How to Talk About Antisemitism
Message Platform:
The message platform represents foundational language, intended to be adapted and used across many kinds of media. It is built on a structure that creates a narrative arc: beginning with a shared value, explaining the problem and naming those responsible for blocking us from the desired goal, and finally showing our proposed solutions and vision of what the future should look like. This format has also been proven by researchers to be the most persuasive structure (especially compared to messages that lead with problems). When adapting this platform for your uses, make sure to maintain this basic message structure. In the version below, words intended to be used by Jewish spokespeople are in [brackets].
If you or your organization are not Jewish, this messaging is still for you! Simply omit the bracketed words.
Most of us believe that every person, no matter our religion, where we come from, or what we look like, deserves to live with freedom, safety, and belonging.
[As Jews, we know that] whether we’re walking down the streets of our neighborhoods or through the doors of our holy spaces, freedom and safety for any of us depends on the freedom and safety of all of us.
But there are some politicians who seek to build a country that’s only for themselves and people like them, exploiting divisions between us and making us afraid while they hoard power and wealth.
[As Jews, we know how dangerous this is:] when politicians target Jewish people and blame [us] for hard times, it leads directly to violence against [us]. Antisemitism is part of the machinery of division and fear those politicians rely on for power; the same machinery those politicians use to blame Black and brown people, people who are immigrants, people who are Muslim, and more.
But whether they manufacture division and fear based on our religion, our skin color, or how long we’ve been here, their goal is to keep us from working together to win the things we all need to thrive.
When Jewish people join together with [our] neighbors across differences, as we have in the past, we can shut down the fear factory and protect each other.
We’ll show up for each other every time one of us is targeted because of our differences and reject any politician who uses fear to divide us against each other.
Together, we can build a country that fulfills the promise of freedom and safety for all of us—no exceptions.
Language Choices in the Message Platform
Below is more information on the specific language choices in the platform and guidance for what you should consider when adapting this language for your purposes:
Most of us believe that every person, no matter our religion, where we come from, or what we look like,
Reference religion and racial difference and allude to immigration or geography. Consider which dimensions are most appropriate or which linked struggles are most important to mention for your context.
deserves to live with freedom, safety and belonging.
State shared values—“safety” as opposed to “security” implies broader personal goal and de-emphasizes military/policing solutions.
[As Jews, we know that] whether we’re walking down the streets of our neighborhoods or through the doors of our holy spaces, freedom and safety for any of us depends on the freedom and safety of all of us.
If relevant, invoke Jewish identity as personal motivation for caring about others; activate minority experience; reference Jewish experiences of antisemitic violence without activating fear response.
Problem
But there are some politicians who seek to build a country that’s only for themselves and people like them,
Reference white nationalist political movement in simple terms, creating a category of bad actors based on behaviors—not identity. Consider naming these movements if you are sure your audience understands who they are, or in political education.
Exploiting divisions between us and making us afraid while they hoard power and wealth.
Point to motivation behind actions—why are they doing it? Consider whether to include “wealth.”
As Jews, we know how dangerous this is: when politicians target Jewish people and blame [us] for hard times, it leads directly to violence against [us].
Acknowledge Jewish experience of violent antisemitism as motivation/way to understand larger system at work.
Antisemitism is part of the machinery of division and fear those politicians rely on for power; the same machinery those politicians use to blame Black and brown people, people who are immigrants, people who are Muslim, and more.
Use helpful machinery metaphor and connect antisemitism to other struggles.
But whether they manufacture division and fear based on our religion, our skin color, or how long we’ve been here, their goal is to keep us from working together to win the things we all need to thrive.
Reference solidarity as mutual benefit, directly mention race, and name the obstacle to our goal.
Solution & Vision
When Jewish people join together with [our] neighbors across differences,
Consider referencing specific differences, like race or religion, depending on the context. For non-Jewish speakers, you might change the order: “When we join together with our Jewish neighbors . . .”
as we have in the past,
Remind audiences of success and positive feelings of solidarity from past experiences—be careful not to overstate past successes as solidarity hasn’t always been enacted or done well.
we can shut down the fear factory and protect each other.
Complete the metaphor with us in the active role, creating positive good (not only absence of harm).
Together, we can build a country that fulfills the promise of freedom and safety for all of us—no exceptions.
Show benefit of mutual solidarity; consider referencing a specific ask, such as an electoral choice, if appropriate.
Together, we can build a country that fulfills the promise of freedom and safety for all of us—no exceptions.
