Responding to Anti-Semitism

I grew up in a very multi-cultural area in a NY suburb. I first dealt with anti-semitism when I was 16 and asked someone who the idol was that was hanging around their neck. It was Jesus. He called me a kike. I felt like an idiot. I had only seen crosses before. I vowed never to feel like that or be left speechless again. In 1987 I was living in London and hanging out with new friends. They were telling jokes and someone told a Jew joke. I told them I was Jewish. They were all astonished. Turns out they had never met a Jew before. I answered their questions and educated them instead of getting mad. They were just ignorant. I went out on a date with a Palestinian in London. I was wearing my chai. An Arab man walked up to us and said to him "you are taking out a Jewess?!" and started screaming at him in arabic. He screamed back. He said "this is why I moved here. To get away from their hatred". I believe all we can do is educate people and try to find common ground. I still live in my multi-cultural county (over 47 cultures represented), and I am surrounded by Orthodox and Hasidic Jews even though I am non-religious but culturally Jewish. I find it a fascinating place to live. There is no anti-semitism here, There is no religious hatred of any kind here. We have mosques, temples, churches, all religions are represented. I tell people instead of calling someone a kike, or a N, or a spic, why not say EXACTLY what the problem is, or does your vocabulary not stretch that far?

Wát makes people antijewish or antisemitic? Why does this happen? Greetings, Jasper

I experienced a lot of anti-semetism in jr. high school many years ago. As I got older, I didn't feel like sitting and taking it quietly. Since then, I ALWAYS speak out when I hear an anti-semetic remark!

Hi Lori, I have to admit I have had a few run ins with anti-semites..alot of times I did not respond either because I was too angry to start any arguments or fight. I would hope that I'd be a true defender of my mishpocha (family) and trust that HaShem would give me the words (if any) and action (if any) to do something at that time. I think about the holocaust..whyy didn't the jews fight more...why did they have to wait to get into camps like Auschwitz and Sobibor to have 'uprisings'...couldn't there have been more partisans and people to stand together in unity to fight with everything they have within them to stand up against the ignorance of others? That is my hope for myself that I would remember that the people who are antisemetic are really those who are ignorant and don't want to 'learn' or know the 'history' of the real story....that's a real trajedy. We must continue to educate others so that history does not repeat itself.

after reading a blog with so many antisemitic commentsre Michael Moore's 2M law suit.. I selected three and responded with an education re. the holocaust and proofs of its occurrence and a bit of detail about a concentration camp in Poland. I also pointed out smart people take care of their money, stupid people do not; and noted there are smart people everywhere as there are stupid people. I further noted viciousness and stupidity often go hand in hand with respect to people's views of others who they do not know...

Is your post speaking from the mind of a gentile who had those thoughts when saying them? Mati, why does gentiles say it to gentiles? Since you were one, you would be the expert of what is going through a gentiles mind when saying it, no? Just like the black people would know what was behind the N word, no? You took offense that I never thought like you just wrote what you think it means, I'm thankful I have never thought of them meaning it that way, and I'm also thankful that the people I have heard saying it, never was saying it with thoughts about Jews in that way. Do your own research on History! History that comes through the Jewish people, not gentile people, it makes a difference; who better knows about their own people, then themselves.

All the same person, nu? As a FORMER GOY I will say that those who say that the phrase "Jew you down" (as there is NO such phrase as "jew you down" [note the cap]) is not an antisemitic word are unlearned and unrealistic. For the term IS INDEED an antiJEW term. It is a negative and filthy term intended to decribe a selfish, cheap people who who are greedy and unwilling to pay the price of an object, SPECIFICALLY the Jewish People who, they think, are such. This is what the intent of the ORIGINAL meaning and such ORIGINAL meaning STILL EXISTS. (Obviously, you can appreciate original meanings, no?) The phrase itself is based on the concept and it is used to mean "haggle" with this in mine. SO YOU ARE WRONG. It IS a negative and antiSemitic phrase. Before I even understood what a Jew was and before I even met a Jew, this was the understanding I was taught by my gentile society. Further, I don't know where you get your entymology dictionary from, but I have not found that the N word means "lazy". I have tried Oxford and Websters and an entymology dictionary myself. But IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER WHERE, WHEN, AND WHAT such words mean...THE POINT is....why use ANY word if it offends MANY people within a certain GROUP? I wish people would educate themselves and present sources when they make claims, particularly when they offend.

When I was younger, and less sure of myself and my opinions, I didn't speak up when people made rude remarks about Jews. As I have gotten older, I find that I'm less likely to let such nonsense go unchallenged. Some comments are beyond the pale, and must be challenged immediately. I will say that I have been fortunate to live in a neighborhood where such remarks are unlikely.

People do have the right not to like us! A snobbish lady has every right to make a remark to her husband whether it's about Jews, Arabs, black people, whatever. Trying to police the world against their "hateful" remarks is no solution. It's the other 99.9% of our lives where we are NOT encountering antisemitism that we actually invest in preventing and curing it - not some falsely inflated importance of some supposed obligation to always "speak up" when we do encounter it.

Miss the East Coast. Back wood places are so remote and intolerant if you don't fit their mold. City life is the only place to be. Hope to be back soon.

I was adopted by a non Jewish family. My family never let anyone say anything anti Jewish about me when they were around, they dealt with them. I encountered various times in my life cruel remarks, but I didn't fight back. I wasn't going to become a bitter person or a hateful person like those who were hateful. When I got on my own, I pursued my Jewish roots. Very seldom do I encounter any anti semitic slurs now. I know who I am, and living that out Jewishly, and the non Jewish community is more at rest with me being who I am.

Things that has happened by anti semtic's I don't want to discuss. Not things to blurt out on a social media. The world of peace needs to come for us Jews. A time for PEACE.

I have been with others that started in on me, outspoken against my Jewishness. Many, many times someone else stepped in, a few times by someone I didn't even know. I didn't have to respond, someone else did it for me. Very thankful to them all, I really appreciated it, for I'm dumbfounded when it happens, I don't want to cause a scene, thankful someone was watching my back. Hashem has the right people around me at the right time, to protect me from anti-Jew people. This also has happened on a date with a guy before, that I sure didn't know felt that way. Another guy beat him up, and I never went out with that guy again.

I live a solitary life because of anti-Jewish for the most part. Being a homebody outside of my career, has kept me out of trouble and settled me down, I have more of a married life than most married women have. It's hard to have true friends that won't stab you in the back the first chance they get. Intermarriages has happened in my family, so comments even come from family members. I really think it's because they are jealous. My sister-n-law has deflated my brother with cut down remarks. Anti-Jewish isn't always out there somewhere, it can happen right within the family. There is family members that will use anything against me they can and get others to join in. A family gathering isn't always a safe haven, depending on who shows up. Parties I don't get invited to, they think I will turn it "religious". It's those little jabs all the time, that builds up over time. The more observant I have become, the more I get them, and I'm not 100% observant. Maybe I'm just aware of them more now, my soul has gotten sensitive to picking out the jabs. I'm really more aware that alot of people are anti anything G-d.

To speak of this now is important. A few weeks ago a Senator may had been shot at, by an antisemitic. In her case, there was nothing she could of done that day to respond to it. It's good, commenters are responding, sharing experiences they have had, it's real, antisemitism is in this country. I try to stay away from people that is like that. There is News channels I don't watch because of the bent against Israel. I help with non-Jewish charity fundraisers. When you show people you love and care about them, and what concerns them, they know you are for them not against them. With the rise of Christians wanting to know Jewish teaching, when I have been ask to teach them, I have. They really get excited about it. This woman said last week in a conversation, "we all have some Jewish in us since we came from Adam and Eve". So aren't we all proud in some ways that we are Jewish. They want to hear it, you in I and I in you, we are not different, we are human beings. All craving to know a personal God that will help us in our needs. That's what I share with them. Our need for God is what we all have in common to complete us as a whole person, body, soul and spirit., The vehicle we drive to get there doesn't matter! I'm not political, that divides people in groups against each other and can cause undo antisemitic comments that has nothing to do with my religion. There is tough love that needs to be demonstrated when someone really gets out of hand with any antisemitism comments. When I was young, I went to my parents and told them what someone said or did. As I got older, I had to figure out how I was going to address it when it happened. Spending time in Torah, and educating myself and learning from other Jewish people and history has helped me to combat the issue each time it arises. Not caring what other people say all the time, because not everyone is going to like you. Living a good life, any gossip others try to start, is reputed.

Lori, I would of done the same thing you had done in that situation. They were having a conversation between the two of them. By keeping your peace, you proved the couple wrong. The couple didn't want your opinion or they would of asked you what you thought. Could we honestly say that there is not a single Jew out there that could be haughty? The lady was grouping all Jews together like everyone is alike. The couple probable has never met or knows any Jews. They couldn't do a group judgement if they had. They had one standing next to them, and they didn't recognise one when one was around, so how could they make a judgement call that all Jews are haughty. Lori, you are not haughty at all, to bad they didn't get a chance to know you, it would of changed there minds.

What I have noticed is those whoever says anything about "The Jews" are those that are void of G-d, not in any kind of religious setting, and feels left out of it all. Depending on the person, whether they want some inside information from me, I'll share with them. When that isn't it, I hook them up with someone else that is of a different religion, that way they don't feel left out. This has worked on numerous occasions, and the anti-semitism stopped.

This co-worker was harassing me for a while, after a few months of this she said "you are suppose to bless me". I didn't say a thing, I just looked at her like where did that come from, and walked away. I thought about it later, she was saying all those mean things, expecting some kind of blessing. What's in the minds of those that are anti-semitic, can't always understand where they get their preconceived ideas from.

im a chabadnik i wear a kippa.liove in florida. im hesitant in giving the stories, most of this anti anti comes from our own who are self hating uninformed and lack any form of being a jew knowledge. I must say when the goy see me and encounter me they for the most part are very respectfull and enthusiastic towards me as a jew. although i never put aside my thoughts of respect the goy and suspect the goy.

I owe a lot to my having gone to a Catholic secondary school. Anti-Semitism, or anti-Jewish behavior is manifest ignorance. There are certain degrees of this behavior. As one of several Jewish students,I was subject to some at my school, but I was also protected by the priests. I thrived there, graduating with honors. I had offerings of ham sandwiches, pennies thrown (I collected them), Arab-style war cries, and crude remarks. You take stock of your space, and if you are secure or cornered, you take a stand. Lori chose her own battle that day. She saw and felt the sting of the British couple, but she was a stranger in a foreign place, and avoided an ugly scene. However, she turned the experience into a lesson. Most anti-Semites are scared of Jews. They fear their own world-view is threatened merely by our presence. Taking a principle from Japanese martial arts, you use an opponent's negative energy as a deflecting tactic. Fear eating the fearful from inside is more deadly than a punch. Still vigilance is better than complacency. However, sometimes one wins through restraint. My classmates knew I'd have a snappy comeback. I am friendly with most of them to this day.

So my point is, when I hear gentiles saying that to gentiles, I really don't think it's a big deal. I'm not stepping in and saying "hey you guys just said an anti Semitic comment to each other." What's the purpose? Even when I hear it, they are not talking about me. The other point is, hearing it like that, and the action is different if you own the shop. The guy at the furniture store(which is a gentile) encourages customers to do that. It's his business, and who cares if that is the way he want to do business. I'm not going to give him a 3 point lesson on how to not go out of business, when word gets around. I do apologize to anyone who took offense at what I wrote, because you think it means something different than I do. It's still politically correct around here for gentiles to say that to gentiles, and I don't care that they do. They don't care they say it to each other either. How some take it, then they are saying they are going to kill each other. Why would I scream "You bigots, you anti Semitism, talking to each other like that, don't you know I'm a Jew and I hear you carry on like that with each other who are not even Jews" No, I pick my fights accordingly with what is truly against me, no one has to tell me it's anti Semitic, I feel it in my gut and soul, and it's directed straight towards me personally. We have read differently in history, which gives us two different viewpoints on the saying. History going back to the 1600's. The reason why so many Jews own shops, was because of anti Semitism, the non Jews didn't want Jews to be lawyers, Doctors, Bankers, Politicians etc, which left them being merchants, which the non Jews didn't have a problem with. I'm sticking with that history, over the saying, it wouldn't make any sense otherwise, where I live to do differently.

Look at how many people do not know that to say "jew someone down-" is anti Semitic. Why do they not know that, because it isn't spoken in that way. When a gentile says "I'm going to the car lot to jew that guy down to $5000 on that car I want" and the guy at the car lot is a gentile also, how is that anti Semitic? It isn't. Gentiles are saying it to gentiles about prices. , period. Shirlee gave the reference about the N word. The N word means a lazy person, it doesn't mean a black person. Tho people don't think of a lazy person when the word is spoken. Where I live, to jew someone down, doesn't mean to kill a Jew. And like I said, it is the non Jews saying it to non Jews about purchasing. Most Jews profession at least in the U.S. when they came here, own shops. People would try to get them to lower a price on something, this is where the saying came from. Now if you have owned a shop and everyone is always trying to get you to lower the price, to the point you are not even making a profit, it can tick you off. One lady was doing this to me on the same visit, and after the 3rd attempt, I got ticked. The next time she came in, she apologized to me, saying she was from Russia, and that is how they do it there. We are friends now and she is my neighbor, she moved next door. The bad rip with the wording has came over those instances of merchants being treated that way. And just like the N word, changed meaning over time, to take on something that originally it didn't mean, and really still doesn't mean anything but a lazy person. Same as to "jew someone down" even if some peoples first thought is to kill a Jew, they would only think that, because they had been told incorrect. Now gentiles go into gentile businesses to try to rip them off. Why did it change, because Jews put there foot down about it, they picked that fight so they could make a profit. And when gentiles were trying to cause Jews not to make a profit, that was anti Semitic.

If you ask me some people have no book. Can I suggest three to learn from.....a history book, a psychology book, and and a book on interpersonal skills. (I also need to learn from the book on IPS.) And can I suggest that gentiles (and those who are in spirit) learn what a Jew is because being half Jewish is like being half pregnant?

You would think that in this day and age, we are in the 21st century that these phrases would have gone away, unfortunately there are still some people, though they mean no harm, it still hurts,. Like a white person using the "N" word around a black person. If we want peace in this world let's start with tolerence with the people you interact with everyday,no matter what the race or religion is. Shalom, Shirlee

I live in the Netherlands and the dutch use often expressions which hurt you, most dutch do not even think about jews if they use it, Jodenstreken=Jewtricks or when you did something bad. (at least the Arabs in this country do Jewtricks according to the dutch) Often I overhear others laughing over a joke which often tells about Jews and running out of gas but if you ask them most of them do not realize that they hurt Jews with this joke for they tell also jokes and very bad jokes about them selves or belgians. Worse is that Arabs in this country more and more call for the killing and eviction of all Jews in the Netherlands. So I guess its time for aliyah.....

I was working down south and some of my staff were on the job trained "paraprofessionals" but they were raised in the deep south and were not very educated or worldly. One woman used the phrase "Jewed him down" while telling a story. I was so shocked I couldn't react until I pulled it together the next day and took her aside and asked her what that phrase meant to her. She explained that the Jew in town had a fabric store and it was common to bargain with him and that was the term they all used. Having known her for a while, I did not feel she had a "bad bone in her body" and she certainly never acted anti-semitically towards me, I theerfore explained how that phrase was indeed anti-semetic. She took it well and apologized, clearly not having realized it.

I am a business owner and have lived with anti-semitism on many occasions. I will not stand for it from anyone. We lost a whole family because of the Nazis in Germany, and I have vowed in my mind "Never Again." I have followed that principle all of my adult life, as has my family who have helped in the formation of Israel starting in 1948. My reaction to this couple would have been both instantaneous and harsh. Sorry, but that is the way I feel. I tell my friends and my children DO NOT BE A MILK TOAST... MILK TOAST GETS EATEN BY OTHERS.

Just like valuing the creativity of being ADHD, I'm proud of being half scots-irsh & half jewish. Plus I have been a single mom, so I am extremely frugal. When folks are amazed at how I pinch pennies 'til they turn to nickels, I smile and am proud of my heritage, and verbally so if appropriate .

I was talking to a man that owned a furniture store and he was telling me his customers can jew him down and told me if I come in he will give me a good price. To jew someone down, that is what it means, about prices. I don't take it as a big thing, and never have. Alot of countries, that how you shop, you bargain with the clerks to get a good price. Here, it's not known to do this in stores, so I was surprised customers could in his furniture store. It's know at car lots, and buying houses, just not normal in stores. I have never heard it referenced in any other kind of way. Not something to pick a fight over in my book.

Twice in a week and two weeks later in very different circumstances, a salesperson said J me down. A sears photographer quoted a price that I thought was a different from the original.I was with my 1, 4 and 6 yrs.old When I asked about the difference, the salesperson said that she was not trying to J me down. I told her that I was Jewish but could she please explain to my children who were also Jewish, what she meant. I said you are talking about them too because they are Jewish. She was embarrassed and tried to retract what she said. But I held her to it. I told her that what she said what she said I wasn't going to go away; if she was saying something that she felt uncomfortable to explain to my children, maybe she then knew that it was wrong and would not use that expression again. At the second and third incidents, I was alone. I don't look Jewish. At hearing the words 'J you down ',I looked puzzled and asked "What does that mean?" One salesperson said what I said "What does J you down mean?' He said, "nothing", to which I replied but you said Jewish, what has that go to do with this sculpture? At my insistence, in calm but clearly audible to the shoppers at the counter, I asked "explain what you said"... the salesperson felt obliged to quietly answer me rather that attracting attention. He explained the term and said that it really didn't mean anything by it . To which I responded Well that is pretty crummy. If you say something predjudiced and it is it is a 'normal' thing to say that means what you said was even more insulting. I shook my head and left to go to another counter. I never showed anger!!!!!!! I hope I made an impression. To know about what will prevent anti-Semitic remarks, you might want to contact North Saanich Middle school in the tiny town of Sidney, British Columbia, a school which grade 8 non-Jewish kids and non-Jewish teachers make an annual Holocaust program to teach others how to reduce prejudice to prevent any kind of genocide.

Last week I was on vacation in Lisbon with my wife and friends in restaurant. One of the young men at another table had what was clearly a Hitler style moustache. To make a long story short, they knew that we were upset by it, though I cannot say whether they knew us to be Jewish. When we left, a couple of them gave us the heil Hitler salute, which I did not see personally (I was in restroom, this was done to other three in my party). I did not find out until I was outside, and the others with me strongly discouraged me from going back in to confront them (I am admittedly hot headed), so in the end we did not respond and I have regretted since.

Walking out of the movie "Casino Jack" a man said to my kippa wearing hubby "hope you guys are real proud of him"We responded "we are also proud of the Mafia and Irish gangs".

On September 4th,2007 a house in Bomanville, Ontario, Canada owned by my Mom, was defaced with a swastika on the front door and Nazi and racist slogans and symbols on the inside..The damage in the house was so extensive we had to demolish it..The Police refused to call it a hate crime, and nobody has ever been charged...We still feel the sting and frustration...The whole incident has now been swept under the rug...It was a very important wake up call to never be complacent and it was horrible to truly feel the impact of anti-semitism...

While I have been on the receiving of anti-Semtitsim from the petty to the downright dangerous, the following is my favorite story: In college, I was working as a clerk in a convenience store. Early one morning, one of my regular customers, an older gentleman who always had a small coffee, asked if he could drink it in the store, as it was raining outside. I said, "Of course". Then he said, kiddingly, "You're not going to charge me rent, are you?" I said, "Of course not." And the ~25yo guy BEHIND him pipes up with "I wouldn't be surprised, the way the whole world is turning Jewish." I looked at him and said, "Do you know, I happen to BE Jewish?" And this is kicker -- He says, "Oh, I didn't mean that in a religious sense, I meant that in a money sense" (Open mouth, insert other foot) I pressed the issue "So, you mean to tell me, all rich people are Jews?" "Yup" "Rockefeller, Hughes, Getty, Carnegie -- all Jews?" "All of them." "Actually, none of them. How about Henry Ford?" "Yup, him too." I said, "Did you know that Henry Ford was such an anti-semite that he received a medal from Adolph Hitler himself?" I let the conversation drop after that. How can you possibly hope to combat such a wall of ignorance?

In response to your request for receiving anti-semitic remarks, I was once invited to a cocktail party by a customer who was doing a lot of business with my company and I was responsible for the relationship. This took place in a western european country. After a drink or two, the person, speaking to some of his fellow countrymen said, "Hitler should have finished the job." refering to the Jewish people. I was stunned, never having heard such a blatant anti-semetic remark. No one spoke against him. I asked myself - should I confront this person and jeopardize a major amount of my company's business or just let it pass. I decided to do nothing, knowing that unless such people were confronted anti-semitism would continue.

I reside in a senior community where a suspended attorney for misusing trust funds of a minor resides on his mother's property. He has posted anti-semitic and defamatory signs and being private property, city code enforcement has no authority. Since when do city offices, the ADL, TV news and others stand up for seniors? I was brought up to believe that Jews help other Jews. I am now so disillusioned that others would even consider coming to my defense that I am ashamed of my fellow Jews and the beliefs that my immigrated familiy from Russia, Poland, and Roumania instilled in me as a child. Jews help other Jews? Maybe in Skokie, Illinois against a Nazi rally. Not in small town Corona, California against a terrorist targeting seniors! Mr. Editor, I say to you, that other Jews do not raise up to the situation to help other Jews, and I thank you for this opportunity to express my feelings and let others know that help is not there when you need or expect it.

I went into a newly opened clothes shop & start chatting with the owner. Hementioned that he was disappointed that theJewish community didn't buy his luxury gods because "they're too damn mean". I told him it wasn't a very intelligengt commercial ploy to talk like thagt to a stranger who might well be a Jew....as I was, I added. He shrugged and turned away. Well, a very, very naughty idea took root in my head.. Some time later I went into the shop again, wearing very red, very shiny, very sticky lipstick. Now, I'm very fond of white clothes, and I'm very short-sighted, and I had to look very closely, very closely indeed, at the beautiful white pullovers and white shirts and white silk scarves in this guy's shop. No-one noticed my rather sgtrange, not to say, malicious behaviour. Naughty? Yes, but it was the least I could do to get even.

I'm not Jewish. Sometimes people think I am, but for various reasons I never felt the consequences of their "thoughts." Then, about a dozen years ago my daughter's "friend" abandoned their four year aquaintence. She told my daughter, "Your name is ... that's Jewish, isn't it." Turns out her (my daughters friend) father is an outspoken antisemite and a neo-nazi. It took a few years for father to brain wash daughter (and her brothers) to the point where they joined up with a dummy in 'Fallbrook (yes, that dummy). The last we knew, she had hate symbols on her forhead, etc. My daughter handled the situation well; I thought my approach was helpful too. (Ironically, she got a lead part in her high school play, "Ann Frank.") I told her, "Who know's? We might be Jewish. I've always thought we were of the tribe of barbarians that over threw Rome and brought on the Dark Ages. But, we could just be Jewish. Our "near encounter" with anti-semitism was actually quite chilling. Its probably motivated me to continue doing what I do as a volunteer in various law enforcement related organizations. Just wanted to share. The point of my story is, as a gentile (if in deed I am) I should probably get some ink that says so; or, just continue speaking out against the stupidity of prejudice and run the risk of being mistaken for a brilliant, academically over achieving, wealthy professional. Or, maybe a fiddler on the roof? Warren

Dear former art teacher, Your story has taken my breath away. The injustice is staggering! And it is frightening that you and not that student was punished. That kid probably grew up to be a menace to society. You don't sound bitter, but I can't get over it.

So i am on a conference call last week and the twerp of a salesrep says, "We couldn't meet on Thursday because, unfortunately, he's a hasidic Jew." The sting made me not even hear the rest of what he was saying about why he couldn't close the deal. So after I got my composure I decided to ask, "What do you mean you couldn't meet on Thursday?" So he said, "well, he was uncomfortable meeting on Friday because he's a Hasidic Jew which means he's Orthodox and his religion won't let him travel home late on Friday because of his sabbath." I let it go, instead of saying, "but you said you couldn't meet on Thursday because he was a Jew." I suspect he'll be more careful next time if he knows I am on the conference call. But I feel I could have exposed him more -- unless, I am just too sensitive to it all and ready to nail him for any slip of his tongue.

The garbage I've gotten from other people has made me a stronger person. Closer to G-d and the Torah, and not part of a group think type mentality. Who wants to be dominoes, for if one falls, down with the rest. Those that became Jews by choice thought it was going to be an easy ride, what a rude awakening they will have. Hang in there!

I said: " You can read the Torah from start to finish and you won't find any commandment to be pushy, loud, cheap or whatever nasty thing Jews are accused of.. If you know a Jewish person who is any of these things, it is not because he's Jewish, but because he isn't Jewish enough".

Dear Lori...As a 70-year-old Jewish American who has been in the U.S. military, has traveled the world, is a former TV and wire service journalist, and lives in a predominantly gentile environment, I've had more anti-Jewish slurs hurled at me than bullets fired at Bugsy Siegel. From employees to military personnel to fellow journalists -- no one has ever taken an antidote to thwart their anti-Semitic speech. However, I do recognize that each anti-semitic event is different and needs to be dealt with on an individual basis, which I always did and still do. No one ever escaped my "preaching" and sometimes my wrath, and not everyone learned that Jews don't have horns, big noses and horde money and gold. But they did learn that this is one Jew who won't put up with their obvious ignorance and hatred. I recognize that most of the folks who say vile things about Jews are ignorant, and most had never even met a Jew, let alone have one as a friend. I also recognize that anti-semitism is evolutionary, and that it evolves among various ethnic groups and nationalities and disappears within some of those same groups as time passes and people become more educated. But there are still groups who have always been hostile to Jews -- including Jews themselves -- and always will be because it's part of the fabric of their beings, cultures and educational process. I do not mean to offend anyone, but there are times when being politically correct doesn't cut it, especially when Israel's very existence is at stake. The hatred of Jews still is bountiful in the United Kingdom, in many Latin countries, and the entire continent of Africa, not to mention the Muslim nations of the Middle East. All Jews need to stand strong in the face of hatred, and face each situation with dignity as it unfolds.

I apologize. No, you didn't read that wrong. I actually apologize. I approach those folks & say, "Excuse me, but I may owe you an apology." "Oh, what for?" they ask. "Well," I say, "I happen to be Jewish &, since I overheard your remark, I'm terribly sorry if my presence here causes you any displeasure." At this point they will almost always top my own "apology" with a (quite sincere-sounding) apology of their own....like explaining that (of course) they didn't mean their remark to come out the way I evidently took it. But, you may ask, what if they're extreme fanatic anti-semites who will not react in such a relatively moderate way? Well, perhaps some of the other responses below will address THAT scenario.

I was 11 years old and returning home from playing squash in the neighborhood school's athletic field - I was surrounded by 3 girls, all older than me, they proceeded to block my path and call me names, including "dirty Jew" - and then grabbed my glasses and broke them. i first told them that I was not dirty, had just taken a shower, was proud to be a Jew and then proceeded to pummel the 3 of them - pulling their hair out of their heads with pieces of their scalp - tore their clothing, yes, I was bloody too, but when I arrived home, my father took one look at me and said, "I hope that they look much worse than you" - I said, yes, Dad, they do, and I told them never ever to say those filthy words again. Those girls never bothered me again - they spread a "rumor" about me, saying "stay away from the Jewish girl, she's crazy" - no one ever bothered me again near that school's athletic field and steered clear of me. I always have and always will stand up for Judaism - my parents are Holocaust survivors and NEVER AGAIN is the adage, to be carried into eternity by all Jewish people, and, in fact, anyone civilized, no matter what religion. Stand up and fight, Jews, we must never cower in the face of ignorance, stupidity, hatred, bigotry and anti-semitism!!!

When you look Jewish, it's hard to cover it up. I was at the drugstore getting some medicine when they gave me the wrong stuff.. Since it was already sent through their computers they said they couldn't do anything about it, I had to purchase the wrong stuff. I asked if they could void it, and she said no, they would have to call it in and it takes a long time. I was stumped. Later I thought I should of just walked out and didn't get the medicine. When your in shock, it's hard to think it through. The medicine was comparable to what I take, and I needed it that day. I said, I guess I have to pay for it, for at the time she made me feel I didn't have any other choice. I took it that day, and I had a bad reaction to it. I talked to the Pharmacist the next day, he still said he couldn't refund it and give me the right kind because it had been opened. I was furious. But I didn't say anything else, I left. I know all customers do not get treated this way. Just certain ones, for a Mexican lady had told me she had been treated the same way with wrong medicine for her son, which landed him in the hospital and an Indian woman almost died because of wrong medicine given. This drug store was prejudice with different ethnic groups obviously, not just Jews. They have had several didn't pharmacist over the past few years, however this was the first time I had had any problem with them personally. I left in silence, but behind the scene I went to work on it. Within a month, the Pharmacist was fired because his work permit in this country had expired a long time ago and he was an illegal to even be working in this country. I have no regrets pursuing the issue, not only for myself, but also for others who had been discriminated against.

I just wanted to comment that I appreciated your video a lot, throughout my life was always speaking up(and sometimes more) when I heard remarks. I was taught by my Dad that I needed to speak up and show strength. But I wanted to share a quote I heard from a shiur I listened to where David Ben Gurion once said " It doesn't matter what the goyim say, it matters what the Jews do." This was relayed by Yossi Goldman http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=884319. Our best answer to anti-semitism, is to lead an authentic, Jewish life. That, with your help, is my best prescription for answering back.

There are 2 incidents that I would like to present here. 1. As I remember it .. My sister and a friend passed a street preacher saying the most dispicable things about Jews. My sister just looked at the street preacher and in a loud voice said "Hey with those delusions, I know a doctor you should call", she said, you could have heard a pin drop. The street preacher turned white, the people who were listening to him looked embarrassed and left and my sister said she smiled at him and then asked if he needed the number of the doctor, when he did not respond she and her friend just left. 2. The other incident happened to me was when I was working in a corporation back in the '80s and the business user made the comment to me about how all the Jews are at the top. I smiled at him and said, I'm a Jew. The business user got embarrassed and said, I'm not an anti-Semite, and I said ... Yeah right The look on his face was priceless!

Many years ago, I was working in a non-Jewish professional firm as a Secretary. There was a young non Jewish bookkeeper , the only other person in the office, apart from 2 partners in the next room. The young woman had met her boyfriend lunchtime and browsed round the shops. A Jewish shopkeeper tried to entice them into a clothes shop. The girl came back to the office full of the fact that she knew he was Jewish because all Jews have long noses. I then shocked her by telling her I was Jewish (she had no idea, and I did not cover her understanding of what Jewish people look like). I then proceeded to give her a lecture on antisemitism to which, unbeknown to myself, my bosses were listening in the other room. They then called her in and gave her a further lecture, but shortly afterwards, they dismissed her.

...have happened to me in my life. I didn't always handle them in the best way. Now I try to give knowledge to the offender about what Jews are really like. Education is they key.

I was in the mountains of N. Georgia talking to a fairly new acquaintance, and we were talking about the price of a sweater in a marketplace. She said it seemed like a lot of money & I should "jew them down". I was also shocked, Lori, but I quickly replied " You mean chew them down". Maybe this wasn't the really best thing I could have said, but I was totally surprised as I had never heard this expression before. Yes, Jewish people MUST stand up and not let these remarks go by unanswered.

In 1997, teaching an art class, at the height of my career, a student in the class asked, "What do I have to do to pass this class?" I told him he would have to complete the assignments. He retorted, "Maybe they should have sent you back to Auchwitz". Stunned, I walked back to my seat. The class was eerily silent. I waited, recalled Torah דן לזכף הזחות & P.E.T. training before asking, "What did you say?". He retorted, "Wha'd I say?". It remained quiet until the bell rang. The class filed out. Many told me, "I heard what he said". " I will be a witness". "My mother is on The Board". I wrote up the discipline slip, of which I still have a copy. For discipline recommendation I wrote, "View Shindler's List". It was the afternoon before Thanksgiving vacation and my husband and my 25th Anniversary. I submitted the slip and went home. It was to be the beginning of my life turning inside-out-and- upside-down. The following week began with meetings with principles, union reps, the boy's father (whom I was told was Mafia), lawyers, ADL head, supervisor, our rabbi, and my high school teacher Dr. Yaffa Eliach. I received much advice, but at the end of the year it was I who was transferred to another school within the district, blacklisted from other jobs, blackballed by other teachers, and left to fight for myself. That 'Yom Hashoa' which was my mother's 5th yahrzeit, zt"l, I awoke to her flickering candle telling me to "Light a Candle In The Dark". I spoke about The Holocaust in each one of my classes and told my students, "If someone is yelling 'HELP', don't just pull your window shades down. The Holocaust could have happened to any nation, creed, ethnicity. We are all in this together." I was called to the principle's office, that day and reprimanded for speaking about The Holocaust. Much happened since then. I began a program "Portraits of Survivors", and became a Master Teacher of The Holocaust, B"H.

It was Xmas time in Toronto and I found myself alone on a bus in the city sitting behind the driver. I told her it was a beautiful time of year, what with the colourful lights and happy spirit prevailing. The driver mentioned that her family, widely dispersed, was expected and she was looking forward to seeing them. "What about you?" I then told her that our holiday was a little different, I was Jewish and we were celebrating Chanukah. I couldn't believe her next remark. As I was getting off the bus she said "Hitler had the right idea, just went about it in the wrong way". I was so shocked, I couldn't believe what I heard. So shocked that I was speechless! When I got off the bus and the following days I realized I could have, should have ..... but I didn't.

I was 21 ... newly married as of December 21, 1971... I was also a new teacher ... and ... I was on winter break ... It was announced in the newspare that as of January 1st,1972 ... 600 teachers were being laid off from the Chicago Public schools ... As I was the newest teacher at the school ... the last one in ... I was the first one out ... I immediately went down to offices of the Chicago Board of Education to see if I could secure another job ... as I was supporting my husband while he was in school ... The room was overfilled with other laid off teachers ... I began to notice that the women in charge was obviously ignoring me ... and ... calling others up ... Finally ... I went up to her to request that I ... too ... be seen ... She angrily looked up from fer desk ... directly at me ... and said "What's your name ?"... which immediately would show her that I was one of the first to arrive ... and ... sign the sign in-sheet ... Worried about my job ... annoyed at the waiting time ... but ... so proud of my new married name ... I said "***********"... a name that absolutely sounded Jewish !!! The woman looked up at me and said... "It figures !!!" My automatic response was ..."WHAT FIGURES???"... She then said "oh nothing ..." ... I would not let this just slide by ... as I then said "Exactly what figures?!?" She looked shocked to caught in this anti-semitic response to me ... As the waiting room bcame very quiet ... I asked the question of her ... over ... and ... over ... until she realized that I was not moving until she responded ... and ... the crowded room became even mor crowded ... She eventually apologized with what I am sure was quite insincere apology ... That being said ... perhaps she will always feel what she feels ... but ... there was no way that my beautiful ... new ...married name was going to be said by anybody ... with anything but resoect !!!

I'm now 72 & still take a very belligerant attitude to its limit when confronting anti-semitism. If someone wants to do me harm, he'd be advised to expect a violent outburst physically &/or verbally from me. This has been my modis operandum since becoming aware of anti-semitism at the ripe age of 11. My Dad advised me to reason with the "enemy" but then conceded that some idiots just have to learn what it means to also feel true physical hurt. In my present older age I sometimes would like not to react so badly, but it has been too deeply ingrained in me. My wife & adult children feel that I must cool it because sooner or later I may run into an immovable force & really get hurt. I just hope this doesn't happen.

Dear Lorrie, Like you when I was younger, I used to get shocked when I heard an ant-Semitic comment , but thought it best to keep quiet. However, now I just don't accept any racist remarks whatsoever, whether they are directed to me personally or other races. Recently a good non Jewish neibour , not for the first time made a comment insinuating Jews were mean. It was in my home and I turned much to the embarrassment of everyone else in the room and said in a loud clear voice "Mary, I don't like this sort of comment, its very hurtful , ignorant and completely untrue. In fact I have many Jewish friends who are a lot more charitable than you have ever been." She was absolutely stunned, very shocked and afterwards very apologetic. She has never again made such a comment and has said how sorry she was for her stupidity. I was delighted at the result as she is a very kind and good person and was there for me when my husband was dying so I know that this is just a silly supposition that people are brought up with. But these days they must be pointed out and not allowed to be passed on to others. By the way I am not observant but I love listening to your videos and thank you for past thoughts and help when I have needed it, Regards Barbara Shaffer, Marlow UK

First of all, that TV show you described reminds me of a TV show that was popular 40-50 years ago called "Candid Camera". I remember it from when I was a kid. I don't think anything you would or could have said would make a difference to that child that threw the penny at you or the woman in the gallery. "Esav hates Yaakov" . By becoming religious, keeping the Torah and living in Israel is the best statement you can make, and can make the biggest difference.

If you can I would say get them alone and knock their teeth out. They will respect you even if you lose the fight. But if you do not like that tactic tell them that the God they worship was a Jew and that you were descended from him. Also you have the Salk Polio Vaccine in your body. Salk was a Jewish doctor. If you still dislike Jewish people please do not listen or sing White Christmas, Easter Parade and the patriotic song God Bless America as they were written by Irving Berlin a Jewish composer.

Yes, I did once when about twenty two or so. I was in a car with my best friend and he was telling a story about someone who "Jewed me." His meaning was clear but as we had both come from a weekend with my parents in another town where my father had given both of us signing priveleges at his club, and a car, I thought the remark was offensive and unnescessary. I then said , :What do you mean 'Jewed me'? He said "you know, he cheated me!" So I said that I was Jewish (he knew that) and I thought the remark was offensive and untrue and that he didnt mind taking a Jews hospitality three days before. The embarrassment was lovely to watch but no apology! It was the end of the 'best friendship.'

I also froze, but now that I'm older(much)I would definitely speak up. I think one needs to evaluate whether the remrk is actually antisemitic or just an un-concscious repetition of a "politically incorrect" remark, such as "jew you down". I met this in my business and would respond by saying "You can't Jew me down, because I am a Jew" They would be embarassed and apologize profusely. However, if it was truly anti-Semitic, I would call them on it as I have done re anti-Israeli demonstrations, etc.

Jews, that is, Jewish people have been accused throughout history for everything from the economic downfall of countries to the extinction of dinosaurs (apologies here to Gilbert Godfried). When I first entered high school, in another borough here in New York City, there was an incident I experienced during lunch period, in the cafeteria. In the course of the conversation, the topic of religion came up, where upon I declared that I am Jewish. The group at the table approached a level of quiet that could only be hoped for in a shul on a Shabbat morning. There was a unified response of "we never met a Jew before." Not letting an opportunity for *education* to pass, I proceeded to lean forward, point to the top of my head, and say "This is where the horns are, and they come out only if I lie." The group looked like they were in a trance. Little did I know that this was my first experience with hypnosis, something I now utilize in my therapy practice in an ethical fashion.

Hi Lori- Back in the 1990's I was working in a cardiovascular open-heart surgery ICU as a respiratory therapist. In such units the surgeons (who perform heart transplants, valve replacements, bypass grafts and other miraculous live-saving procedures) are very highly regarded. They are treated like celebrities by both the administrators and the staff alike. In such an environment co-workers love to gather around such talented physicians when they take a moment explain and teach something new and exciting. I was part of such a group when one of the younger and newer surgeons was speaking casually. He remarked that he felt a certain practice should be stopped because it was neither good nor bad for the patient's outcome. He sarcastically stated, "It's like Jewish medicine!" The other members of the group knowingly nodded their heads and laughed as if he had just made a clever joke. Somehow with my heart beating in my throat, my voice quavering I pulled him aside and said "Dr. W. I'd like to talk to you privately in the hall. Of course he blew me off, but I persisted and we walked to a quiet area. When I told him that I was Jewish and that I had found his remark to be offensive and anti-Semetic he shocked me by telling me he was also Jewish. He felt it was OK for Jews to make fun of themselves. I answered that as a Jew he shouldn't treat his people with such disrespect. That ended our conversation. I never did find out what "Jewish medicine" was.

I once had an acquaintance (friend of a friend) make the comment: "God is so angry with the Jews." She didn't know I was Jewish, but I asked: "really? why?" She then went into her "missionary" mode and told me it was because "The Jews don't believe in .... (you know who)" I struggled to get out of there. So, I don't think there was anything you could have done or said that wouldn't have resulted in a drawn out discussion about whose religion is right. The answer may be becoming an activist and teaching the anti-semites the truth? That's all I can come up with.

for years i used to freeze up as you put it. then one day when i was changing clothes, the goyem were making anti semitic on the low level side. i "froze" up and said nothing. nearby another jew of german descent was laughing at the remarks. i became infuriated at him. when the laughter died down, he in a loud voice says, hey rosenberg, how come all these christians celebrate some finky jews birthday on dec. 25? we both roared laughing. you could have heard a pin drop. ever since that day, i react like a cobra. i show no mercy as soon as as i hear a remark, no matter how innocent it appears. when people say merry xmas i will say happy chanukah. they say i'm not jewish and i in turn will say, i'm not christian.

Yes, i have had many many comments made either in front of me or to me directly. A few times when I was a young girl(12 or so) I used to be confronted by "people" in the park who wanted to give me tickets to their church(probably an open line to communicate with strangers) and I said, "I am Jewish." At this point they gave me the usual condolences and said I was going to rot in hell etc.....other times I have been told that G-d is going to kill me and blah blah blah.... The one time that I was really affected by anti- semitism was when I was walking down a bus lane in Miami and I had my beautiful baby boy in the stroller and it was shalosh seudas time and there were three teenagers waiting for a bus. It was Halloween and they called me derogatory names and said they would kill me and my %&&^(*(& baby, too. That was so hurtful. I He said words. the Nazis took those same words and put actions to them. I hurried home and did not say anything to them I wa outnumbered and with a defenseless baby. It was smarter at that moment for me to keep my mouth shut. All other times I have spoken up.....

When I was in school, i waitressed in the Catskills of NY. Another waitress said that there were so many kikes staying there. I told her that I am Jewish. She said that I was different from the others (who were guests) and didn't mention it again..

Working for a fortune 500 company, with lots of souls, I have been there. Simply put, you don't say something and look to others to defend you, your going to be all alone, waiting. If you don't say something, it goes on and on, till it blows up. What I went through was much more volatile. EEO got involved, people suspended. Unions got involved, Big mess. Overall, glad I stood up, don't have to hear the rhetoric anymore.

If it's a generic remark, like the Englishwomens, then you can say, "my G-d, we're in Bigot heaven" loud enough for her to hear.

I AM APPALLED THAT MANY OF THE INDIVIDUALS PROVIDING COMMENTS ARE HIDING BEHIND "ANONYMOUS" INSTEAD OF SIGNING THEIR COMMENT WITH THEIR NAME! OF WHAT ARE THEY AFRAID ? ARE THEY DESCENDANTS OF THE PASSIVE JEWS WHO DUTIFULLY OBEYED THE ORDERS OF THEIR PERSECUTORS? PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT I AM FULLY AWARE THAT A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF JEWS FOUGHT AGAINST THEIR OPPRESSORS AND DIED ON THEIR OWN TERMS, TAKING SOME OF THEIR PERSECUTORS TO THEIR DEATH WITH THEM. PERHAPS THEY ARE SO PARANOID THAT THEY FEAR HAVING THEIR THOUGHTS IDENTIFIED AS THEIR OWN. . . FEARING THEIR NAME MAY END UP ON SOME BIGOTS LIST? OR POSSIBLY THERE MAY BE A LEGITIMATE REASON TO HIDE BEHIND ANONYMOUS AND IF SO, I WOULD APPRECIATE HEARING FROM AN ANONYMOUS WRITER JUSTIFYING THEIR DECISION TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM AN ANONYMOUS.

As an attorney who spent many years wearing a yarmulke in Virginia, I have experienced a wide range of reactions. I have been able to discern that while some people's anti-semitic reactions are truly based on Jew-hatred, others' facially anti-semitic remarks are the result of a simple desire to be hurtful or nasty because I have been on the opposite side of a case; the latter are simply crude people lacking in class, who feel (as too many people do) that being angry at someone entitles you to say any nasty thing whatsoever that comes to mind. At least this latter group often has the capacity to later offer an apology. In any event, I have found the most effective response to this and other types of abuse, is simply to say quietly, and with a sense of knowing and sincere compassion, "You're not a very happy person, are you?" It really gets into the head of anyone with the slightest insight about themselves. The most frightening experience I have ever had with anti-semitism was truly unique...I took the deposition of a kippah-wearing Orthodox settler from Israel for three days, whose behavior and responses to questions evinced an intense and breathtaking degree of evil and hypocrisy I had never seen, before or since. There came a sharp, blinding and horrible flash of a moment as I looked at him when I knew exactly, precisely, what a committed Nazi must have seen and felt when contemplating a Jew. I was literally thrown back in my chair in terror at the clarity of this vision; it is something that makes me tremble in horror to this day when I remember the experience. To believe you have actually felt the mindset of a true anti-semite, with all the titanic blind rage and murderous hatred, is something terrible to behold. I wish I had been spared this moment of insight.

I myself have never had this level of hate displaied where ever I have been. I would hope that this would be a way of causing me to eliminate any business that would support all who agree with this, which has moved me. I would address the owner about such an employee to either let them go and remind thim about the job fair, or thell him to keep his personal opinions to himself, as to address the issue with "we have a policy not to post fiers in owr establishment".

My father had a store in a small town that had only 2 Jewish families including mine. I grew up with a lot of anti semetic comments and never said a word. However, as I grew older and wiser, I started to say my true feelings about those types of statements. With age comes wisdom and chutzpah. When we are young we are more interested in wanting people to like us no matter what. My advice: To thine ownself be true.

This is what I have learned: When I say nothing in the face of bigotry, I regret my behavior for the rest of my life. When I reject silence and defy bigotry, I have taken a step toward decency and tolerance. All bigotry, whether anti-semitism, racism, ageism or sexism, should be confronted. With civility and intelligence, we need to reject hate. Even internecine savagey, e.g. between observant and other Jews, should be addressed and changed.

I was 22 and living in California newly married working for a major corporation. While in a meeting of about 25 people my boss made a comment about being jewed down. I was in shock. I had never heard such a thing and I froze. After the meeting I privately approached my boss and told her that her comment was offensive and inappropriate. She apologized and seemed shocked of the true pain she had inflicted. I regret that I nor anyone else in this corporate mtg spoke up. Today, I am proud to say that my daughter is "in your face". From a very young age , she immediately stood up and voiced her opinion and the truth whenever an anti-semetic or inappropriate comment was made.

many years ago, while working as an RN on an inpatient unit of a hospital i was assigned to take care of a middle eastern arab. i didn't really think much about it. while caring for him my magen david fell out of my shirt. he saw it, mad a rude comment , and told me that he did not want me to be his nurse because i was jewish. i looked at him, asked him to repeat himself and listened in stunned amazement. i told him that in the united states there was no religious descrimination and as such my jewishness was not a reason for me not to care for him. i finished what i was doing for him and left his room--i was so enraged, but did not say a word to my supervisor or my co workers. i was determined to change his mind.as the days went by, his hostility began to deminish. much to my suprise we actually began to talk. i am not sure what he thought that jews were, but over the course of 3 weeks he came to realize that i/we were not what he thought we were. did i really change his narro minded bigotry? i will never know, but i did my best to try. should i have reported the incident? probably. i was glad that i forced myself on him. to give in would have only added to his anti semitism.

Your lack of judgement unfortunatley is what the majority of Jews would have and still do. Can you concieve of a muslim doing nothing? either can I. That is why they are feared and we are " the cause of all the worlds problems The "black hats" sing and pray. If they don't learn to fight in a few decades the holocaust will be gone and lost forever. I think it's time Schumer, Feinstein, Boxer and the rest of the apathetic Jewish leadership understands that in the eyes of the world they are no more than Jews. It is sad that Axelrod and Emmanuel don't have the same passion for Israels right to exist as they do for its continuing acquiesce to the so called palestinians. Next time I hope you do more than turn a deaf ear. You are right about one thing, logic cannot overcome ignorance. BUT FEAR CAN!! It is time we all understad we are Jewish and work together to for Israels continued existance, This is the prerequisite for our continued and our children and grandchildrens continued existance.

If people say things against the Asians, Africans or any other groups how do you feel?

When I was in middle school- 8th grade, I think- I had a classmate who made antisemitic remarks. One day, he made a particularly nasty antisemitic remark to me, and I just snapped. I took off after him, chased him down the halls, tackled him, and was about to land a haymaker on his ugly little face when a teacher pulled me off him. But y'know what? Nobody *ever* made an antisemitic remark to me at school after that. Nobody. As an adult- and as an observant, kippah-wearing Jew- I've had times when someone on the street would call out an antisemitic remark in my direction. My general reaction is to confront the person- a loud "Excuse me?" in their direction is usually all it takes, and they slink away back to their private little rock. When you see antisemitism, don't just cower- call them on it. You'll be surprised at the results. YMMVW, -Z

I HAVE SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE SOMEBODY SAID ANTI SEMITIC SLURE ALL I DID IS PUNCH HIM AND THATS THAT

once i was with a woman [she wasn't jewish] at a party, and someone said "i'm not prejudiced against jews. some of my best friends are jewish." before i could blink my friend said "really ! name one" . such stammering and blubbering that you couldn't believe. i think if you can retort quickly, go for it. but don't argue. you can't win and will only lose your dignity

My grandmother was an Orthodox Jew who listened to "Jew jokes" all her life, and for that reason she never spoke of her faith because she didn't want to be asociated with the kind of person the antisemetic jokes and comments made her out to be...the person at whom the penny is thrown, the butt of nasty, hateful comments. I was 17 when I found out she was a Jew. I am not 54, still learning about Judaism, still wanting to find my niche therein. I have wished my granddaddy was alive so i could kill him for saying some of the anti-jewish things he said, for making her feel so terrible. She just stood there and took it. i won't be silent when I hear anti-semetic comments whether jokes or not. To the Christians who worship J- as their "savior"...what religion was he? If you malign Jews for any reason, you malign him. It is attitude that makes the difference. Resolve to love, not hate. Resolve to be kind, not mean. Resolve to become educated, not remain ignorant. Resolve to make a difference in this life and in the lives of others down the road by the actions you put forth today. It is your choice what you choose to do!

Yes, this has happened to me. I am an observant Jew and wear a kippah and tzitzit in my everyday life proudly. I am a manager in a retail store in Las Vegas and have many foreign customers, many from from South America. I had a group of people come in one day, speaking Spanish, and when they realized I was Jewish they began to say some very anti-Semetic remarks and laughing without realizing that I, too, speak Spanish. One of my assosiates, who is from Mexico, also heard them and looked at me with this look of horror. I smiled at her, then approached the group and calmly told them, in Spanish, that they should realize that many "anglo" people in the Southwestern US speak Spanish and they should be careful in what they say. I told them that I did not appreciate their comments and that I would like them to leave now. I could tell they were shocked. Later in the week, I received a call from my corporate customer service stating they had received a complaint that I had thrown customers out of my store. I explained the situation and was shocked to be told by the person that, "Next time you need to just ingnore someone's comments and let them shop." I told them, "Absolutely not!" and lodged my own complaint with Human Resources.

Lori, You are absolutely on target! Prejudice unconfronted is allowed to grow. With sincere regards, Julia D. Goldman

Thinking back to all the times I heard anti-semitic remarks and I did nothing brings tears to my eyes. Now that I'm older, wiser & more opinionated, I would never allow that to happen again. Now, I'd be screaming what the truth really is & at the audacity of the cruel, misinformed anti-semitic person or persons. No one would get away with that if I were standing there and heard something like that! We all must do whatever we can to try to rid the world of anti-semitism, no matter how small we think the jesture would be. We must continue to speak out and peaceably fight back!

Yes, on several occasions, but the to beat one was when I was an employee, my boss made several anti-Semitic remarks to me in reference to an observant Jew, who had recently joined our team; totally oblivious , he was talking to "another one of these 'Yids' ", (his terminology). Enduring these disparaging remarks for a couple of years - eventually being made alert to the situation, one day with 'Dutch' courage had the temerity and accuse me of having place him in an embarrassing / humiliating situation with another senior employee that had alerted him of the situation, and of "making me look foolish in front of one of the company directors". My subordinate response' was; "No Mr - - - - , you are solely responsible for placing yourself in that situation, not I: I am merely guilty of remaining silent." "Yes, I'm a survivor of Europe WWII , and have been guilty of complacency in the past - but no longer, and now speak out ."

I'm one of those people who react with vigour to any type of antisemitic or racist remark. I live in Malta, where both are rampant, but mainly due to ignorance. So my first words are: " Do you know that Jesus was a jew?" or " do you realise that your religion is based on the Jewish laws and beliefs?". I can't say I'm very successful, but some honest people do think about it. I also try to make people think about the media's report concerning Israel, which I find shameful.

II live in downtown Baltimore. was crossing the street and two neighbors were running to catch the new eco-friendly free bus. One said to the other, "My friend lives in Pikesville and she wonders if they'll have it go up there. The other woman said, "I don't care how many Jews they have there, it won't go that far." I asked them if they were Jewish, and they, looking at me as if I were crazy, said no. I asked them why, then, were they taking the free bus. You have to call them on it. Words are only the beginning.

When I was about 10, a couple boys from a nearby Catholic family were taunting me across my back yard fence. One boy said, "Your father's a fat Jew!" I was completely flustered, and stammered back, "Well, you're father's a... Catholic! (along with a mental shrug, because truly I had nothing against Catholics; it was simply the best rejoinder I could muster under the circumstances)" Eventually they left. My aunt Ethel (of blessed memory), who lived next door, motioned me over. "I heard what they said and what you said." Aunt Ethel continued, "Whenever someone says something ignorant against you, never lower yourself to their level." That wisdom has stuck with me (so far) for about 45 years.

About 12 years ago I decided that I would never keep quiet again. Sometimes when it's an antisemetic remark diguised as antiZionism, I calmly ask the person why they said what they said, why they think what they said is true, and we get into a dialogue about it. A lot of times people don't understand that what they've been fed about Jews, Israel, Zionism, etc. is lies and propaganda. So I get into a discussion of the history, and then ask them various questions like "do you know from what years Palestine was an independent country? What did its flag look like? What were its land boundaries? What type of government did it have? Did it have a king, queen, parliament, etc.? What are some of the cultural aspects of the Palestinians? What language did they speak? What were some of their life-cycle rituals for birth, death, marriage, coming of age, etc.? What cities did they build, where were they located? What kind of a religion did the Palestinians have? Where did they worship, what type of building? What were some of their religious rituals? Were there priests/priestesses? Name of the deity/deities they worshipped? When they are not able to answer these questions then I ask them to go home and look up the information on the internet, in an encyclopedia or whatever. This, I feel, leads them to find out that not only have such things never existed, but that they have been fed lies and propaganda. And from there some people will change because they value educating themselves on truth. However, sometimes when the antisemitism is a cruel remark by someone who is obviously a complete moron (such as a "Jewed down" remark or whatever, I will confront him verbally. Never once yet has it ended up in any other way but the other person backing down, sometimes even apologising, and then going away. I doubt seriously that in these cases anything has changed for them, but thats ok at least they understand that they cannot always act like animals in public.

I was doing an outreach and sale at a campus, the muslims across from me had signs equaling Judaism to nazism. The Star of David equals the swastica.. I got in their face about it, they wanted to fight, I was ready but then the campus police and Sheriffs came and broke it up.. Later they tried to show me their signs again, I got right in their faces and said if you open that sign you will unleash a fury in me you won't be able to stop!! they backed off!! Get Involved!! Stand up!!! AM YISRAEL CHAI !!!!! Bring back true Zionism!! I went to grade school where swasticas and slang were painted on the school.. I do Stand Up!!!

I didn't know the guy in the bakery was acting. He was so good that I believed he really meant all those things he said. Lori, I think that in your case, it wouldn't have helped for you to speak up. The ignorant woman would only have attacked you and said that your response was "proof" that "the Jews" are haughty. I think your friend should've spoken up, as a non-Jew. I don't mean to criticize her now; it was probably very hard for her at the time to know what to do. Maybe she didn't want to humiliate you further. All I mean is that if either of you should've spoken up, it was your friend. That's my opinion, anyway. There will be other times when you *should* do something.

I believe that situations such as you experienced in school is an opportunity for others to take a stand on behalf of what is right. Note I said others. For a Jewish person to speak up in such a situation they would need to search their heart first to find their motive. If it is one of indignation or offense they would be speaking out in the wrong motive. The situation at the museum was a private conversation not directed at any individual and just showed the warped thinking of that person.

When I hear a remark like that, I look them in the eye and say "I am Jewish" . It usually makes them embarrassed. My younger daughter presented Rabbi Heschel to her class. She was the only Jew. She quoted him "racism is an eye disease". The kids had something to think about that day. We don't tolerate antisemitism or any form of prejudice to anyone, and try to rise above this senseless and baseless behavior.

First off, I'm a Gentile and a Christian. I cannot stay silent against anti-semitic remarks. It's not so much I want to change the mind of the speaker (as someone else commented that's pretty difficult to do) but if it was loud enough for me to hear, then others heard and to let all the rest think that what was spoken was right - that I can't do.. We are all Hashem's creation, we were all created in His likeness and to hold such hatred for the apple of His eye is just wrong, and to hold hatred against any other group of people is also so wrong. As far as the Jewish people are concerned, we should hold out our hands and ask to be introduced to the Mighty One of Israel. Just my 2cents here You go Lori!!

Due to the fact that I am an observant Jew in many ways and have read and studuy a lot. thee is a security within me that enabvles me to speak up. This is thanks to HaShem who have led me so close to the Torah.

What is all the fuss about? The lady didn’t know that you, the girl standing nearby, was Jewish. She wasn’t directing her remarks at you, as if to offend you personally; she may not even have realized that you were there. Certainly, she wasn’t directing her remarks at your Jewishness, which she probably wasn’t aware of. She was talking privately with her husband (or whoever the man next to her was). Why do you find it offensive, then, when non-Jewish people display negativity towards Jews? Does it surprise you to learn that people have prejudices? Are you so naïve as to think that there is peace and harmony out there among the peoples, the races, etc that populate the world? Personally, it would have made me proud to have had the experience you describe. When non-Jewish people complain of our haughtiness, it shows that they’re jealous of us and regard us as objects of envy. And they wouldn’t feel that way if they didn’t tacitly view us as having a precious endowment that they lacked. May G-d help us so that the privately expressed “anti-Semitic” prejudices of the non-Jewish world stay private. And let the great day come when all inhabitants of the world will recognize His sovereignty and acknowledge our chosenness as a people.

I was in an Anatomy & Physiology class in college. One of my buddies in my class was a big guy who used to play professional football. I am a petite female. None of us were fond of our instructor, who tended to read from the text. One evening this guy starts going off about our instructor, saying "that Dr. _____ is a Jewish...(something negative, I just don't recall what)" I don't recall the rest of the comment because I interrupted him, saying, "You got a problem with Jews?" He replied, "No." I said, "Well then, hush. I don't want to hear it." The guy didn't hang out with me much after that - but he didn't make antisemetic remarks anymore, either.

I have experienced over my years many anti-semetic comments and especially while playing sports or in groups. My tendency has been to bite my tongue and keep quiet. I have learned the effort to try and explain who you are etc, falls on deaf ears. People do no change, so you chnage the people you surround yourself with. Example I had a Jewish friend who called me a racist because I am conservative, without any knowledge about my background and the reasons I left South Africa. Both my parents were leaning towards liberalism and they taught us about respecting other people irrespective of race, religion etc, but what my mother taught me most, that people who think like that, are anti-semetic, anti-black etc, do not change and it is easier to turn the other cheeck than give any sense of credibility to ignorant people. Your experience by ignoring the ignorant couple in my mind was the correct action, instaed of you spoiling your day fighting against ignorance. Yes as Jews we do fail to stand up for our rights and as a religion in general tend to not promote the positive we have acomplished. As my sister often says, "if only we had the propoganda machine of the muslims, they would keep quiet" All we need do is look at the great success of the Jewish people around the world which we have made better for all, not only ourselves. However to contradict my staements, maybe it is time we as Jews and Israel, stand up for our rights and fight to make sure the world knows about us in a positive way and what we have achieved abd not bescared to defend the actions of Israel against our enemies [a enemy of Israel is a enemy against all Jews]. Thus if we did stand for our rights the ignorant comment you heard, would not have been stated. Educate the ignorant not through arguements, but through the press and news, that is unfortunately what people see, read and perceive to be the truth.

Furthermore, I share with them my experience that ALL ANTI-SEMITES are STUPID! Anyone who bases one's opinion of another person on race, religion, or any such general description, deprives themselves of the possibility of learning something new and therefore STUPID!

I was a nurse for homeless teens; we ran a drop in clinic. Some of the young kids wore swastika tattoos they had acquired in jail. I said to several of them "Do you know that tattoo says you hate ME"? Every one of them would say "No, Barb, I don't hate YOU". I would respond by saying, "I'm Jewish. That is a symbol of the Nazis, who tried to kill as many Jews as they could. To me it says you hate me, my Mom, my Grandma, my Dad,and my kids." Sometimes it would expand into a mini history lesson. No one ever removed their tattoos, but it made them think, which was my goal. I wanted them to understand by embracing the neo Nazi philosophy, they were hurting people who truly cared for them. I live in an area with a small Jewish population, and can't tell you how many times I've heard the phrase "Jew them down". Since adulthood, I will speak to the person saying this, telling them "as a Jew, I find that phrase offensive, could they please think up something else?" The offenders always quickly apologize. I am happy to say I have never faced any significant anti Semitism,. I hope that by my practice dealing with the little jabs I will have the ability to clearly and respectfully fend off anything significant. Basically, anti Semitism makes me a combination of sad and angry.

When someone at work made some anti-semitic remarks to me I took the proper steps, complained and eventually this person was fired.

Yes, 4 months ago some kids in the middle of the night put on my car [obscenity] Stupid Jew with swaztikas they also did the school 2 mos. earlier. The police cannot prove who did it to me but they did with the school. I and the town are outraged. I have gotten a Germen Shep -Rotti and my daughter and I have taken self def. classes as I am a peite mom (single). We have met as a town on many times to see how to proceed we are at a loss. I am meeting with the supervior of our county to see what other measures can be taken to protect my daughter and myself. This is the third time my car has been tagged since Rosh. I have cameras coming to be set up. So far it has cost me over $1000. I need to do this wisely.Police say not enough evidence to arrest the kids. All I know is that they will not get away with this much longer.

The answer to "When will Jews get over the Holocaust?" is, "When will African-Americans get over slavery?". That ought to shut them up.

I was at a car dealership when the saleswoman made a comment about me not being like those "pushy New York Jews" (while I live in Florida, I still have my NY accent, so it was easy for her to tell). Based on the cross on her chest, she was clearly not Jewish. I tried to ignore the comment but difuse the situation by saying something to the effect that all New Yorkers are smart enough to try to negotiate a better deal. However, as I think back on it years later, I'm sad to say I didn't do anything more at the time. I really should have called her on it and asked to speak to her manager. No telling how many others she insulted because of my silence. I've learned my lesson since and a little older and wiser speak up whenever I see someone in this situation. By the way, that includes a Muslem stranger who was being made fun of in an airport just a few months back.

The incident at the museum was a no-win situation for you. Had you responded, they would have believed their idea of the "haughty Jew" to have been confirmed by your speaking up, especially during their "private" conversation. But why didn't your friend speak up? The reason evil prevails is because good men (and women) remain silent.

Dear Lori, I always react when there is an antisemetic remark made in my presence. I never let it go and show my feelings and oppinon very readily. I make alot of enemies and don't really care. Bonnie

This story has a little bit of a different slant. When I was about 7 or 8, my Jewish friend and I decided that our neighbors with whom we were friends, did not know enough about the Jewish people. We decided that we should teach them. So we went over to their home and knocked on the door. When they greeted us and opened the door, we marched in and marched around the house singing Dovid Melech Yisroel. I don't remember their reaction, but I have always remembered the story.

Let's call it what it is, Jew hatred. It is on the rise again all over the world. Its not logical, its not reasonable, its not right in any way, the whole world is becoming against them. I'm not Jewish but I'll stand with them and I'd like to think I'll have the courage to speak out. I believe this hatred is as old as the world and is demonic in origin because of the relationship Jews have with G-d.

I live in a Florida city which has little overt anti-Semitism. I have strong sense od Jewish identity, and am disappointed with how seldom our leaders speak out about anti-Semitism. Yet, when Im faced with an anti-Semitic remark, I am often so shocked, it throws me off base, and for the moment I can;t think. It;s a stunned feeling. Afterward, I regret not speaking up. I have noticed another related thing- non-Jewish friends will tell me that someone we both know made an anti-Semitic remark, as if it's my responsibility to deal with the person, though I didn;t hear the remark itself. The non-Jewish friend somehow does not feel it's their responsibility, as my friend, to say something. That often makes me feel worse than the remark would have. To my credit, I'm quick on nthe draw when it;s the kind of anti-semitism that one finds when people use a double standard on Israel. I'm loud and clear. It;s the unexpected things you hear about Jews period that throw me off base. Or having to make decision on the spot as to whether something is anti-Semitic...at times, codewords, context, and so much else figures in.

I don't put up with any racist garbage. Being a 6'3, 285 lb 1%er I'm rarely on the receivng end of anti Jewish remarks except from ones that have a low self preservation instinct. I have no qualms about beating some neo-nazi wanna be bloody.

Dear Lori, I just turned 63 this past shabbat. and went did indeed have things happen even with my school mates in NJ. I did open my mouth. As a matter of fact, that has not changed. Hopefully, I will always give my lecture to the open mouthed people who need to be taught that being cruel to anyone is unacceptable. Truly don't know why I was so smart in elementary school. LOL

Try being Native American and Jewish AND living with backwards mentalities that were prevalent in the American South before 1975.I remember too many incidents of hateful remarks that were made by people but I never once let them slide, I always stood up to the bigotry and I never backed down. I remember an incident in High School where the daughter of a Baptist minister referred to me as a 'christ-killer' in front of our guidance counselor,who seemed to think it was alright to do so(the woman was the girl's aunt). That's what I grew up experiencing...back-biting,hateful,and spiteful anti-Semitism from small-minded christian bigots who were also racists. I won't tell you what my verbal response was, but it was enough to get me suspended from school and hurt my GPA. And I'm still very bitter today, 40 years later. But I stood up to it.

You had a penny thrown after you, well I would have given my two cents worth! I am outspoken, and sometimes that gets me, in trouble. I had a patient in a clinic, a very disturbed young man. He thought it was fame to be like Hitler, to do something awful, and when he said this, I was outraged. I told him not only am I Jewish but do you know what Hitler did? I had another patient who told me her Mother believed all Jews would go to Hell because they had not accepted Jesus as their Savior. When she said this, I said, then, maybe you shouldn't see me, because I am Jewish, and I am not going to Hell, because my belief system is not yours, but you might not want to see me, if you have such distorted ways of thinking, and do obviously feel that what your Mom said is true. I agree with the Iranian above, that this can and does happen to people all over the world, Jews and non Jews, and I have hears slurs made towards Muslims etc. Like him I wish we could all get over this "ignorant" and "hateful" way of diminishing each other, and those who do it to others, are so diminishing themselves, because these acts are very small, and have big significant repercussions.

I wanted to purchase a loom. I knew a weaver and asked her if she knew anyone selling one. she said she did and when I asked her how much she gave me a price. I said, gee that is more than I can spendand she said, why not try "Jewing them down". I was shocked, but I did say can't you find some other word? I am Jewish and it's offensive. She started stammering and saying it was just an expression , she was sorry

Honestly, I cannot think of one single time I didnt open up and stand up tall and proud to say something. Even in the presence of my children. I've remained courteous but you could tell by the gleam in my eyes there was one fiercely devoted woman behind them. I'm not per say ultra orthodox, nor am I övertly observant...so people dont really 'notice' me. The most memorable of remarks was made by my anesthesiast for my 3rd son..(cesarian)..we were at odd with the method of sedation, and she (almost yelling) said to me, well then I'' ll put you under gas..this was in a Jewish hospital btw(Amsterdam, 2007)...so I promptly replied..like all the other Jews? I'd be delighted to meet them. Perhaps over the top, but if I told you some of the other situations, namely people spitting on me while I was pregnant, because I was wearing the star of david...(Paris, 1991)pfff, I could give lessons to the people that dont stand up and say something, That in itself makes you as guilty as the person who commits the foul act..doesn't it? Warm regards from Amsterdam..

Well, may be it is because I grew up in Israel, a "new Jew" without the "Galouth baggage." Most of the part of my family from Poland did not survive the Holocaust. I was in Warsaw, Poland on a business assignment. It was 1996; as I was sitting having a drink in one of Warsaw's exclusive night spots, two young Poles engaged me in a conversation, enthusiastic to hear that I lived in Texas. As the conversation evolved, I mentioned that I was born in Israel. One of them responded by asking "so you are Jewish?" I said yes. He told me that if I wanted to enjoy Warsaw, I should not tell people I was Jewish. I responded very forcefully and very angrily. I told him this was not 1940 and it was not the Jews who should be hiding, but the Anti-Semitic Poles who turned them in. I added, "you got rid of the Jews and look what kind of a backward country you are to today." Needless to say they were both shocked by my reaction. One of them was pulling the other to get away from me, but the other one was two intrigued to leave. He ended up apologizing, not only for his remark but acknowledging and regretting that he was brought up in an Anti-Semitic culture; he expressing the hope that his children would be different. May be I left the world with one less Anti-Semite.

For the un-enightened,what is a 'ger ??

Basically, it's a question of doing what's right. As a teenage girl, I was travelling on a tram and there was a little old Italian lady sitting opposite me. The conductor asked her where she was going, but she couldn't understand him, and tried to hand him her tram fare. She obviously knew where to alight from the tram. But the conductor continued harrassing her, so I told him to leave the lady alone, and that if he were in Italy, he would soil his trousers because he wouldn't know how to ask where to find a toilet! As the child of Holocaust survivors who were also immigrants, I know only too well the feeling of being 'different', being the 'other'. We must stand up for ourselves, for others in similar positions, and for what's right.

By saying or doing nothing, we give permission to Anti-semites to hate us - and one day kill us. We must say or do something; anything is better than nothing. Fear of confrontation holds people back. There are situations when one's life may be endangered by speaking up, but that does not mean "do nothing." Some of my relatives left Poland for Mexico in 1929. They took action and lived. Standing frozen may be a natural reaction, but it leads to disaster. I speak up. I am afraid to speak up. But I speak up.

I'm not working right now, but a few days a week I hang out at a business in south florida hoping to find something. The place has more than one business in the same location. They seem very prejudice against cuban americans. Whenever someone of cuban ancestry tries to beat them down on the price of their product. they immediately refer to them as Jubans. I did confront one of them, not the first time I heard, but on a private occasion. I have not heard it since, but I really hope that I do.

Sometimes we fail to stand up to anti semitism due to fear of physical harm, embarasment or lack of knowledge. Early on in my career I found myself living in small towns where we were the only Jews in town and I expected to encounter anti semitism in all it's forms. My antidote was to inculcate my family with pride of being Jewish through learning and setting an example of showing no fear of the Goyiim. What I did back then and have always done is let people know early on that I am not only Jewish, I am a proud knowedgable Jew. You would be surprised how many anti semetic comments you don't end up hearing.

I visited a friend one night in his workshop. It was a weekend, so there was beer involved (more on his part than on mine). He had just gotten his condo back after leasing it to someone for a year, and he was not happy with the state that this young man had left it in. He began making comments, like they were part of everyday language, such as, "I got Jewed," and, "He Jewed me." I asked him why he had to throw ethnicity into the mix - why couldn't he simply say that the guy was a jerk. He kept going, and I finally told him that it made me really sad to hear him say things, especially knowing that I am half Jewish, and I left. I did not speak to him until a couple weeks later when he apologized. I still don't feel comfortable with the situation - I don't think this is the kind of thing one can apologize for. Thoughts?

Many of my family perished in holocaust and my great aunt one of the few survivors in our family had an auswitz tattoo on her arm. My grandfather faught the Germans in WW1, my father & uncles all fought in WW2. I served during Vietnam. The one thing I live by as a Jew is "Never Again." Not only for my own people but every oppressed peoples that are threatened by their own holocaust. Yes I call Jew haters on it, dependant on their reaction I will meet them with equal and overwhelming response to what they are dishing out. These people must know that we are not the European cowering Jews of the 17th - the early 20th century. We will not go quietly and will do our best to survive and make them pay for their brutality and evil doings. I have a friend that makes remarks about the way Israelis’ respond to attacks with force. I have told him that for 2000 years we depended on other people to defend us. “How did that work out for us?" Hashem has given us strong hands, backs and minds and wants us to use them to save his people of the torah.

In grammar school, one of my classmates ran her hand through my hair when I was sitting at my desk looking for my horns. She was told that Jews had horns. I smacked her, hard, then told her that she had been lied to. I don't glow in the dark either! I was a tough kid and always looking out for those who could not defend themselves. By the time I graduated high school, most of the kids knew my parents and respected us highly. Always make sure people like that eat their words.

Great messagae, Lori ~ Thank you! Blessings and Shalom, Eileen

At a Chinese restaurant in NYC a woman lunching with her companion was ranting on about Jews until her friend tried to shush her, unsuccessfuly. My husband refused to say anything to her, but I went over to her table and told her her evil thoughts were her own and I would beat her up if she continued to disturb my dinner with her anti-semetic comments. I gave her my most sweet smile and went back to my own table. She stopped immediately.

I'm very frustrated right now because many people I meet think antisemitism is a thing of the past or can't happen in this country. Like the earlier entry where someone apologized because they "didn't know s/he was Jewish." The apology was not for being stupid, but for saying it in front of a Jewish person. As a Jew-by-choice, I've grown up hearing the remarks, though I was strictly taught to respect difference. The worst experience I had that I can't get out of my head was at a church dinner at Easter time. I was sitting with a person who was organizing skits for the season. The person across the table said, "Boy, I bet it's really hard to find people who will play the part of a Jew." I didn't respond. I almost lost my dinner. I removed myself from the table as quickly and unobtrusively as I could. Why didn't I make a scene? Why didn't I say that the Jesus he so worshiped was a Jew? And now I have Jewish friends who say this conversion away from antisemitism is sincere. I just listen knowing what is still being said behind those doors. Though I didn't grow up with the hatred, I certainly have experienced it since I started studying Judaism. Can we always confront it? When do we confront it? Having been raised in a Quaker home, most times I revert back to keeping my peace and finding people who are easier to be around. But I don't forget that the hateful words are still being said lest I find myself a partner to the hate.

If you grew up into adulthood being Jew it should not surprise you that along this path you are pinched, squeezed, deprived and etc. I believe that overcoming those difficulties makes us Jews. It is not only ethnic or actually not really ethnic but rather existentialist pathway. Many ethnic Jews are not really going that route. I grew up in Russia and surely have my stories to tell.

But I am in a diifferent condition. I am a ger- I know all they will say. And therefore I love to fight. I am so proud to be Jewish, that I always feel honored, Sometimes I llaugh out loud. They stay there open mouthed and I am glad, that I am treated as a normal Jew. So at least something good about being a ger.!

Submission to Anti Semitism is absolutely unacceptable. We are ALL, Jews and None Jews must vigorously stand against any and all kinds of bigotry.

I was once in a restaurant with some friends and one of them asked for coca cola, and waiter said there's only pepsi. My friend said she really dislikes pepsi, and waiter responded by sayin, so what I really dislike jews. I stood up from the table, asked him how would he feel if I smashed his head of the table now, and infact I did try to do it but he ran away behind the bar. My wife was upset with my reaction, and I thought about it hard, and have to say I have no remorse at all. Many of my family perished in holocaust and my grandmother who raised me had an auswitz tatoo on her arm. And they did so because of the people like that waiter.

I was born as a muslem in Iran and I changed my mind and I am not a believer of any religion. Especialy I am not against Jewish people. I feel we are all human being and we have to respect all faiths. I am sorry that you felt like, but you know it may happen to any faith. I hope someday in the world we live in peace with no discrimination. I wish you all the best An Iranian

even if you had said something i think it wouldnt have helped much. we have to remember, its not the non jews who we need to convince that jews are special, its the jews that we need to convince! when all jews realize that and act together in peace then others will realize as well. when you act like a proper jew you wont need to say anything because that itself is a kiddush hashem. always make sure that all your actions are le shem shomaim and people will come to the realization who we really are. I love your videos and i think b"h your actions make us realize how great we are yishar koach!

Lori...as the only Jewish child in my public school in Connecticut, it was a rare day that I didn't have a bruise or a cut and was called "dirty Jew" so often that I stopped bathing until I WAS dirty and stunk to high heaven. My teachers would see me being attacked and do nothing. The INSTANT I took my revenge, I was taken by the ear and taken to the principal's office. I finally refused to go to school without protection. And uncle taught me JEW-jitsu and I mopped up the floor with my tormentors. I attained adulthood prior to the civil rights laws. "Oh, you're perfect, where do you go to church?" The instant I mentioned my synagogues, they had no use for me. "Oh, I'd love to hire you but we don't hire Jews." Same stinking thing with trying to rent a place to live. I was once man-handled off a "restricted" beach. I guess the bullies are still trying to figure how I got a hand full of sand that I threw in their eyes. I do not take Jew-hate lightly. I do not keep my mouth shut when lies are told about Israel. I stand up regardless of where I am and who I am and DARE the person who lies about Israel to back up their words with facts. I carry pamphlets with me that show the truth. I keep slide shows on my computer that is NEVER far away from me. I've "converted" goyim to understanding what the Arabs and the United (Arab) Nations are doing to lie about us. If I had not had an early experience with Jew-hate and Israel hate I might have been, like you, too shocked to say anything. But look out. I am licensed to carry a weapon (38 revolver) which I have never pulled (I'm ex-military and would use it only if my physical safety was in danger). I love being a Jew and I love Israel. I do not take garbage from anyone...I've had too much experience. I love your weekly videos...thanks!!

While traveling in Rome when I was single there were 2 young women who were from the midwest staying at the same small hotel asked me if I would escort them to a destination. I agreed and while in the taxi one of the women complained about the stinginess of the hotel owner. She said that he was just like a Jew. They turned beet red when they observed my reaction to the comment. She said that she did not realize that I was Jewish and apologized.

Imagine beeing a hispanic-Jew. Discrimination for beeing "Mexican" and also for my jewish ancestors. Some of us are born with two strikes, but you know what? I will not SRIKEOUT!!!

two situations: (very short version) after an anti-Semitic incident at work, the director came to talk with me to smooth things over. Then he casually said: "And when will the Jews get over the holocaust? It happened nearly 50 years ago?" I was stunned and could not respond. Like you, Lori, I had lots to say later when I came to my senses. Then, some years later, there were two occasions where radio talk show hosts were saying things that were not good about the Jews or Israel. I phoned in and confronted them. The first time the host had the final word of putting me down. The second time, different host, I explained that since he would have the final word anyway, I would say my piece and then just be done which I did. It threw the host off and he was very upset that he couldn't spar with me. But I had made my point well. (and he wound up losing the show in the long run.) It pays to speak up and it pays to take action. And Lori, you are one of the most speaking out/action taking women I know today! Much strength and grace. <3

so what would you say today

Hi Lori, I love your column! It sounds like your actions -- in this case inaction -- were reasonable. The person who made the remark in the museum clearly had some prejudice, probably of long duration. What can you say in a casual situation to dissuade such people? It sounded like they were very out of touch. Anyhow, they were no threat so no intervention was required.

I read an article from a Rabbi at AISH. Sorry, I can't remember who; but it stuck with me and I use it a lot. Paraphrasing; So you have a talking parrot bird. When you come in the room the bird says hello stupid! How much attention would you pay to that bird? None Right! Likewise words from those who want to harm you!

I came out of a movie theater with my wife and sister. A group of drunk 17-18 year olds came out of a nightclub nearby. They were at the same parking lot, about six of them. They were shouting "Heil Hitler," and saying other phrases in German (I only understood the "Juden" and "Zigeuner" parts). I did not know what to do. I was scared for my wife, my sister and my self. I don't think they realized that we were Jewish, but it was very uncomfortable. So I did nothing. We got into our car and left.

Someone makes an anti-semitic comment in your presence, it is intended for your ears, even if they say it as a group thing as "Jews". I respond back depending on the shot. There can be some shots intended to offend, one recently "not surprised a Jew being in business" took it totally as a compliment, Jews good in business enterprises, even though the way he said it wasn't nicely. I personally haven't heard any banking ones, however a Bank President in town had asked me out recently, so Banker's do know Jews can help the banking business, for I have been asked years ago to come to work for one, but decline. Must asked, what is really behind some of these anti-semitic comments sometimes huh? One man was spewing out anti -semitic comments, and I quickly said Jesus was a Jew, and it shut him up. I had a Priest once say to me, not nicely, if I had ever seen Jesus he wanted to talk to me. So I approached him like I was going to talk to him, freaked him out, big eyed and fear on his face. After that, that Priest was scared to death of me and never challenged me again. And the ones I've gotten about Jews not excepting Jesus as the son of God, I responded their are thousands of christian denominations and they all believe something different, shut them up.(I live in bible belt Midwest) Various comments have come from other groups of Jews, and I brought up my birth mother was from the Old City, and it shut them up. Lori, there are to many to mention them all, each scene I do differently, sometimes I fight back to cut them down to size over their ignorance, and other times I go to prayer over it. Any comment that is said in my earshot, I take personally, and I deal with it one way or the other. If not at the moment, later. But I do deal with it. Maybe this is your moment, doing this clip, when you didn't speak up at the moment. It doesn't matter when it comes, when they leave you speechless at the moment, YOU are speaking up now. And so are WE!

When I started my 5th year in English School at that time used to take the GrayHound bus to commune as I lived 2 miles out of town. Abitibi Qué. Canada. Oh ! Lori , the winters of the Great North freezing winters would go down to 30 degrees below zero. Because I went to the English School, the French hated me and always try to do to me much harm. I always kept my head up high through thick or thin. One afternoon when school was done. I was walking towards the bus shelter. With no warning three big bullies caught me by surprised, These three strong guys .....one of them held my arms tightly behind my back, and as I was trying to breath for air,,,,the other bully was rubbing that cold snow in my face very hard and shoving snow down my throat. by force. My eye glasses were briskley remove and brocken. I was not able to see and missed my bus. I made myself walk to a grocery Dominion store and had great pains and suffering. My both ears had frozen pure white. Oh what a terrible price to pay for a young little guy of age ten. My ears were burning and aching, throbbing and that terrible sharp stinging. My tears were fozen to my cheeks. I will never forget what the one bully told me....this is the price you pay for going to an English School. My parents later found out of what was giong on. You see Lori...The Catholic French Priest would tell their students that didn't do grade AAAsss...if you beat him up,I will give you all AAAss and you will pass your exams...I was not able to speak like you Lori...caught by surprised. Got hurt so so bad for learning in English Elimentory School, and not able to speak up...their was much damage to my ears, brocken glasses, and freeziing ears. I was transfered to McNiven School, few weaks later. That school was like new. A newer start and no more bullies.I never new these three peoples in my dearest time. I am glad that I can communicate in French and English. I keep my head up high and am now retired . Good Krma

Anti-Semitism is learned as is all prejudice from parents. In the Army the bigots were usually the drunk and the ignorant. One should gight it and the Army did not tolerate it, at least in my case. In the civilian world and in the present political scene there ius plenty of stpidity to round. President Truman integrated the armed forces when he was president.

Yes. I've been slurred because I have a Jewish last name. I was a child and said nothing. ~~~~~~~~~~ On the ABC News program What Would You Do, it's hard to say what we would do if put in that situation. Remember that this is regular TV programming with scripted actors... it's not real. ~~~~~~~~~~~ On Jewlarious this week, there is a similar question involving adults on ABC's "What Would You Do" program. I wrote in the comments section comparing two similar videos that aired on that ABC program. The issues are different for both instances. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Today as an adult, if someone insulted me because of my name. I would walk away from them. Arguing with a bigot or racist or anti-semite accomplishes nothing. Inciting in a public place is dangerous. If my rights are violated, there are steps and peaceful ways to protect those rights.

I've experienced lots of incidents.There is an immediate assessment as to whether to respond or not. Once when we were in a restaurant in rural Vermont as young teenagers, me and my siblings heard guys in the next booth who were great big louts talking about Jewboys. They had shotguns and were hunters and we kept our tongue. Another time I was in a Safeway line around Chanukah Xmas in Calif. and a man started complaining about how the Jews ripped off all the Christian holidays like ripping off Chanukah from Christmas and Easter from Passover and why couldn't Jews come up with an original idea and make up their own holiday so I spoke up and said "You have it reversed. Judaism is older than Christianity and you got your Christmas holiday of lights from our Chanukah, and you got your Easter egg from our holiday Passover." and he kept on muttering to himself and others, including the cash register person, started chiming in that I was right and he was wrong and he had it reversed. Another time in a classroom a student spoke out about the Jewish directors who create lousy films that are bad for the country and I said "you mean Jewish directors with bad values who create lousy films for the country".The professor just looked on because he was Hispanic and he didn't know about anti-Semitism. I have found anti-Semitism to usually be about projection because when people describe what they hate about Jews it changes from person to person and usually the person is describing their disowned self, like that British woman talking about Jews being haughty. She is blind to the fact that she is haughty. People who describe Jews as money grubbing are themselves usually money grubbing. People who describe Jews as spoiled and entitled are usually spoiled and entitled. People who describe Jews as violent and blood thirsty are usually violent and blood thirsty. People who describe Jews as fascists usually are unaware that they have totalitarian tendencies. It is very interesting.

Hi Lori, I love and watch the "Almost Live " videos regularly. When I was a young girl of nine years old ( many years ago) some Neo- Nazi's ( young men) were picketing and handing out anti-Semitic brochures outside our Shul. My Aunt went up to them and asked for a some of the information. She talked to them asked many questions and appeared interested in what they had to say.They responded and answered all her questions , they thought they had a life one... After a long conversation she ripped up the information and told them she was Jewish and they had been trying to recruit a Jew. As a young child it made a big impact on me! More importantly I think it made a big impact on the young man that was a Neo- Nazi. My Aunt confronted them grace, dignity and even respect. I do not believe they ever chose our community to picket again.

The problem with responding to anti-Semitic idealogues and their sentiment is they really won't be convinced on why not to lump all Jews together in the same category, because chances are for one who responds (at least if not thinking it thru too much), then that will likely give that anti-Semite a platform to lobby against Jews and Israel. What can we really do? Understandably, we have a fundamental obligation not to stand idly, esp. in one's blood. People are all too often very comfortable with their prejudices. There is an episode of the Twilight Zone that came out more than 50 years ago, and still speaks volumes today: "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street," where it comes to prejudice in who is a monster to blame, where it can end up with humans going after and destroying each other. We've seen a lot of blame go around with the Jews for ages, and it is also shifting or extending to Muslims. It's like scapegoating is easier than more in-depth investigating on what is really wrong with the world or society. Thus, it is more important to judge actions and not really people themselves, either Jewish or otherwise.

Back when I was in college, I was very much involved with Israel causes and avidly participated in these projects.I was trying to raise Israel awareness day. As I was posting flyers up, a bunch of Arab students. They shouted anti semitic and anti Israel slogans at me and my fellow colleagues coupled with a string of obscenities. One of them used a common vulgarity threatening to rape and kill me and used an obscene reference to me as a Jew. Mind you, the campus guards stood near by and didn't seem to take any action.Bystanders were in disbelieve. I was shocked and terrified. I didn't know whether to call the police on them or not. One of the helpers, a Jewish guy about 6 feet tall fended them off. I ran to my car hoping that they wouldn't follow me and sped off. Thank G-d I never encountered them again afterwards. I also sat through a class where my psychology professor bemoaned the mistreatment of the Palestinians and compared the Israelis to the Nazis. I decided the best thing to do was to bite my tongue and endure his rant.

In my first year of law school, I encountered anti-semitism, and like you Lori, I was shocked, having grown up in a place where there were few anti-semetic incidents because the population was predominantly Jewish. Sometimes its tough when someone makes a remark in a group setting where you are the only Jewish person, because you feel as though there is no 'back up' when you call the person out on what they have said. I personally think that the vast majority of anti-semitism comes from ignorance rather than hatred, and so the best way to combat it,is to lead by example, and just live a civilized, moral existence to show these people what we are actually made of. There is no point in lashing out, it just means that the anti-semite has won in getting the victim hot and bothered. Anti-Semitism is still shocking though, and it definately provokes anger, no matter how much of a 'thick skin' you have built up over your lifetime.