Epilogue: The 6 PS to Respond to Antisemitic Anti-Zionism

Although we should never stop dreaming about eliminating all forms of bigotry, realists should develop more short-term strategies too. Consider 6 Ps that can help.

1. Proportion: Our enemies are hysterical; it׳s better to be disciplined. Be precise. Don׳t exaggerate. Be wary of treating honest, even heated, criticism of Israel, Jews, Zionism, as bigotry. There are enough egregious assaults. And while it׳s fair to complain, as the Stanford Antisemitism Task Force did, that ״it׳s in the air,״ it׳s easier to win by fighting clear acts of hatred rather than ambiguous slights. In baseball, the tie goes to the runner. In confronting bigots, concentrate on egregious examples of Jew-hatred, when people cross the line into bigotry or degenerate from heated speech to harassment and violence.
2. Power: Don׳t act powerless, because you aren׳t. As citizens of democracies, we have influence in our communities, as well as legal systems, offering tools from lawsuits to criminal complaints. As Jews, we have a peoplehood network of organizations and influential individuals. As Zionists, we have a Jewish army and a Jewish state. Resources can be leveraged, and unapologetic strength often intimidates bullies.
3. Partnership: Hunkering down, Diaspora Jews increasingly speak about ״hardening the target,״ hiring security guards, mounting security cameras, reinforcing entrances. Many synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centers are fortified, even greeting visitors with airport-type security machines. Let׳s consider ״broadening the target,״ mobilizing friends, framing the fight as one for liberalism, democracy, human rights, and decency. Ninety percent of American adults in a 2024 American Jewish Congress poll agreed that antisemitism ״affects society as a whole and everyone is responsible for combating it.״ Appeal to this Silenced Majority.
4. Preparation: Still, it never hurts to be prepared. The French phrase ״eloquence de l׳escalier,״ eloquence of the staircase, emphasizes the clever phrases and tactics that flood our minds after confrontations. Think instead of eloquence of the entryway, gaming out scenarios if you are in a hostile environment, taking a controversial stand, or, alas, these days, walking around with a kippah on your head, a hostage pin on your lapel, or a t-shirt that says, ״Dina׳s Bat Mitzvah was awesome.״ With a game plan, a response, an approach in your head, if you do encounter Jew-hatred, you will absorb the blow more effectively and with less frustration.
5. Perspective: while showing zero tolerance for intolerance, if you experience antisemitism, frame this insult or assault within the flow of history. Understand that even if you absorb a blow of bias, you don׳t just live in this moment. Jews are part of a broader Jewish story reaching back 3500 years and a 77-year-old Israeli story that will transcend and overcome this moment too. Americans are part of a 250-year-old story of trying to overcome bigotry for a more perfect union. Historical perspective, communal support, philosophical calm, can often help soothe the soul, even if the body is bruised.
6. Pride is most important. Be positive. As Zionists, as liberal democrats, we should delight in the rich heritages we have inherited. Resisting the bullies, let׳s intensify attempts to eliminate bigotry and cultivate a more liberal, more democratic, more just society.