TBS News and Information

I was at the L’Taken Social Action Seminar this weekend with our 10th grade students this weekend when I heard about the arson attack at Beth Israel Congregation (BIC) in Jackson, Mississippi. The synagogue, which had been bombed by the KKK in 1967 for its involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, was set on fire in an act of hatred, destroying the administrative offices and the library, including two Torah scrolls. I know three rabbis who have served that congregation, and I know we share in their heartbreak at this heinous example of antisemitism. (If you would like to contribute to BIC’s rebuilding fund, click here.)

Antisemitism doesn’t just happen overseas, like the Bondi Beach attack in Australia, or in faraway states like Mississippi. On Monday, antisemitic graffiti was discovered in a bathroom at one of our local high schools. While an isolated incident, it is part of an alarming trend. Antisemitism is growing. From minor vandalism to major attacks, the hatred of Jews has moved from the quiet underground where it had been festering for the past few decades out into the open in public society. It is troubling at best, dangerous at worst. It is certainly scary.

It is worth noting, however, that, when I spoke with the principal at the local high school where the incident occurred, she felt that, despite this example, Jewish students had been feeling more and more secure at school on the whole. The Jewish Student Union, the principal explained, had been growing in numbers and profile in the community. Their December event was the largest ever and included not only Jewish students, but many friends and allies. And we’ve seen the outpouring of support for BIC from the non-Jewish community, including offers from local churches to house their worship while they rebuild. The mayor of Jackson proclaimed, “Acts of antisemitism, racism, and religious hatred are attacks on Jackson as a whole. … The city stands with Beth Israel and the Jewish community.” While antisemitism is growing, there are those who will stand against it.

As part of the L’Taken Seminar, our 10th graders visited the congressional offices of our Senators and Representatives. Two of our teens spoke about antisemitism to the aides we met with, outlining why it is a problem in America today, sharing their personal stories, and asking our elected officials for help through a particular piece of legislation, the Pray Safe Act, a bill that will help ensure that religious communities have the training and financial resources to improve security and keep worshipers safe. In one office in particular, in response to our students, the staffer was keen to learn more about this legislation and promised to look into having the Representative sign on to co-sponsor the bill.

The rise in antisemitism is worrying. We must call it out when we see or hear it and remain vigilant and conscious of our safety. But I am heartened to know that there are many good people who will stand with us, from high school students supporting their friends to people of faith across denominations to elected officials, local and national. That is the strength we will need to work against antisemitism.

Shabbat Shalom