US Jews Concealing Identity as Antisemitism Reaches New Heights
The recent discovery of Rabbi Zvi Kogan’s body in Abu Dhabi, under circumstances Israeli officials have described as an antisemitic terror attack, highlights the escalating global threat to Jewish communities. In the United States, similar concerns are evident.
Felice Friedson examines the alarming rise in antisemitism and its impact on the US Jewish community, where many now feel compelled to conceal their identities for safety. A recent survey by Hillel International found that one in three Jewish students in the US hides their Jewishness, while 90% of American Jews believe antisemitism has risen over the past five years. Synagogues are fortifying security, and individuals are taking precautions, such as removing mezuzahs and using pseudonyms. These trends mirror a broader, global surge in Jew-hatred, exacerbated by the Israel-Hamas conflict, with incidents like the attack on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam illustrating the severity.
This holiday season, give to:
Truth and understanding
The Media Line's intrepid correspondents are in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Pakistan providing first-person reporting.
They all said they cover it.
We see it.
We report with just one agenda: the truth.
President-elect Donald Trump has condemned antisemitism, warning universities to curb anti-Jewish propaganda or face losing federal funding. Yet, Friedson notes that addressing such deep-rooted hatred requires systemic change beginning with education. She calls for enhanced action by law enforcement, religious institutions, and social media platforms to protect Jewish communities. As Trump prepares to take office, he faces the challenge of fostering an inclusive America where no one hides their identity out of fear.
To delve deeper into this critical issue, read Felice Friedson’s full opinion piece, which underscores the urgent need for safety and acceptance in the US.
