We Jews often wonder about antisemitism in liberation movements. Is it really there? What happens when it shows up? What do we do about it? It’s actually pretty simple. Of course it’s there (it shows up everywhere, Right, Left, and Center). & Here's what we do about it: [1/10]
When antisemitism shows up in our liberation movements, 1) We invest in long-term, mutually accountable relationships; 2) We call in, not out; and 3) We lift up the voices of Jews of color. [2/10]
Antisemitism is a violent, dehumanizing conspiracy theory that blames Jews for all our problems. Even worse? Every one of us has been socialized into some aspect of this ideology. It’s like racism or sexism in this respect: It shows up everywhere. [3/10]
Antisemitism does the most violence and harm when the Right uses it to scapegoat Jews and divide and conquer movements. But I’m not surprised when it comes up anywhere, Right, Center, or Left--including in our movements. And since I’m not surprised, I can be prepared. [4/10]
In racial justice movements, we prepare for antisemitism by building long-term relationships and trust with BIPOC-led organizations. We show up for racial justice & (here I speak as a white person) follow the lead of BIPOC; & we show up proudly as Jews, as our full selves. [5/10]
There’s a constant growing process in coalition relationships. White people like me need to learn about our racism and take accountability for our racist mistakes. Non-Jews need to learn about antisemitism and take accountability for their antisemitic mistakes. [6/10]
Non-Jews can be initially resistant to the idea that Jews are oppressed, because antisemitism teaches everyone that Jews are more powerful than we actually are. It takes trust, and a culture of accountability, to overcome this initial hurdle. [7/10]
There’s a constant growing process in coalition relationships. White people like me need to learn about our racism and take accountability for our racist mistakes. Non-Jews need to learn about antisemitism and take accountability for their antisemitic mistakes. [6/10]
Non-Jews can be initially resistant to the idea that Jews are oppressed, because antisemitism teaches everyone that Jews are more powerful than we actually are. It takes trust, and a culture of accountability, to overcome this initial hurdle. [7/10]
As a facilitator at @JFREJ, I saw time and again in workshops and conversation how open and generous our non-Jewish movement partners were to learning about antisemitism. Trust had already been built between the organizations, earned through years of solidarity work. [8/10]
BIPOC Jewish leaders often play a crucial role in these contexts, bridging between Jewish and BIPOC communities. This work is difficult and cannot be tokenized or taken for granted. If they wish to do it, they deserve compensation, support and institutional power. [9/10]
Finally, why go to all the trouble to invest further in our movements, which occasionally harm us with antisemitism? It's the right thing to do, and- collective liberation is *the* long-run strategy to free Jews from antisemitism. The only way out, is together. [10/10]
PS resources
@JFREJNYC, “Understanding Antisemitism”
@homeandfreedom April Rosenblum, “The Past Didn’t Go Anywhere,”
Dania Rajendra and me,
“Making Our Movements Stronger by Resisting Antisemitism”
jfrej.org/assets/uploads…
aprilrosenblum.com/thepast
everydayfeminism.com/2017/12/strong…
@JFREJNYC, “Understanding Antisemitism”
@homeandfreedom April Rosenblum, “The Past Didn’t Go Anywhere,”
Dania Rajendra and me,
“Making Our Movements Stronger by Resisting Antisemitism”
jfrej.org/assets/uploads…
aprilrosenblum.com/thepast
everydayfeminism.com/2017/12/strong…
