asked them to share a story that represents a time where they had to combat oppression and were able to do it successfully.

“The RAC mobilizes around federal, state, and local legislation; supports and develops congregational leaders; and organizes communities to create a world overflowing with justice, compassion, and peace.” The Religious Action Center’s branch in Illinois is relatively new, but they have had a lot of success, primarily working in coalition with other organization from the area. For example, they worked to pass the Voices Act, a bill that would allow undocumented victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and sex trafficking to report these crimes to law enforcement without fear of deportation. Although this bill was vetoed by Governor Bruce Rauner, it was able to secure enough votes to overturn the veto. RAC did this through a type of community organizing called the Relational Organizing Model. This model builds power by developing relationships with people based on issues they are passionate about, and then the RAC mobilize those people into coalition work.

“Keshet is a national organization that works for full LGBTQ equality and inclusion in Jewish life.” In 2011, Keshet worked with the Jewish community in Massachusetts to solve an important issue affecting the lives of transgender individuals. Keshet worked to stop the repeal of a transgender rights law; its repeal would have made it legal to discriminate against transgender people. Keshet was able to mobilize the Jewish community to take a strong and unequivocal stance against the law. They did this by telling the story of transgender people’s lives and showing the devastating effect the repeal would have. They also mobilized congregations to go door-to-door, campaigning against the law. With the effort of many, they were successful in making sure the law protecting transgender rights stayed in place.

“JCUA and its members are powerful allies and advocates for positive social change in Chicago. We combat poverty, racism and antisemitism in partnership with our city’s diverse communities.” JCUA uses various types of strategies to combat oppression, including community organizing and legislation. One issue JCUA is working on is police accountability and police brutality. Their goal is to make larger, systemic change through people power. They want to educate people and put pressure of Chicago’s government to make legislative changes. JCUA also works on immigration issues. * We recognize that we were unable to interview While working on this issue at the state level, they have had success in legislation, organizations combating all types of oppression such as the Trust Act, which prohibits state police officers from acting as unofficial and want to acknowledge that our intent was not Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, and the RISE Act, which allows to discriminate or say one type of oppression is more important than another. We interviewed undocumented students to have access to state-funded education grants the people that we had access to. and scholarships.

22 An exploration of antisemitism in the 21st century When reading over the various stories are passionate about the issue. An Intersections that these organizations and people organization like JCUA focuses on shared, there are many common trends mobilizing the Jewish community For this project, we talked to a lot of in the ways to combat various types to fight against different types of different people about the types of of oppression. Although different oppression. oppression that different groups face. situations require different techniques, We found that although antisemitism It seems that, living in America the concept of community organizing is unique, it has much in common today, legislation can be one of the is an underlying theme in successfully with other types of oppression. most direct ways of creating change. combating oppression. Whether it In conducting interviews about Through campaigning and speaking to is education, storytelling, political xenophobia, we talked to Fr. Corey people, politics appear to be effective campaigning, or changing legislation, Brost, one of the founders and leaders in educating people. In conducting these strategies all include community of Viator House of Hospitality. He our research, we found that many organizing to be successful. Building said one thing that really stuck out: organizations saw political movements coalitions in a community is the first antisemitism is “one of the fingers as the crux of spreading their message. step to combating oppression. on the hand of xenophobia and white Through having a politician who supremacy.” This was a powerful In our world today, there is a lot supports a cause or a movement, moment of realization. We saw that of ignorance towards oppression this person can share the issues on antisemitism and its victims do not as a whole. People do not have an a broader scale. Often times, people stand alone. understanding of how oppression are attached to a candidate and can functions in society, and more We must recognize that antisemitism is specifically, how to identify and unique from other types of oppression. stop oppressive actions. A common Antisemitism tells other people that technique used to stop oppression is The first way that Jews are responsible for everyone’s education and storytelling, and the organizers move people problems because Jews are in control in some way. In this way, Jews are often impacts of this technique are extremely is through advocacy. underrated. A simple understanding of scapegoated. Additionally, because what oppression is and how it functions antisemitism depends on the fact that can truly change a person’s opinion. Jewish people have power that they Furthermore, sharing your story is learn from their beliefs. Similarly, are using negatively, Jews must have extremely impactful in educating others when a small idea becomes a political relative power in society in order to be because people need to understand movement, it can spread nationally oppressed. Antisemitism as a system the topic, such as race or gender, and and reach more people than a local functions to push Jews up to a higher how the oppression stops an individual organization could. status so that people can antagonize from reaching his or her full potential them, whereas a system such as racism In terms of campaigning, organizing in order to become an ally. Simply pushes down people of color to make can be focused around voting. This educating people can stop further way for that similar antagonization. can look like registering people, oppression. There are also relative privileges especially those who have been associated with being a white Jewish A lot of community organizing is culturally disenfranchised, to vote. It person. White Jewish people, especially focused around changing opinions can also look like educating those who those who are less religious, could and moving people. The first way that are already planning to vote about have an ability to hide their Jewish organizers move people is through candidates and the issues. That way, identity that many people of color advocacy. Advocacy is focused on when someone goes into a voting facing oppression do not have. Despite moving political representatives. This booth, they know they are picking these differences, there are still strong movement could happen through a candidate who is actively fighting similarities. actions like calling representatives, against different types of oppression. canvassing, or holding rallies outside Policy and legislation can drive Antisemitism and xenophobia of where the legislative bodies movements that protect oppressed are strongly linked. By definition, meet. ‘People power’ is mobilizing people. Whether people support those xenophobia is the fear of the ‘other.’ the community to fight for an issue movements or not they are often the Throughout history, Jews have been that they care about. In order to strongest voices of people that are considered the ‘other’. We have been have people interested in the fight, silenced. ostracized and discriminated against organizations must connect with because of our differences. Brost said people and talk about why they that “people… are taught to be afraid

RTI Report | June 2019 23 by people in power like the president Currently, somewhere between and right-wing nationalists. [They] feed 11% and 20% of Jews in the United people misinformation that… helps With the recent rise of States are Jews of Color. While them blame their problems on people anti-immigrant sentiment white Jews experience racism and who are different by religion or ethnic antisemitism only as parallels, Jews in the United States background.” In America now, many of color experience these systems of us have heard statements like “I and the world, no one is as an intersection. To an extent, the can’t get a job because immigrants surprised to hear that oppression that European Jews faced are taking all the jobs,” or “I can’t get Jews are mobilizing and was based in racist ideals. Jews were a job because Jews control business.” getting involved in targeted and profiled as a biologically This rhetoric blames larger societal inferior race. Although this is not the problems on one group in order to large numbers. way in which we think about antisemitic reduce personal and governmental tropes now, it is a valid and important accountability. part of our history. After the Holocaust, when many Jews came to America, Xenophobia also has become strongly terrible hate crime that took place there were a number that became very tied to fear of immigrants. With the in the Pittsburgh synagogue railed involved in the civil rights activism of recent rise of anti-immigrant sentiment against Jews’ support of immigrants. the ‘50s and ‘60s. They saw their story in the United States and the world, Historically and in modern times, reflected and wanted to work to make no one is surprised to hear that Jews Jews have been either direct or change. Many people involved in the are mobilizing and getting involved indirect victims of xenophobia, so our Jewish community, primarily in the in large numbers. This is our story! oppressions are very intertwined. North, were extremely involved with Before and during the Holocaust, Islamophobia and antisemitism are also Black leadership. In the landmark case many Jewish people attempted to flee connected. Both groups have suffered of Brown v. Board of Education, Jewish Nazi-dominated Europe out of fear. under Christian hegemony and white organizations like the Anti-Defamation When the refugees tried to come to the supremacy. As Christianity became the League and American Jewish Congress United States, they were turned away dominant hegemonic force in Europe submitted briefs to the court in support by the thousands because they were and other parts of the world, both of Brown. Jewish people made up seen as a threat to national security. Jews and Muslims became victims of about 30% of white volunteers who The rhetoric used in the 1930s and systemic violence and discrimination. rode on freedom buses in the South, ‘40s about Jews is far too similar to During the Spanish Inquisition of the despite making up a much smaller part the fear-inducing and dehumanizing 14th and 15th centuries, both Jews of the population. statements made against Muslim and Muslims were considered a threat and Latin immigrants today. Today, and were consequently expelled from There are many similarities and Jews are targeted for their work in the country. Recently, there has been differences, but at the end of the day, modern-day immigration activism. a rise in hate crimes targeted at both all of our oppression is connected. We At the neo-Nazi Charlottesville riots Jewish and Muslim communities. The have a common interest in standing of 2017, protestors chanted, “Jews rise in this hate in strongly linked. together and standing up for each will not replace us.” We remember When hate crimes against Muslim other’s rights. Fighting antisemitism thinking how peculiar of a statement people approximately doubled, the is fighting xenophobia is fighting that was, especially considering the same patterns occurred in Jewish racism is fighting islamophobia. White fact that Jews account for less than 2% communities. supremacy attempts to separate us. of America’s overall population. Later, It pits us against each other in a fight we found out that marchers were not There are also parallels between racism for our basic human rights. We must referring to Jews themselves, but the and antisemitism. To understand this radically resist this separation, because belief that Jews were conspiring to complicated and nuanced topic, we the only way we can end all oppression help undocumented immigrants replace must first recognize that not all Jews is by fighting together. We are truly “Americans.” Even the shooter in the are white. Jews are a racially and stronger when we are united. ethnically diverse religious group.

We are truly stronger when we are united.

24 An exploration of antisemitism in the 21st century A RITUAL FOR …

Thinking about allyship and antisemitism at Passover

As the leader of the Seder, please read the following aloud: Passover is rooted in remembering the suffering and oppression that the Israelites faced when they were in Egypt. Part of this holiday is recognizing how special it is to be free. We want to recognize that there are people who are still being oppressed because of their identities. Although this holiday is meant to be a joyous celebration of our freedom, we want to take a moment of silence for those who have been victims of hate crimes. May we honor their memory and fight for a better future. (Please take a moment of silence now). Passover emphasizes the fact that we were once strangers in the land of Egypt. Because of this, we as Jews can empathize with the experiences of many oppressed people. We also have a responsibility to stand with them in solidarity. We are going to talk about our own identities and oppressions, as well as what we can do to help fight for fair treatment of others.

Please go around in a circle and have each person answer the following questions:

1 2 3 How would you What is one way describe your How have you that you are going to identity? experienced personally work to Please give 4-6 identities oppression or hate combat oppression/ that influence the way you as a result of your hate? walk through life. identities? Example: I will call people Example: Sally Stein — Example: Because I am out when I hear them white, Jewish, female, a woman, I experience make antisemitic jokes. cisgender, bisexual sexism. That looks like not getting paid equally for equal work.

The point of this exercise is to understand the combination of privilege and oppression in all of our identities and to recognize that we can use our privilege to help others who are suffering under oppression.

RTI Report | June 2019 25 We know we won’t solve antisemitism over night, but we are here for the long fight. Here are the steps we think can help end antisemitism for the future.

Live Jewishly Organize in your community If you are Jewish, celebrate it through Be vocal about ending antisemitism when your actions. Celebrate holidays, go to it happens. Go to marches and protests, synagogue, listen to Israeli music — it canvass, attending public meetings. doesn’t matter how you express it, just Make your voice heard! that you do! If you are a Jewish ally, make space for your Jewish friends to be Jewish, such as trying not to schedule things on Jewish holidays or having kosher food as an option when you hang out.

Connect with people who are Involve people in power already as engaged as you are Talk to people who have the power to make Reach out to people you know who are systemic changes, big and small. You can care about fighting antisemitism and start call a legislator or your principal, but talk to build coalitions. We’re stronger together. to the people who have the ability to change processes.

Educate people who are open We need allies to win to learning We cannot end antisemitism by isolating A powerful tool is moving people who ourselves. We need to build diverse might want to help us if they knew more. coalition across many spectrums to win. Be open to talking to people about Remember that having allies also means antisemitism, and don’t assume anyone being a good ally and showing up when should ‘just know’. people need you.

26 An exploration of antisemitism in the 21st century Testimonials

I loved RTI because it provided me RTI has truly been one of the most RTI has provided me with a space to with the knowledge I need to be an incredible experiences of my life. I have be my most authentic self, while also impactful debater, feminist and person gotten to meet absolutely wonderful teaching me about myself and who I alone. RTI has taught me, not only how people who I look up to. I have learned want to be as a person. I have not only to effectively go about researching so much about oppression and privilege learned about the ways of oppression quantifiable topics of interest, but and huge world issues, while also and the flaws in society, but I have how to gain knowledge and use it in exploring my own identities. I love RTI! learned how to be a good leader, how conversation. I feel beyond grateful ~ Gwen Tucker to take a step back when necessary, for the things I have learned in this and how to use my privilege in a internship. I always knew I cared positive way. This opportunity has been about types of oppression, but never RTI has been a truly rewarding incredible and I have met some of the delved deeper into the specifics of the experience. It has taught me about most wonderful, kind and inspirational systems. Now, I understand different the various ways I can advocate for my people. types of oppression, and know how to beliefs and the importance of listening ~ Ellie Goldsmith continue to educate myself on them to people’s stories. From riveting and combat them. discussions centered around social ~ Alana Newberger justice to our exploration of the ways I loved being a part of RTI because it rituals could be adapted to modern life, allowed me to more deeply explore my RTI really shaped my beliefs regarding Jewish identity from a new perspective. As a Jew living in the metropolitan the world I live in. RTI has helped It gave me a place where I could area of Chicago, there aren’t many me grow as a Jew, a woman and an feel completely comfortable asking other Jewish people that I could talk advocate for human rights, and I am questions and expressing my opinion and relate to. RTI has given me the thankful for being able to take this on important and controversial social space to enhance my perception of amazing opportunity. justice and political issues in society what it means to be a Jewish teen ~ Mariel Mudrik today. I learned so much about how girl and has allowed me to have rich feminism interacts with Judaism and conversations and research with girls how I can employ my Jewish values like me, something I’ve never gotten to The reason I joined RTI was to meet to make the world a better place. I do. I not only learned how to research people who have the same passion and also had the privilege of meeting such and compile data but was able to love for learning as I do. Throughout amazing, strong and intelligent young discover answers to questions about RTI, I was able to be a part of enriching women who shared so many similarities antisemitism that I had been curious discussions and debates about topics with me but could also teach me so about all year. that I care deeply about. I have learned much about the world around me. ~ Julia Gershberg history, terminology and new ways to ~ Sara Grostern conduct research that have helped elevate my vocabulary as well as I liked RTI because it was a great space influence the way I present myself RTI has been one of the most incredible to have my voice heard and expand and my knowledge. experiences. I have grown so much my knowledge on my own opinions. I ~ Shaina Grossman and have learned educational and learned a lot about others’ experiences life skills. RTI has changed how I view being a Jew in Chicago and in America social activism and intersectionality. from people of all age ranges, and had I enjoyed RTI because it was a space I struggled with the intersectionality the unique opportunity to compare where I could explore my feminism of my female and Jewish identity. them to my own. and Judaism simultaneously with Through RTI I was able to embrace ~ Rebecca Gross girls my age. I learned valuable both my identities. I was able to have research skills, such as collaboration amazing conversations in a safe space and listening. I also learned about that I could not have anywhere else. antisemitism, its impact and what we The time I spent at RTI is a time I will can do to combat it. never forget. ~ Scarlet Zell ~ Rachel Fadem

RTI Report | June 2019 27 Resources

Works cited: 6. Pencak, William. Jews & Gentiles in Early America, 1654-1800. University of Michigan Press, 2005.

1. Grodin, Michael A. “Caring for Aging Holocaust 7. Sachar, Howard. “Jews in the Civil Rights Movement.” A Survivors and Subsequent Generations.” American History of Jews in America. Vintage, 1993. Imago, vol. 68, no. 3, 2011, pp. 543–559. 8. Yehuda, Rachel, and Amy Lehrner. “Intergenerational 2. Egan, Timothy. “Racist Shooting Test Limits of Health transmission of trauma effects: putative role of System, and Laws.” The New York Times, nytimes.com, epigenetic mechanisms.” World psychiatry: Official 14 August 1999. Accessed 19 April 2019. journal of the World Psychiatric Association, vol. 17,3 (2018): 243-257. 3. Henriques, Martha. “Future - Can the Legacy of Trauma Be Passed down the Generations?” BBC, BBC.org, 9. “Understanding AntiSemitism: An Offering to Our Accessed 26 March 2019. Movement.” Jews for Racial And Economic Justice, 2018, jfrej.org. Accessed April 2019. 4. Kellerman, Natan P.F. “Transmission of Holocaust Trauma — An Integrative View.” Psychiatry: 10. “Using a Mikvah.” Reform Judaism. ReformJudaism. Interpersonal & Biological Processes, vol. 64, no. 3, org. Accessed 20 April 2019. 2001. 11. “Jews in America: New Amsterdam’s Jewish Crusader 5. Khan, Liaquat Ali. “Interconnectivity: Hate Crimes (1665).” Jewish Virtual Library, American Israeli Against Jews and Muslims.” Counterpunch, 12 Cooperative Enterprise. JewishVirtuallibrary.org. February 2018. Counterpunch.org. Accessed April Accessed 16 April 2019 2019.

28 An exploration of antisemitism in the 21st century Notes

RTI Report | June 2019 29 Notes

30 An exploration of antisemitism in the 21st century In memoriam

To all those affected by the shootings at Tree of Life Synagogue and Chabad of Poway:

We mourn those who died and stand in solidarity with those who survived.

Our work is dedicated to you.

Mir veln zey iberlebn We will outlive them JUF amplifies our collective strength to make the world a better place — for everyone.

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