Virulently anti-Semitic flyers were posted on several US college campuses on Monday, October 8, 2018. The flyers were the latest salvos in what is a growing attack on Jews by white supremacist individuals and organizations.
The latest posters declare they are “brought to you” by the Daily Stormer, an influential neo-Nazi website, and feature caricatures of prominent Jews with Stars of David on their foreheads. They were posted on the campuses of four prestigious colleges: Vassar College; Marist College; the University of California, Berkeley; and University of California, Davis. The posters incorrectly assert that a group of Jews secretly organized accusations of sexual impropriety against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and read: “Every time some Anti-White, Anti-American, Anti-freedom event takes place, you look at it, and it’s Jews behind it.”
This assault is the latest in a series of attacks on Jews on college campuses and elsewhere, often organized or inspired by The Daily Stormer and a host of other white supremacist groups, some of which have formed recently as part of a recent surge in white supremacy and neo-Nazi activity. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) warns of “a growing number of white supremacist propaganda efforts targeting college campuses” in the US. The 2017-2018 academic year saw 292 cases reported: a 77% increase from the previous year.
Off-campus activities have accelerated in 2018, the ADL notes, as far-right groups increasingly move off campus and target residential and shopping areas with their anti-Jewish and hateful rhetoric.
The Daily Stormer broadcast its role in distributing anti-Jewish fliers at five San-Francisco area synagogues before Rosh Hashanah in September 2018, falsely asserting Jews “are coming for YOUR free speech” and expressing allegiance to the conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, whose Facebook and YouTube accounts had recently been suspended for fomenting hate. A copy of the same poster was also stuck to the doors of the Ferndale First Methodist United Church near Detroit.
Of over 3,000 hate crimes the ADL tracked in 2017-2018, over a thousand were motivated by white supremacist ideology. The number of Americans subscribing to white supremacist sites and podcasts has increased exponentially in recent years. A 2017 poll found that 8% of Americans supported white nationalism as a group or movement. Even larger numbers agreed with some of the assertions of white nationalists: 39% agreed that Whites are “under attack” in the United States and 16% opposed interracial marriage.
White nationalists loathe many people, but they seem to reserve especial ire for Jews: “They reserve a special status among their enemies for Jews,” the ADL notes, regarding Jews as “intelligent, but also loathsome parasites.” According to the twisted ideology of white nationalism, shadowy conspiracies of Jews manipulate non-white ethnic groups in an effort to harm or displace Whites.
This is a dangerous atmosphere. The ADL advises that some white supremacists regard any act of violence against Jews as a form of self-defense. As white nationalism grows, there are a few key actions we can take today to protect ourselves and others.
1. Refuse to ignore hate speech
It can be hard to stand up to anti-Semitic rhetoric, but documenting and calling out hateful speech, both in person and online, whether it's from the right of the left, is crucial to stopping it. Send a message that you won’t tolerate hateful speech in your community, and encourage those around you to do the same.
2. Build communities
We don’t have to fight anti-Semitism alone. When are stronger when we unite with the wider Jewish community. Jewish institutions are also more able to liaise with and mobilize local government agencies to help monitor and track anti-Semitic activity. Supporting these groups helps us all. Consider joining or subscribing to local Jewish groups today..
3. Seek out allies
Jews and Jewish institutions have successfully built alliances with other ethnic and religious groups to combat hate. Reaching out to others to build a coalition to stand up to extremism can help us present a stronger and more united front.
4. Keep informed
Support organizations that counter anti-Jewish rhetoric and actions such as the ADL, Honest Reporting, local Jewish Federations and others. These groups can help keep you informed of anti-hate legislation, give pointers on actions we can take, and give us all direction in our fight against anti-Semitism.
(9) Anonymous, February 26, 2019 11:59 PM
There is no substance in anti-semitism
Being a Jew by birth I lived in a country where anti-antisemitism was practiced in a gentlemen's fashion. When I was young and learned about it I found out that many Department stores and other businesses would not hire Jews. So the Jews made up their own law offices and other such professional offices. I was partners with a Catholic who advised me that when he went to certain non Jewish clubs all the men would talk about were the dirty Jews. So it doesn't make any sense but it's inbred into their beings. Whether it came from
religious circles or merely parental prejudices it doesn't matter. It makes no sense but many seem to adopt it. It's like they want to belong to a certain group of individuals who think the same way. So it's their peers and they love to bully someone. The Jews are an easy target they never used to fight back.
Now that they have a state and it is strong they don't like it. Why can't the Jews just be like they used to be and just take the abuse instead of fighting back. Also you will find a lot of Jew hating Jews who don't seem to realize that they are not accepted even though they think they are.
(8) Nancy, October 17, 2018 12:06 AM
Ask yourselves this question
To those of you who live in Israel: Do you agree 100% with EVERY single decision your politicians endorse? Do all of you feel the same way about Bibi? I would love to hear the answers. My question has nothing whatsoever to do with Palestinians and antisemitism. I am merely curious. On an unrelated note, I want the verbal abuse/nastiness in these comments to stop RIGHT NOW. Respectful disagreements are fine. Name calling is not. Got it?!
(7) Phillip Fine, October 15, 2018 7:45 AM
make aliyah
The elephant not a kosher one) in the room here is the glacial pace at which Diaspora, particularly American Jews, make -- or, more accurately -- don't make aliyah. Rather than follow Dr. Miller's lengthy list of dos and dont's, just call Nefesh b'Nefesh and start the immigration process.l Yes, uprooting yourself is always difficult. But at least in Israel, Jewish students won't face the endless anti-semitic outbursts on campus to which they're subjected with distressingly regularity in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Frum Jews must especially look inside themselves and ask why they haven't fulfilled the mitzvah of yishuv b'eretz Israel. Many other diasporas have emptied out, or are emptying out. But the western ones are staying put -- largely because they haven't yet been told to pack up and leave!
Rachel, October 16, 2018 6:04 AM
Not so easy
Nefesh b nefesh starts by telling you to save up roughly a year's salary to take to Israel. That's unrealistic for many families.
There are anti-Semitic incidents, but they are not "endless." My daughter got her BA a few years ago at a good university and never encountered any. My son went to a community college and never did, either.
Similarly, while there have been reports of problems in specific courses, a lot depends on what one is studying. Almost all reports of this seem to come out of courses in politics and sociology. Chemists, engineers, pre meds, musicians, etc just don't have these issues come up much.
We need to be aware, but let's not panic-- it's generally only "news" when it's both outside the norm and horrifying. I am surprised if private colleges don't have a better way of controlling outsiders coming onto campus to disseminate anything! Public universities probably can't do so, unfortunately.
anonymous, October 16, 2018 8:38 AM
The 3 walking holidays
I like living in the country where I am a citizen. I also believe in waiting for Moshiach. But, to go to Israel for Pesach, Sukkos, etc., that is in Torah.
Anonymous, October 16, 2018 10:18 AM
Let's not allow "easy" to become the guiding principle of our lives!
Nefesh b'Nefesh probably recommends saving a year's salary prior to Aliyah as a safety net in case it takes a long time to find suitable employment in Israel. But that's not going to stop someone who really wants to come because we shouldn't forget that Hashem is in charge of parnassah.
If one measures the quality of his life according to the comforts and ease he enjoyed, then RIP is a fitting inscription for his tombstone!
Most worthwhile pursuits, like the Aliyah don't come easy.
But I doubt that it will ultimately prove easier to stay in a place where the rate of antisemitic acts is rising alarmingly (as it did in Nazi Germany, y"s), than to join one's people in their homeland and live under Hashem's protectionl
Rachel, October 16, 2018 3:58 PM
Family obligations
We are not going to leave our elderly parents to make Aliyah
(6) Fredric M. London, October 15, 2018 1:23 AM
Where are the lawsuits?
The KKK was largely destroyed by lawsuits, which claimed their assets. Since the daily stormer admitted posting the flyers, that calls for a lawsuit. File lawsuits and destroy the Nazi vermin.
(5) Brent McKaskell, October 15, 2018 12:24 AM
Who's Behind This?
I've heard the millionaire author of multiple white nationalist novels, among them "Hold Back This Day" which was recently profiled in The New York Times, is bankrolling some of these groups. Makes you wonder where this is all going to lead, but hopefully not to a Second Civil War.
(4) Anonymous, October 14, 2018 7:12 PM
Casting blame
Of course, blame Trump!!!! Why not, if you're a card carrying lib??So, which anti-semitic "enabler" moved our embassy to where no other American president had the nerve to do and earned the undying praise of the Israeli state? Conflating liberal/socialist politics with Trump derangement won't fly, except to other delusional libs like yourself.
anonymous, October 15, 2018 3:36 AM
Object to the hate speech on Aish
"Delusional libs like yourself" is offensive and hateful.
Before running to condemn anyone else, look in the mirror and adjust your own behavior.
Nancy, October 15, 2018 11:45 AM
To commenter #4 Anonymous
Re: Casting blame. I take great offense to the term "delusional libs." Disagreeing with one another is fine with me. In fact, I welcome different points of view on this site. How else would I learn anything if I only read articles that reflect my opinion? However, name calling is NOT acceptable.
(3) Linda Schiffer, October 14, 2018 5:28 PM
anti-Zionist, anti-Semitism in USA
I never thought I would live to see the day when this Beacon of Freedom of Speech and Religion (among others) would turn into Nazi Germany. This is how it began there. With Trump in the White House debasing and erasing the Constitution and the Three Branches of checks and balances: using foul language and lies against anyone and everyone who is brave enough to disagree with him: trying to stop public gatherings and so much more divisive tactics, I am not surprised about the hate spewing forth in the open now. There is NO ONE AT THE TOP TO STOP ANY OF IT.
Jeff, October 15, 2018 5:06 PM
Debasing and erasing the constitution? How so?
When did Trump do so?
He has appointed close to 100 constitutional judges who stand for the constitution! He has done more to uphold the constitution than any president for decades by that alone.
Do we not need to be concerned about
Ruth Bader Ginsburg stating a few years ago that the Constitution should not be used as a form for other countries? ...who believes in a “living” constitution, translate: “that I can change at will, if the legislature won’t legislate!”
Yes he does not choose the most refined language on the campaign trail but what has that to do with the constitution?
Give credit where credit is due.
Not to mention keeping his word more than any candidate in memory! (Jerusalem Embassy, etc.)
And clearly you have not been following this anti Israel, AntiSemitic phenomenon which has been going on for decades in campuses. Documented by many organizations. This has nothing to do with President Trump.
(2) Anonymous, October 14, 2018 3:43 PM
. . . or just make aliyah!
(1) Malcah, October 14, 2018 2:45 PM
SJP is just as bad and no one will address it
Very troubling of course. However the college campuses in America have also been infiltrated by severe anti Israel sentiment through the Students For Justice in Palestine. This group does just as much to spread hate and anti semitism as these neo Nazis And they are WELCOME on the campuses! Everyone hates White Supremacy but not enough people are fighting against these vicious anti Israel groups on university campuses that are funded by terror organizations.
anonymous, October 15, 2018 3:31 AM
Sorry, wrong. Wrong.
You cannot and should not compare the two.
Palestinian Americans on college campuses are upset over what they see as ill treatment of their loved ones.
This is not the same as anti-Semitic hatred for no justifiable reason. Just because.
They see an occupation of 50 years with 24/7 military control, settlement building that is equal to land theft from their perspective.
Opposition to the policies of the Israeli is not anti-Semitism and to compare this to Neo-Nazi groups is to discount their legitimate pain, waiting for the 2 state solution that never happened. Both sides are responsible for that.
These white supremacist groups are filled with hate, and like it or not, it has increased under Trump.
For what its worth, he should have left the embassy alone, it was a reckless decision and quite frankly, none of his business.
Nancy, October 15, 2018 7:19 AM
Sorry anonymous - you're wrong.
"Palestinian Americans" are upset because Israel exists. It's pure hatred of Israel and of Jews. They hate because they hate, or as you say, "just because."
The two state solution never happened because they don't want it. They have never wanted it, and that's why the situation is the way it is today.
White supremacists groups have been around since long before the Democratic Party embraced the KKK. The media has been giving them more attention recently in a twisted attempt to blame President Trump for it.
anonymous, October 15, 2018 12:32 PM
Neither want it
We didn't want it either, not from the first destroyed village like Deir Yassin, to the plan for Greater Israel, to uncontrolled settlement building.
All I am saying is, I see a difference, the pure hate of the white supremacists is baseless.
If you were willing to listen and speak to Palestinians, and put yourself in their position, you might have some empathy for their situation.
I do not see it as the same.
Lenny, October 15, 2018 1:45 PM
Annonymous idiot
You are either a self-hating Jew or a Muslim anti-semite. In either case, what you're doing on Aish.com is questionable. These days, I fear liberal Arab-loving anti-semites more than neo-Nazis, because neo-Nazis are not widely accepted but the filthy lies spread by Arab-loving trash, like yourself, is more than accepted, it's the accepted platform of the Democratic party.
anonymous, October 16, 2018 8:29 AM
Your responses so disrespectful
I feel sorry for you, that you can't feel for another. The comments about the left, other Jews, etc.
Dvirah, October 16, 2018 4:44 PM
Liars
I have listened, and I have looked, and I have found that 99% of what Palestinians say is untrue. Either it never happened, or it happened differently from how they describe it. Ones needs to search out independent, verifiable sources - they exist aplenty if you look!
Dvorah, October 16, 2018 5:06 PM
One More Source
Incidentally, to my list of sources I add, if only for myself, my own eyes & ears, for I have witnessed claims of massecres when I knew (from being there) that none were killed; and saw a Palestinian shoot what may have been his own son because the Israelis refused to fire on the boy. So be careful how you promote these people.
anonymous, October 16, 2018 6:05 PM
I'm Listening
I want to ask more but I am unwilling to tolerate abuse spewn about here towards others and accepted at Aish. If it remains respectful, I am open. I was in New York, I met a Jewish Israeli handing out flyers, she had been an educator and written books on Zionism. She became an activist after what she saw. Complete about face.
I also attended a lecture by Miko Peled and I left with a heavy, heavy heart and near tears. Another complete about face.
I listened to someone from Break the Silence and I wasn't willing to just discount his words, he was credible.
I have seen video of settlers behaving in appalling ways.
I grew up in an atmosphere of support the state of Israel, no matter what.
Just like any government, blind faith is not a good idea.
Pro Torah, December 16, 2018 5:58 PM
To "I'm listening"
You talk about an activist, who you say "did an about face after what she saw".That is hearsay, with no evidence of any kind and not even a specific claim as to what she supposedly "saw".Then you make the same kind of vague statement about your response after listening to (Mike?) Peled.But once again, you give no specifics or evidence of any kind.Then you day you listened to someone from break the silence, again no specifics or evidence of any kind.And just because you say you think he was credible does not prove he was.That is just your opinion, not a proven fact.Then you say you saw videos of settlers "behaving in appalling ways".Finally you present a bit of evidence.Even though you still gave no specifics.OK so let's examine your "evidence".I saw videos of the type you describe. And every single one that I saw was lacking in any solid proof, IE: no video actually showing any settlers doing anything wrong.Or their actions were taken way out of context. For example what the antisemites love to do is deliberately provoke Jews either by throwing things, or name calling against Jews and against Torah, and then when the Jews start doing it back then and only then, do they turn on the camera and start taking the video (or they edited the previous part out of the video), to try and make it look like the Jees were the ones that started doing it unprovoked. But you can clearly see these videos start in the middle of the action, they never show how it began, because that would show clearly who started it and that it was not the Jews, who started it.Also the antisemitesove to start by provoking Jewish children because they are much easier to provoke and their out of context responses make it look like their parents and rabbis are teaching them this way, which is totally not true.And finally, this is not about "blind faith".It's about facts logic and truth. Either it happened or it didn't.
Anonymous, December 16, 2018 6:15 PM
Catch the Jew!
Tuvia Tenenbom spent about 7 months interviewing people supportive of and opposed to the state of Israel. You might find it interesting. I admit that I didn't go around with him and can't personally verify what he claims.
From the epilogue: If logic is any guide, Israel will not survive.