Stop fighting antisemitism like it’s a PR problem

Peloni:  In an important article, Daniel Winston argues that the routine responses to antisemitism fail to be effective because they treat antisemitism as if it were based upon simple misapprehension or a PR problem, rather than being the consequence of a deeply rooted hatred. Winston explains that antisemitism is not about ignorance but is instead a consequence of psychological and social functions which act like group identity, scapegoating and moral simplification.  Hence, simply informing people won’t succeed in stopping it.

Winston explains that mainstream efforts to combat antisemitism often feel like symbolic theater which are not without purpose but fail to address the issue of the fact that describing hatred being weaponized against the Jews does not eliminate the threat from those who instinctively and actively hate the Jews.  And so the threat against the Jews persists despite the animated attempts to explain away the hatred held by those who are not swayed by such explanations.  Instead, Jewish communities and institutions need physical security (guards, vetted access, protective measures), law enforcement readiness, serious policing, and clear consequences for violent or hateful acts. Education and history matter, but they are not sufficient by themselves to stem the hatred against the Jews.

Consequently, Winston argues that Jews should focus less on winning acceptance from the broader society and focus more acutely on raising attention to community strength, security parameters and promoting and projecting self?reliance of the Jewish communities and institutions. He also highlights that for many Jews, especially in the Diaspora, moving to Israel (“aliyah”) may be a rational choice, as in Israel Jews are not a vulnerable minority and are protected by their own state and institutions.

Ultimately, antisemitism must be confronted not just with mere words and public awareness but with practical deterrence, institutional preparedness and community resilience rather than pretending that it is merely a public relations issue.

Daniel Winston | March 10

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https://www.jns.org/stop-fighting-antisemitism-like-its-a-pr-problem/