Whether Jews are accused of controlling the media, benefiting from the slave trade, or creating the Holocaust, there is always new rhetoric that gains popularity and fuels further hatred from a larger expanse of people. Antisemitism is often not perceived from exterior communities as it comes in many different forms. Jews are not allowed to mention antisemitism without being accused of over-exaggeration or their struggles being undermined. Society supports self-love for African Americans, Christians, Muslims and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as they should, however, when Jews demonstrate a love for their traditions, land, or religion, without simultaneously acknowledging the faults, they receive backlash.

That averages to more than seven antisemitic incidents per day. More notably in recent years, there has been a 34 percent increase from 2020 to 2021. With the progression of time, antisemitism rises at an alarming pace. It’s a heavy burden to carry, but one that can never be forgotten as we never know when we may have to defend or apologize on behalf of those at fault. The entirety of the Jewish community is bound to carry the collective guilt and shame of their predecessors. The difference between being Jewish compared to being a part of any other community in the world, is that society deems that one cannot be proud and Jewish simultaneously.

21 lessons for 21st century