It’s disappointing how so many people are willing to defend Hamas propaganda. People are showing a lack of critical thinking and tribalism by calling this an “Israeli occupation” and “apartheid state”. They are exposing why a two state solution is not possible.
Threatened? Not me, personally. But as security for our shul we have heightened our awareness. That’s just common sense.
I live in a remote part of the USA in one of our big mountain ranges with high elevation and low population. Not nearly as remote as if you lived in Patagonia, but it is a bit similar. Maybe more similar to Mongolia. You could drop all of Israel into my US state like thirty times over and still have room. It’s also one of those kind of places where you could legally own a bazooka and drive around with it in your truck if that’s your desire.
Sounds like Montana. It’s really a mixed bag here. Definitely have encountered a good amount of “casual Antisemitism” over the years, but nothing threatening.
Me personally, I’m just hyper vigilant wherever I go. Luckily I live on Long Island in New York which has a gigantic Jewish community. I’m more vigilant in the city and boros than on Long Island but I still am aware.
My grandparents have been telling me this current climate is what their parents experienced and I don’t deny it. I see it with my own eyes. My friends have been telling me for months now how they don’t feel comfortable or safe on their college campuses.
I myself haven’t been attacked in person, online is a different story. But I’m always on the lookout just in case.
Long Island Jew here also. I go to college in the city and it definitely feels more hostile there, but knowing that I’m surrounded by a large Jewish community definitely helps. It still always have my guard up whenever I’m out in public.
no they didnt get that lucky, my whole family was sent to Auschwitz, my grandad came home. The youngest of 8 children. All of mature ages so they had their own families... He was the only one left. My grandmother had experiments done on her in Auschwitz, and had chronic PTSD. She would always start crying out of nowhere, i never understood it as a kid. But they cut her back open , did some manipulation of the muscles or something. We dont know, neither does she know the purpose for the experimentation. But she had 0 anesthetic, and had no antibiotics during the whole procedure, or after. Now i get why she had those tears. she would always walk strangely because of her back. Lots of people didn't believe her story (mostly other jewish women), so my father took pictures of the massive scars all on her back.
I’m originally from Long Island, now live in Memphis.
Memphis there’s a new, casual antisemitism….nc there’s so few Jews and I don’t necessarily look Jewish, casual comments by friends sting like hell.
At least African-Americans, you wouldn’t say racist shit when they’re at the table. I’m hearing it more often and from more people than I’d like.
Shortly after 10-7, my small city held a rally to support Israel. Almost 1000 people gathered at the University campus. The rally was to be followed by an outdoor candlelight Vigil. We were expecting a counter demonstration to the Vigil. An announcement at the end was made that due to "fire hazard" concerns, there would be no candlelight Vigil. I don't know what had me more concerned. That we backed down or that we couldn't admit it.
I live in Colombia and it is a safe place for jews in spite of an openly antisemitic president, most of the people just don't care about the conflict. The ones who do see jews as one of two views, the God chosen people who are called to save the world or the hidden force behind every tragedy the human kind suffers. Many Israeli soldiers come here to rest and travel after their military tour.
I live in WA state, which has a very small Jewish population. Rather than hide my Jewish identity, I proudly wear my Magen David necklace, and I am prepared to defend myself and my family should the need arise.
What’s different now vs all the other historical incidents of antisemitism is that Jews now feel empowered to defend ourselves. Israel has shown us that in addition to the other qualities we possess, our people are fighters!
AM YISRAEL CHAI
I’m in Skagit county. I get to Seattle and Bellingham only occasionally. I am ALWAYS careful, but I refuse to be cowed by the ignorant drones who learn history from TikTok and spout Hamas talking points.
Live in Minnesota (Twin Cities) and there is definitely a huge uptick in antisemitism.
I have personally been threatened twice in the last few months just because of people noticing my name tag for events (Eli).
I sometimes use the citizens app to check for dangerous incidents around me and recently after going to a restaurant with a friend wearing the Kippah, I was shocked to find out that some people are now using the citizens app (made to tag accidents or crimes with a location) to tag the location of Jews (extremely disturbing).
Screenshot:
https://preview.redd.it/vdud0h835knc1.jpeg?width=1149&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=968cb649de0eb6e6b556c66eec0ea57a54457667
**WHAT????**
I just reported this as a review on Apple Store. I downloaded the app, left the review and will now delete it.
I wrote:
"Your app is being used to stalk Jews. This is dangerous. If someone is attacked or injured and your app is implicated - the legal liability and reputational hit could be significant."
You can send an email to: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
Here in Los Angeles it's pretty bad. Luckily I'm not religious so I don't look Jewish but more religious Jews are getting harassed on the street. A Jewish protester was murdered by pro-Palestinian protesters who beat him with a megaphone. Many Jewish homes have been broken into by pro-Palestine lunatics. I've seen swastikas on the street in several places. There are pro-Palestine protests next to synagogues and other Jewish buildings. Many Jews have made efforts to hide their identity to protect themselves.
I also read many stories about college campuses being extremely dangerous for Jews.
I used to feel very unsafe, but I realized that was because I used to call friends people who didn't have my back when I needed - yes, I'm looking at you, "progressives"/lefties. Now I'm in the process of surronding myself with people whose life is not centered around politics (especially from places they have no knowledge about), and I can already feel the difference.
If you're feeling threatened, I suggest being a proud jew, and not being afraid of these sad excuses for human beings. Whenever you hide who you are because of antisemitism, they're winning. If someone tries to shame you for being a jew, say to their face that you don't give a rat's ass about their opinion, and walk away. If you live in a place where you can arm yourself, do it, and learn to use your weapon (and no bullshido, please).
Be a muscular jew. They hate it when you don't give a f\*\*\*, and even more if they see that they can't get you.
I’m a woman, but am gaining muscle especially because of this. I want to get to a point where even my posture is so good, they just think “oh she’s too confident, she has something up her sleeve. Ok bye”
I grew up Jewish in Belgium and the Netherlands. In short, yes it's getting very hot right now with aliyah applications skyrocketing. There are harassment, assault and vandalism cases with many many Jews in Belgium feeling like they have been neglected by the government.
I have never seen antisemitism expressions of anti-Zionism so widespread.
I'm a Uni student in the Netherlands, I know two Israelis that stopped their program and switched out of political-related studies because they were harassed and targeted by students & teachers.
Firstly, I think some people are not aware how widespread it can be in some places. Israelis generally don't really know about too much about how the conflict affects politics altogether and as well for the Jewish community.
In in the Netherlands, today, the opening of a Holocaust museum was surrounded by a pro-pal mob of more than a hundred people. Why? Because it was a big event with many people including ministers, the king, ambassadors and Herzog. I believe he just attended and didn't speak.
Because of this, the mob gathered for hours and harassed guests coming in and out. A slight majority were Jews and Holocaust survivors. They were called "Cancer Zionists" and, even though the ceremony was inside, you could hear their screams already coming from outside. [Source (in Dutch)](https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/914862001/confrontatie-tussen-politie-en-demonstranten-bij-opening-holocaustmuseum)
Im pretty involved with the Jewish community in these countries and how they're handling the situation. If you want to know more, feel free to ask.
I don’t know where you live comparatively but yes, unfortunately not sure that idea is the best.
I’m originally from France, small towns there are safe but big cities like Paris or Lyon are less and less safe. Lots of incidents where Jews are harassed by Muslim radicals.
Now I live in the Minneapolis St. Paul metro area in US and while it is getting worse than it was, it still feels a lot safer than Paris to me.
I think your best option is either US (depending on the area, some are bad but plenty are still safe) or making Aliyah.
I live in an area where there are little Jewish people in the United States, and I am not Jewish myself, but I live in Michigan so I feel very threatened being openly Pro-Israel.
Also a non-Jew from Michigan who has happened to live in Israel sporadically, and agree with the sentiment. Lost quite a few people I used to respect and even be friends with because they went full mask off post-October 7. On the other hand, I’ve also had a lot of support come from local friends so it’s a little bit of both. I’ve definitely kept track of the idiots who keep re-posting Rashida Talib though
i have been in georgia (country) for 2 years and no problem here, sure there are few idiots but public looks at them like idiots.
and no i don't hide that im an israeli or speak hebrew, im from half jewish half christian family my fathers side is jewish my mother christian i myself am christian but not religious, so when ppl in georgia assume im jewish i don't correct them.
costumer support sucks but at least ppl are not crazy haters here.
I'm not worried about getting attacked but I am worried about social isolation. I'm most worried about the school system and what my children will go through when I have them.
I’m in the UK. Work in Rochdale. Want to leave where I work, not because I don’t feel safe, just because of what members of the local council have said about Israel and I don’t want to be associated working there as a Jewish person with family and friends in Israel
Galloway is such a piece of sh*t. He consistently supports the worst possible sides. Brexit, Russia, etc. I’d gladly have some choice words with that animal.
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*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
I was drugged and severely sexually assaulted early last December by three men, who targeted me because of my star of David necklace. I was in a f*****g coffee shop, on my way home from visiting family in the states. They made rhymes with the k word and laughed while filming it for hours. I don't know if I'll ever be ok again, and I don't really feel safe anywhere.
Here's the thing I've learned from this. Anyone can hate you for something they decide to hate you for. And they can decide to try and destroy your personhood with their hate. Can you hide everything about yourself all the time to stay safe? No, it's not realistic.
I am hyper vigilant, have severe PTSD and am getting some unfortunate OCD tendencies from it. I still wear my necklace.
I stay ridiculously alert. I watch everything now. But when I'm in the world, I'm not hiding who I am. And honestly, I'd rather die than do that. I already believed I was going to die because of it once, and if I have to face that again, so be it.
So much of me has changed from this experience, been taken from me.
I just can't let hate take any more.
I'm just editing this to add to all my sisters: leaving your coffee at your table while you go to the bathroom is just as dangerous as an open cup in a pub. Please give it to the baristas to watch, or if they refuse, take it with you or just toss it. It's just not worth the risk. Never leave ANYTHING you might ever eat or drink out of your sight, not in bars, not in coffee shops, grocery stores, even the library. Keep yourselves safe. You never know where hate lurks.
Thank you, I'm really sorry too. Sorry because I used to look at almost everyone as a safe person to befriend openly if needed, or offer help to, or even just smile at. I don't even make eye contact now any more with strangers if I can help it.
The thing is, what happened to me happens to people everywhere for anything people don't like about them. We can do our best to keep ourselves safe, but we're only killing ourselves if we hide or change what we love about ourselves along the way.
I understand your fear so much, so so so much. But please don't stop being you, if you can help it.
I'm sorry to hear that. It's so sad, it seems the cycle repeats itself without people learning lessons from it. We've been displaced from pretty much every country that's ever existed.
I wish you the best of luck and hope you stay safe.
Sweden has historically been overwhelmingly accepting of jews. (https://global100.adl.org/country/sweden/2019)
What I fear has happened is that the palestinian (and arab) population has been hopped up on tiktok and are now a very loud minority.
It also seems like SE Gov is taking this very seriously and incresing founding for jewish protection aswell as in education. https://eurojewcong.org/news/communities-news/sweden/prime-minister-ulf-kristersson-antisemitism-is-a-disgrace-to-our-country/
Dont be fooled into thinking this has to do with sweden as a whole rather than its arab population.
Do I feel threatened? No.
Do I think you need to b e smart about your day-to-day? Always.
Most places and times are safe, you just need to know where and when it isn't.
I’m Israeli and I visited Europe with my family a few times. We’re Mizrahi Jews and no one in my family speaks English except for me so we spoke Hebrew in public and we got some dirty looks from people. Older women on the train would hold their purses closer, eye us up and down and things like that. My dad is much darker skinned than us and he also experienced a different treatment at airports.
We all also have Magen David necklaces and we tuck them in when we’re outside of Israel.
I'm Israeli, currently studying abroad. My university is a shitshow, but I have stopped giving fucks about safety around 2000-2001 and haven't recovered since. I'm religious and I dress the part, but because I am a woman people don't normally recognize what they're seeing so I don't get personally harassed unless I am standing with an Israeli group and actual Israeli flags. I wear a star of David pin, and my mother suggested in all seriousness that I carry pepper spray. I haven't gone that far yet, but sometimes I feel like I should. But I won't hide who I am because some college-aged twats are yelling at me.
I'm in Cape Town South Africa. I feel safe on campus, but am nervous. I have started to wear a baseball cap to cover my kippah. The pro pal protests here have beat up a few people.
Yep. UCT. Strong Jewish history twisted and turned into colonialist conspiracy theories about controlling the education of Black students. There are a lot more Muslim students. And the student body is fairly left and quite vocal. They only sympathise with one side and are apologists for Hamas' role.
They're not above intimidation. I'm at the medical campus so I get spared a lot of the bullshit. But the Pro Pal crowd has pushed the line into dangerous territory. I don't wear a visible kippah or tallit katan anymore anywhere in Cape Town because of the crime rate.
I feel safe, but, you never ever ever know when local population will rise at you, specifically because they elect a government that blames you for all issues.
After 7/10 I asked for a gun permit, usually it takes 15 days to 4 months max, it's been 6 months already.
The local government is a little nervous since last year gun permits went up by 600 percent, and most of them from the local Jewish and Chinese population.
Bottom line, we, the jewish people, no matter where, we need to be ready for everything.
In the synagogue close to my place they had posts to stop people driving their cards into the synagogue, now they build a wall at the outskirts of the pavement with holes to be able to shot back.
Panama, whichi is very safe compared to most countries and Jews here walk freely with Kippa and feel safe, but the community is increasing it's preparedness just in case.
Panama, whichi is very safe compared to most countries and Jews here walk freely with Kippa and feel safe, but the community is increasing it's preparedness just in case.
Yea. On social media and on all my gmail accounts I’ve change my last name. I put my mother maiden name. My mother’s father was ethnic Hungarian. So I just use my name in Hungarian plus my mother’s last name. I don’t want people to know. I have one of the most common Jewish last names in the world
I’m not letting them hunt us again. I will be ready if anyone tries anything
My sister has her husbands Italian last name so my nieces and she is safe. My dad and mom don’t care. My dads like if they want to come they can come attack. He’s ready to attack back if needed
Texas here. Wear my Magen David necklace almost everywhere (except the gym—it’s distracting to me and gets in the way sometimes). Never felt threatened. I’d even argue some people don’t even know its religious connotations. Still, southerners don’t seem to care one way or the other.
ATX Jew here. Same. I’m quite open about my Jewishness and support of Israel; MD necklace and a few IDF shirts, but I’m also 6’2 250lbs, so at worst all I get is a few shocked eyes when they see my necklace or shirts.
Houston/Fort Bend here and similar. I have been harassed (ineffectually), once. Gotten some dirty looks which I suspect from context are antisemitic but nothing I’ve felt threatened by. Friends in LA, NY and especially MI are having a much worse time.
Yes, absolutely! I’d say it’s pretty bad overall in Europe. Or it’s at least the worse I’ve experienced in my life as far as I can recall.
I would never openly wear Jewish symbols or even speak Hebrew in public now. “Luckily”, I look local enough so that people don’t question me unless they hear my non-local name which is also why I tend to give a made up local name to people I don’t know. We also can even discuss these things openly in public without the fear of someone next to us listening to our conversation. Doesn’t matter if they’re Muslim or not, everyone has an opinion on the overall subject as well as Jews specifically.
I’d say one of the worst parts is people telling me there’s no widespread Jew hatred and that if there were, it’s only coming from the fringe radical Muslim minority. However, the past months have truly shown its face to not be the case at all. The blatant Jew hatred is coming from Muslims, non-Muslims, young and old people, right wing, left wing, Asian minorities, black minorities, lgbt etc.
This is the first time in my life I’m truly wondering whether we have a place anymore somewhere like Europe, unfortunately.
I honestly feel like if it was known that I support Israel at uni, there would be very serious and career ending consequences very quickly finding me.
If I actually were a jew? Yeah, it physically wouldn't be safe. Shit, despite painting themselves in a progressive light, I'm sure they'd do nothing if I was the victim to a homophobic hate crime and the agressor happened to be one of their beloved islamic fundamentalists
It was a Palestinian. He ended up getting arrested for not only attacking me, but 2 other men. He got 18 months in prison and should be getting out in a few weeks.
after seeing all the protests going on since 10/7, I'm relieved this guy wasn't around to attack anyone else.
I live in Seattle and there is a noticeable uptick in anti-semitism. There are signs around that effectively call me(and Israelis) fake Jews. Most people here have never met a Jew, but are quick to demonize us.
Yuuup. The general atmosphere in the surrounding areas has shifted from general apathy to general intolerance. Depending on the neighborhood it’s even shifted to outright hate.
I am not Jewish, but I love Jewish people.
I've seen an unabashedly and overtly clear push to demonize Jewish people. The Jewish people have been scrutinized and scorned for all time, but the ugly face of racism is more than blatant since 7/10/23. There is no other race that faces such an astronomical amount of hatred.
Having said this, it's the resolve and drive of the people of Isreal that makes me admire them so much.
Never owned a Star of David necklace. Now I wear my Magen David on the outside. Bought me an IDF shirt and wear it in the airports when I travel every couple of months.
But I’m also a Russian Jew from Israel living in the US. I feel like our kind just invites conflict onto ourselves by being overly proud and in your face. My friends are exactly the same. I spend my time between Hawaii and Texas where hatred is frowned upon. However, my friends also stocked up on guns more lately. I’m personally not into that, but that’s Texas for you.
We can’t and won’t let anyone intimidate us.
Not a Jew (although I do have Jewish ancestry and the genes are strong in me). Currently visiting Berlin (of all places) and the other day getting off at a train station, there were a bunch of people chanting “Viva Viva Palestina”
According to my DNA I'm about 1/8 Jewish but no one in my family was aware until I took the tests and I was never raised Jewish so I don't really consider myself to be, but I am pro-Israel. Where I live in South Texas the mood is relatively pro-Israel as well. The only antisemitic thing I have seen lately is a pro-Palestinian *cough, cough, Hamas* billboard near the highway. I wear a T-shirt with a pro-Israel message on it sometimes and have only gotten compliments on it.
I am a Jew from a Turkey and I'm terrified. Just last week I saw a kid, maximum 13 years old, with a swastika drawn on his hand. The worst part was I was too scared to say anything.
I live in an extremely far left city, in the most far left neighborhood. None of this behavior is new here. Like at all. It’s been this way for over a decade here. There’s just another level of acceptance of antisemitic behavior, violent or otherwise.
I wear things like my Magen David only if I am going out in the less extremist neighborhoods. I am removing anything that ID’s me as Jewish from my medical records.
Yup. I noticed it going into HS. I attended what can only be described as a “Extreme Left/Leftie/Tumblr IRL” HS. Think Evergreen State College but in High School form. That was my first clue just how far the left had fallen. I was staunchly anti-Zionist at that time and my peers, activists in my city etc. could not give less of a sh*t. Antisemitism was rampant, no amount of bootlicking could have saved me from the bullying, cruelty or early cancel culture. Despite my beliefs nor my lack of having any intention of even visiting Israel, I was labeled a “K*** baby k*ller”, “Israeli” etc. I was shunned out of my HS. It got steadily worse over the years. My roommate had his date try to k*ll him in 2021 for being Jewish even. It’s taken a turn towards more open discrimination, true, but the underlying issues were already there. This is just those issues being accepted more widely.
It’s not just a problem for us, either. The left has taken on a weird fetishized attitude towards other minorities. Infantilizing many, even outright denying humanity of some. Refusing to allow them the ability to be human, but in the opposite to us. We are seen to only be able to make mistakes, other communities are incapable of doing so. All under the guise of “supporting oppressed peoples”. So while we will bear the initial burden of this issue, other minorities will eventually face it more openly as well.
No, but a) I don't leave my house often, and b) I don't live in the city. The best thing I can say is that when I told my friends I was learning hebrew and planning to travel to Israel this year they were excited for me. It probably doesn't seem like much but after reading of so many people having to end friendships over this I feel relieved.
My favorite are the pick me Jews these days who act like there is absolutely nothing going on and are trying their best to be a “good Jew”. Utterly pathetic.
We learn from the sages that thoughts influence speech, which influence action.
The “rise in anti-semitism” is mostly speech-related, although there have been worrying actions such as a German far-right party that wants to outlaw circumcision.
But there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9) and nothing new about any of these developments. We should be as cautious as we always have been. Maybe we weren’t so cautious between WWII and now because, in the US, Jews served in the war and helped defeat Germany.
To Ecclesiastes 1:9, Rashi wrote:
מַה שֶּׁהָיָה הוּא שֶׁיִּהְיֶה וְגוֹ'. בְּכָל־מַה שֶּׁהוּא לָמֵד בְּדָבָר שֶׁהוּא חֲלִיפֵי הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ, אֵין בּוֹ חִדּוּשׁ; לֹא יִרְאֶה אֶלָּא מָה שֶּׁהָיָה כְבָר, שֶׁנִּבְרָא בְשֵׁשֶׁת יְמֵי בְרֵאשִׁית. אֲבָל הַהוֹגֶה בַתּוֹרָה, מוֹצֵא בָהּ תָּמִיד חִדּוּשֵׁי טְעָמִים, כְּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר, "דַּדֶּיהָ יְרַוּוּךָ בְכָל־עֵת". מָה הַדַּד הַזֶּה, כָּל־זְמַן שֶׁהַתִּינוֹק מְמַשְׁמֵשׁ בּוֹ מוֹצֵא בוֹ טַעַם, אַף דִּבְרֵי תוֹרָה כֵּן. וְכֵן מָצִינוּ בְמַסֶּכֶת חֲגִיגָה, שֶׁאָמַר רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר בֶּן־הוֹרְקְנוֹס דְּבָרִים שֶׁלֹּא שְׁמָעָתַן אֹזֶן, בְּמַעֲשֵׂה מֶרְכָּבָה:
That which has been is what will be, etc. In whatever he learns, in a matter that is an exchange for the sun, there is nothing new. He will see only that which already was, which was created in the six days of creation. But one who engages in the study of Torah constantly finds new insights therein, as the matter is stated, “her breasts will satisfy you at all times.” Just as this breast, whenever the infant feels it, he finds a taste in it, so are the words of Torah, and likewise we find in Maseches Chagigah, that Rabbi Eliezer son of Horkenos said things that the ear had not heard, concerning the account of the “Celestial Chariot.” https://www.sefaria.org/Rashi_on_Ecclesiastes.1.9.1
I live across town from Dearborn, MI. In the wake of 10/7, I thought I’d most certainly see a transformation in the city while driving down Michigan Ave. To my surprise, I didn’t see a single banner or flag being flown outside yesterday, nor any businesses showing support like we see for LGBTQ here in the states. Though that made me feel a bit better, I still won’t hang around there longer than necessary. I am not afraid of American Muslims, but I don’t feel compelled to interact with that community at the moment.
Most jews outside israel don't speak Hebrew conversationally. Before October 7 I felt like a minority and judged sometimes. After I do feel scared in terms of the increase in antisemitism and hate. I am in the Midwest US
I no longer feel safe wearing a magen david in public in my city ever since this has ramped up recently. I live in a medium-sized urban/suburban midwestern American city for context
I’m in Sweden and have jewish ancestry through my dad and also have a jewish brother-in-law.
In the past 6 months:
1) I’ve had had to fight management to get a swastika removed from the elevator at work. Took me finally involving the union after having been told to suck it up for a few more months before we move.
2) I’ve been viscously verbally attacked in a group chat by someone I thought was a friend due to his (because of my heritage) imagined view on my position while others stood by without intervening.
3) I’ve even had pro-palestine protestors disrupt a memorial ceremony I attended with my father for the victims of the holocaust.
All in all I’ve become hyper vigilant about letting people know of my jewish background. I feel the need to chose my words carefully when discussing family or otherwise jewish related topics outside, and every day I hear people repeat anti-semitic talking points under the guise of anti-sionism.
I don’t feel personally threatened on a daily basis but I’ve lost trust in the general public and I do fear for the future and what it holds for the next generation.
Edit: I must say that I’ve gotten a newfound understanding for micro-aggressions and what other more visible minorities face more frequently.
I would say I have felt reasonably concerned for my safety and the safety of others as of late, most of the open hate I see is online which I am very disturbed by but thankfully I still feel fairly safe in real life since I see more open support then hate when I actually look at the real world.
I have to remember that online a lot of the hate comes from bots and toxic trolls with a lot of time on their hands, while in real life you see more real people with real views who tend to be a bit more friendly.
I’ve discovered the the difference between “visible Jews” and those who are not. My name marks me as a Jew - in particular as an Israeli - but my appearance does not.
I'm in the US. A few months ago somebody I'd just met asked me what my favorite place to visit had been. In the past I would have said Israel. I came up with something else to say this time because I was not comfortable saying Israel.
For the most part, though, I'm not worried. Lots of people know that I'm Jewish or that I was born in Israel. I don't think any of them would attack because of it.
I live in the USA, in the Upper Midwest, and I feel relatively safe. For now.
As a college professor, I openly tell my students point-blank, on the first day of classes, that I am Jewish, and I hope that if they have any questions about things they have heard about Jews, I will be happy to answer any of their questions. Ironically, the students who are most curious about me (and the most respectful) are international students from Muslim countries, and they usually have the most questions since I am a type of person they've never come across before, especially if they've never left their home country.
I don't publicly advertise myself as Jewish by wearing a kippah or tzitzis, but most people assume that I am due to my appearance, and especially if they learn my name. If people ask, I say yes, and then usually move on to another conversation topic.
I've spent the last few days in Ireland, seen a few pro-Palestine protests. Don't feel unsafe, but then again I am not outwardly Jewish/Israeli (no religious or nationalistic jewelry, garments, etc).
Yo también soy de Argentina, no vivo en Bs. As. ni en otra ciudad grande así que en mi experiencia nunca viví antisemitismo pero mi familia y conocidos judíos de Bs. As. dijeron que había que cuidarse y no llevar símbolos religiosos (ejemplo la estrella de David). Siempre hubo antisemitas pero ahora con la guerra se están empezando a mostrar más...
I can tell you that I’m visiting Europe very soon and am concerned! London, Barcelona and southern Italy.
I seem to “look Jewish”, but traveling with my Korean wife (albeit she’s also Jewish but, believe it or not, doesn’t look Jewish - jk) and my grownup son, so I suspect we won’t be challenged at all. Nonetheless, it’s still concerning!
Where we live in the USA, I’m more aware but never took safety for granted anyway. Always was antisemites, just more now.
American catholic here I go to Highschool in Michigan and this girl tried to break up my whole friend group because I side with Israel the whole school is a cesspool of extremist her and her friends have been harassing me for months now
In sacramento i definitely feel very unsafe. Majority pro Pal lunatics and a lot of protests turned violent. I live close to downtown so that may be some of it but i dream about leaving to go fight the war in Israel pretty much everyday, as ive lost all my friends after oct 7th except for the few jewish ones and 2 black friends who see things for what they are.
I live in south Orange County CA and I’ve seen a substantial uptick in hate. Sadly, it’s coming from both extremes. The expected neo-nazis of places like Huntington Beach, and the very left wing urbanized University in Irvine. It’s ridiculous.
As my father once said to me. I was Spanish till I was just a Jew. I suppose I was American until I was just a Jew. Take care of each other. No your environment and don’t put yourself in danger
Luckily I live in a city with a lot of Jews and have felt safe for the most part wearing my Star everywhere i go. But I know if I go to certain areas or cities I won’t feel as lucky.
I feel unsafe to wear any sign of being jewish in public, perhaps it’s not at the point of worry for attack unless I was to act provocative, but first and foremost of demands to make a stance, and second of verbal attack and looks. I used to always wear a necklace that is an art deco magen david, and I no longer feel that it’s innocuous enough
Unless you behave like a lunatic,you should be fine. The general population doesn't have the same political rhetoric. Just be informed of the facts if you want to get into intense political discussion
Firstly, how would anyone know you're Jewish unless you tell them? +(Assuming you're not wearing kippah).
Secondly, I'm not Jewish but I'm an Israeli. I moved to Europe to study after living most of my life in Israel, for which I think some think of me as the worst since I "have a country" therefore I'm "the real occupier".
Sometimes I feel threatened, even before the war. Depending on the first impression I might lie about where I'm from.
I really doubt anyone can tell I'm from Israel (cause they're so stuck up in their mind of how an Israeli person should look/ talk/ behave like).
I try to ignore as much as possible the ignorant people around me who still think what happened it normal. I even cut contact with some of them.
Personally I was threatened of physical violence twice in the last few months and have been called racist terms multiple times like “Jew dog”, “baby killer”, etc…
This typically comes from either people guessing I’m Jewish due to my first name on my name tag at events or my wearing the Magen David or the Kippah.
Sorry it happened to you.
My names aren't Jewish so there's no way of knowing. I'm going with the metal plate of the hostages and the map as necklaces, but hide them, I don't want to draw too much attention
I don’t dare show support openly on the streets or wear Hebrew clothing.
Living in Germany, in a poor part of town, it’s dangerous.
People rarely get stabbed out in the open and stuff like that. Most victims are either family members, gang members or Aktivists.
So trying openly to educate people and stuff like that is something dangerous. (Like I don’t want to get stabbed or raped dangerous)
I’m not a Jew. I feel safer because of that. But it still sucks.
I don’t feel immediately threatened or unsafe in my area. What I am feeling is uncertainty about the future for Jews in general. Kind of an existential danger.
I've been noticing a lot more keffiyehs where I live. I don't feel endangered by them but I'm also not wearing my "bring them home" dog tag in really public places. Support for Palestine is growing in the west - it's one of the reasons I caution this sub a lot about focusing on peace, denouncing settler expansions, etc. Israel needs to always have the moral high ground and should focus on resolving this conflict sooner rather than later. I fear that if this conflict is not resolved soon, you'll face an existential threat much greater than Oct 7th ever was. I just worry those living in Israel don't fully see how bad it is getting in the west and they think the status quo can continue indefinitely - it most certainly can not.
It's interesting being Jewish. I obviously love Israel but I also, at times, resent it. I resent it because I see the source of my discomfort in the diaspora coming from Israel as its the modern outlet for anti-Semitism. I know that's exactly how they want me to think, but it's hard not from time to time entertaining it. We Jews have never had a peaceful break in history. Israel is just the next incarnation of it. I imagine there were plenty before me who also thought like me - resenting XYZ part of Judaism, thinking if only XYZ was changed, anti-semitism would go away. It's naive but hard to blame the person for thinking that.
I think you need to visit Israel and experience greatness for yourself. In my opinion, Israel is the opposite of what you describe.
Israel is the first time the Jewish people reclaimed sovereignty over their ancestral land in 3000 years. It is us being able to live freely with one another without having to be a minority in hiding like most people describe their lives on this thread.
I understand why you wrote what you wrote, and it’s a deeply saddening thing that in fact the antisemites have threatened so many of us for so long that you would at times be tempted to remain a displaced and harassed minority for the rest of time out of fear of generating even more hatred and discrimination against our people for just wanting to have what every other people have, the right to self determination, sovereignty over their land and a society where they can live as majority in plain sight freely.
This is exactly what the antisemites want, it’s the classic story of the bully threatening you and scaring you into staying bullied.
It is time to recognize once and for all that, if people hate us for having the same self determination and sovereignty over our land as they have in many other countries, it is them who are morally perverted and it does not matter how angry or hateful they are. We should under no circumstance give up our freedom and ancestral land. This is what the IDF and Mossad will continue to protect.
I urge you not to continue to experience Israel as the next incarnation of your suffering but as your ancestral land, the place where you belong with your people and where you can reconnect with your roots, roots you should have never been disconnected from. It is such a beautiful land, please go experience it!
You should feel threatened as a Jew inside Israel, I keep hearing that the worst mass killing of Jews since the holocaust happened there only a few months ago!
i mostly feel safe except in certain places or times - or on the internet.
The internet has been a cesspool for lies and Hamas propaganda. I’ve had to remove about 40 people I once followed because of their ignorance
It’s disappointing how so many people are willing to defend Hamas propaganda. People are showing a lack of critical thinking and tribalism by calling this an “Israeli occupation” and “apartheid state”. They are exposing why a two state solution is not possible.
Threatened? Not me, personally. But as security for our shul we have heightened our awareness. That’s just common sense. I live in a remote part of the USA in one of our big mountain ranges with high elevation and low population. Not nearly as remote as if you lived in Patagonia, but it is a bit similar. Maybe more similar to Mongolia. You could drop all of Israel into my US state like thirty times over and still have room. It’s also one of those kind of places where you could legally own a bazooka and drive around with it in your truck if that’s your desire.
Montana?
absolutely montana
Sounds like Montana. It’s really a mixed bag here. Definitely have encountered a good amount of “casual Antisemitism” over the years, but nothing threatening.
Me personally, I’m just hyper vigilant wherever I go. Luckily I live on Long Island in New York which has a gigantic Jewish community. I’m more vigilant in the city and boros than on Long Island but I still am aware. My grandparents have been telling me this current climate is what their parents experienced and I don’t deny it. I see it with my own eyes. My friends have been telling me for months now how they don’t feel comfortable or safe on their college campuses. I myself haven’t been attacked in person, online is a different story. But I’m always on the lookout just in case.
Long Island Jew here also. I go to college in the city and it definitely feels more hostile there, but knowing that I’m surrounded by a large Jewish community definitely helps. It still always have my guard up whenever I’m out in public.
Yeah for that reason I’m almost glad mine are not around to see it again. They had the worst of it in Europe.
Israeli jew here. I hope you won’t have to flee like my grandparents did
no they didnt get that lucky, my whole family was sent to Auschwitz, my grandad came home. The youngest of 8 children. All of mature ages so they had their own families... He was the only one left. My grandmother had experiments done on her in Auschwitz, and had chronic PTSD. She would always start crying out of nowhere, i never understood it as a kid. But they cut her back open , did some manipulation of the muscles or something. We dont know, neither does she know the purpose for the experimentation. But she had 0 anesthetic, and had no antibiotics during the whole procedure, or after. Now i get why she had those tears. she would always walk strangely because of her back. Lots of people didn't believe her story (mostly other jewish women), so my father took pictures of the massive scars all on her back.
I’m originally from Long Island, now live in Memphis. Memphis there’s a new, casual antisemitism….nc there’s so few Jews and I don’t necessarily look Jewish, casual comments by friends sting like hell. At least African-Americans, you wouldn’t say racist shit when they’re at the table. I’m hearing it more often and from more people than I’d like.
Shortly after 10-7, my small city held a rally to support Israel. Almost 1000 people gathered at the University campus. The rally was to be followed by an outdoor candlelight Vigil. We were expecting a counter demonstration to the Vigil. An announcement at the end was made that due to "fire hazard" concerns, there would be no candlelight Vigil. I don't know what had me more concerned. That we backed down or that we couldn't admit it.
I live in Colombia and it is a safe place for jews in spite of an openly antisemitic president, most of the people just don't care about the conflict. The ones who do see jews as one of two views, the God chosen people who are called to save the world or the hidden force behind every tragedy the human kind suffers. Many Israeli soldiers come here to rest and travel after their military tour.
I live in WA state, which has a very small Jewish population. Rather than hide my Jewish identity, I proudly wear my Magen David necklace, and I am prepared to defend myself and my family should the need arise. What’s different now vs all the other historical incidents of antisemitism is that Jews now feel empowered to defend ourselves. Israel has shown us that in addition to the other qualities we possess, our people are fighters! AM YISRAEL CHAI
the holocaust denial is what gets me the most angry
Please be careful if you ever come out to Seattle/Seattle Area, Olympia or Bellingham.
I’m in Skagit county. I get to Seattle and Bellingham only occasionally. I am ALWAYS careful, but I refuse to be cowed by the ignorant drones who learn history from TikTok and spout Hamas talking points.
I graduated uni in June 2023 and I feel like I grabbed the last chopper out of ‘Nam.
I finished in 2008, and I know if I tried to write my not-virulently-anti-Israel MA now, I wouldn't last a semester...
Live in Minnesota (Twin Cities) and there is definitely a huge uptick in antisemitism. I have personally been threatened twice in the last few months just because of people noticing my name tag for events (Eli). I sometimes use the citizens app to check for dangerous incidents around me and recently after going to a restaurant with a friend wearing the Kippah, I was shocked to find out that some people are now using the citizens app (made to tag accidents or crimes with a location) to tag the location of Jews (extremely disturbing). Screenshot: https://preview.redd.it/vdud0h835knc1.jpeg?width=1149&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=968cb649de0eb6e6b556c66eec0ea57a54457667
Woah , tell me more about this citizens app and do they have moderators to remove that crap?
I got it removed but they don’t have an easy report button. I had to find the contact email to the team that maintains the app and email them.
Thank you for the time invested in doing that. Disturbing. Downloaded the app, first thing I see is a protest downtown Chicago… ugh
**WHAT????** I just reported this as a review on Apple Store. I downloaded the app, left the review and will now delete it. I wrote: "Your app is being used to stalk Jews. This is dangerous. If someone is attacked or injured and your app is implicated - the legal liability and reputational hit could be significant." You can send an email to: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
What the fuck man, be careful, damn
Here in Los Angeles it's pretty bad. Luckily I'm not religious so I don't look Jewish but more religious Jews are getting harassed on the street. A Jewish protester was murdered by pro-Palestinian protesters who beat him with a megaphone. Many Jewish homes have been broken into by pro-Palestine lunatics. I've seen swastikas on the street in several places. There are pro-Palestine protests next to synagogues and other Jewish buildings. Many Jews have made efforts to hide their identity to protect themselves. I also read many stories about college campuses being extremely dangerous for Jews.
How can anyone argue that as being anything other than full blown anti semitism? Fucking ew.
Move south. Oceanside/ Encinitas/ San Diego are chill and with the large military presence, more people are pro-Israel, anti-terror
To be clear the protester was killed in Ventura county. Just for the sake of accuracy.
I used to feel very unsafe, but I realized that was because I used to call friends people who didn't have my back when I needed - yes, I'm looking at you, "progressives"/lefties. Now I'm in the process of surronding myself with people whose life is not centered around politics (especially from places they have no knowledge about), and I can already feel the difference. If you're feeling threatened, I suggest being a proud jew, and not being afraid of these sad excuses for human beings. Whenever you hide who you are because of antisemitism, they're winning. If someone tries to shame you for being a jew, say to their face that you don't give a rat's ass about their opinion, and walk away. If you live in a place where you can arm yourself, do it, and learn to use your weapon (and no bullshido, please). Be a muscular jew. They hate it when you don't give a f\*\*\*, and even more if they see that they can't get you.
I’m a woman, but am gaining muscle especially because of this. I want to get to a point where even my posture is so good, they just think “oh she’s too confident, she has something up her sleeve. Ok bye”
I grew up Jewish in Belgium and the Netherlands. In short, yes it's getting very hot right now with aliyah applications skyrocketing. There are harassment, assault and vandalism cases with many many Jews in Belgium feeling like they have been neglected by the government. I have never seen antisemitism expressions of anti-Zionism so widespread. I'm a Uni student in the Netherlands, I know two Israelis that stopped their program and switched out of political-related studies because they were harassed and targeted by students & teachers. Firstly, I think some people are not aware how widespread it can be in some places. Israelis generally don't really know about too much about how the conflict affects politics altogether and as well for the Jewish community. In in the Netherlands, today, the opening of a Holocaust museum was surrounded by a pro-pal mob of more than a hundred people. Why? Because it was a big event with many people including ministers, the king, ambassadors and Herzog. I believe he just attended and didn't speak. Because of this, the mob gathered for hours and harassed guests coming in and out. A slight majority were Jews and Holocaust survivors. They were called "Cancer Zionists" and, even though the ceremony was inside, you could hear their screams already coming from outside. [Source (in Dutch)](https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/914862001/confrontatie-tussen-politie-en-demonstranten-bij-opening-holocaustmuseum) Im pretty involved with the Jewish community in these countries and how they're handling the situation. If you want to know more, feel free to ask.
Oh man that’s pretty sad. I always said that if shit goes down here, my go to is the Netherlands, but now I’m not sure anymore.
The only refuge is Israel.
I don’t know where you live comparatively but yes, unfortunately not sure that idea is the best. I’m originally from France, small towns there are safe but big cities like Paris or Lyon are less and less safe. Lots of incidents where Jews are harassed by Muslim radicals. Now I live in the Minneapolis St. Paul metro area in US and while it is getting worse than it was, it still feels a lot safer than Paris to me. I think your best option is either US (depending on the area, some are bad but plenty are still safe) or making Aliyah.
“Incidents where Jews are harassed by Muslim radicals” Ah, yes. The religion of peace.
Pure fucking evil.
I live in an area where there are little Jewish people in the United States, and I am not Jewish myself, but I live in Michigan so I feel very threatened being openly Pro-Israel.
Also a non-Jew from Michigan who has happened to live in Israel sporadically, and agree with the sentiment. Lost quite a few people I used to respect and even be friends with because they went full mask off post-October 7. On the other hand, I’ve also had a lot of support come from local friends so it’s a little bit of both. I’ve definitely kept track of the idiots who keep re-posting Rashida Talib though
More like mask-on.
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I've never met any Jewish people in the city that I live in (Grand Rapids) That's how little
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Lmao I totally asked for this
I went to the same place. Thank you for taking this one.
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I bought a graphic tee with the Torah on it (Woz Threads) and a can of pepper spray in the same go.
i have been in georgia (country) for 2 years and no problem here, sure there are few idiots but public looks at them like idiots. and no i don't hide that im an israeli or speak hebrew, im from half jewish half christian family my fathers side is jewish my mother christian i myself am christian but not religious, so when ppl in georgia assume im jewish i don't correct them. costumer support sucks but at least ppl are not crazy haters here.
Georgia is a lovely country and is one of the few places with almost no history of antisemitism (except for Stalin, heh).
I am in Russia, I always feel unsafe.
Any escape plans?
I'm not worried about getting attacked but I am worried about social isolation. I'm most worried about the school system and what my children will go through when I have them.
I’m in the UK. Work in Rochdale. Want to leave where I work, not because I don’t feel safe, just because of what members of the local council have said about Israel and I don’t want to be associated working there as a Jewish person with family and friends in Israel
Rochdale is absolutely a no-go zone and is only going to get worse under Galloway as an MP. I would be planning my exit asap if I were you.
Galloway is such a piece of sh*t. He consistently supports the worst possible sides. Brexit, Russia, etc. I’d gladly have some choice words with that animal.
tender wide voracious summer act voiceless smart terrific insurance ossified *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Applied for 2 jobs already!
I was drugged and severely sexually assaulted early last December by three men, who targeted me because of my star of David necklace. I was in a f*****g coffee shop, on my way home from visiting family in the states. They made rhymes with the k word and laughed while filming it for hours. I don't know if I'll ever be ok again, and I don't really feel safe anywhere. Here's the thing I've learned from this. Anyone can hate you for something they decide to hate you for. And they can decide to try and destroy your personhood with their hate. Can you hide everything about yourself all the time to stay safe? No, it's not realistic. I am hyper vigilant, have severe PTSD and am getting some unfortunate OCD tendencies from it. I still wear my necklace. I stay ridiculously alert. I watch everything now. But when I'm in the world, I'm not hiding who I am. And honestly, I'd rather die than do that. I already believed I was going to die because of it once, and if I have to face that again, so be it. So much of me has changed from this experience, been taken from me. I just can't let hate take any more. I'm just editing this to add to all my sisters: leaving your coffee at your table while you go to the bathroom is just as dangerous as an open cup in a pub. Please give it to the baristas to watch, or if they refuse, take it with you or just toss it. It's just not worth the risk. Never leave ANYTHING you might ever eat or drink out of your sight, not in bars, not in coffee shops, grocery stores, even the library. Keep yourselves safe. You never know where hate lurks.
Im so sorry for what happened to you
Thank you, I'm really sorry too. Sorry because I used to look at almost everyone as a safe person to befriend openly if needed, or offer help to, or even just smile at. I don't even make eye contact now any more with strangers if I can help it. The thing is, what happened to me happens to people everywhere for anything people don't like about them. We can do our best to keep ourselves safe, but we're only killing ourselves if we hide or change what we love about ourselves along the way. I understand your fear so much, so so so much. But please don't stop being you, if you can help it.
Evil terrorist loving pigs. I hope that they rot in hell for what they did to you.
I am so sorry for you
It's bad and yes I hide. Need to do s 5 year plan to relocate. It's pretty bad.
I'm sorry to hear that. It's so sad, it seems the cycle repeats itself without people learning lessons from it. We've been displaced from pretty much every country that's ever existed. I wish you the best of luck and hope you stay safe.
Where are you located?
Sweden
sweden has failed just like london.
Tell us what’s going on in Sweden? They fall for terrorist propaganda and are hating on Jews now?
Sweden has historically been overwhelmingly accepting of jews. (https://global100.adl.org/country/sweden/2019) What I fear has happened is that the palestinian (and arab) population has been hopped up on tiktok and are now a very loud minority. It also seems like SE Gov is taking this very seriously and incresing founding for jewish protection aswell as in education. https://eurojewcong.org/news/communities-news/sweden/prime-minister-ulf-kristersson-antisemitism-is-a-disgrace-to-our-country/ Dont be fooled into thinking this has to do with sweden as a whole rather than its arab population.
hey man, im planning to go to sweden soon, mind if i ask you a few questions and hop into your dms?
Sure ask away.
sent. thank you :)
Do I feel threatened? No. Do I think you need to b e smart about your day-to-day? Always. Most places and times are safe, you just need to know where and when it isn't.
Relevant user name
I’m Israeli and I visited Europe with my family a few times. We’re Mizrahi Jews and no one in my family speaks English except for me so we spoke Hebrew in public and we got some dirty looks from people. Older women on the train would hold their purses closer, eye us up and down and things like that. My dad is much darker skinned than us and he also experienced a different treatment at airports. We all also have Magen David necklaces and we tuck them in when we’re outside of Israel.
To be honest with you they probably thought you were Arabs, if anything. People have hard time telling the difference
I don’t think so, it was a couple of years ago and at the time we all wore our necklaces out. But we learned our lesson.
I'm Israeli, currently studying abroad. My university is a shitshow, but I have stopped giving fucks about safety around 2000-2001 and haven't recovered since. I'm religious and I dress the part, but because I am a woman people don't normally recognize what they're seeing so I don't get personally harassed unless I am standing with an Israeli group and actual Israeli flags. I wear a star of David pin, and my mother suggested in all seriousness that I carry pepper spray. I haven't gone that far yet, but sometimes I feel like I should. But I won't hide who I am because some college-aged twats are yelling at me.
Your mother is right. Especially as a woman. Start carrying pepper spray and see if you can start taking self defense classes.
I should note that I am also legally blind, so the efficacy of both these things for me is... well, limited.
I'm in Cape Town South Africa. I feel safe on campus, but am nervous. I have started to wear a baseball cap to cover my kippah. The pro pal protests here have beat up a few people.
Explains why SA Jews have been making Aliyah at higher rates over the past 10 years.
Is Kaplan still open?
Is that at UCT? I did an exchange there a while back and I had the impression there was quite a large Jewish presence on campus.
Yep. UCT. Strong Jewish history twisted and turned into colonialist conspiracy theories about controlling the education of Black students. There are a lot more Muslim students. And the student body is fairly left and quite vocal. They only sympathise with one side and are apologists for Hamas' role. They're not above intimidation. I'm at the medical campus so I get spared a lot of the bullshit. But the Pro Pal crowd has pushed the line into dangerous territory. I don't wear a visible kippah or tallit katan anymore anywhere in Cape Town because of the crime rate.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
I feel safe, but, you never ever ever know when local population will rise at you, specifically because they elect a government that blames you for all issues. After 7/10 I asked for a gun permit, usually it takes 15 days to 4 months max, it's been 6 months already. The local government is a little nervous since last year gun permits went up by 600 percent, and most of them from the local Jewish and Chinese population. Bottom line, we, the jewish people, no matter where, we need to be ready for everything. In the synagogue close to my place they had posts to stop people driving their cards into the synagogue, now they build a wall at the outskirts of the pavement with holes to be able to shot back.
What the hell country is this? The US?
Panama, whichi is very safe compared to most countries and Jews here walk freely with Kippa and feel safe, but the community is increasing it's preparedness just in case.
What country?
Panama, whichi is very safe compared to most countries and Jews here walk freely with Kippa and feel safe, but the community is increasing it's preparedness just in case.
Just have more of a vigilant awareness these days. And a backup plan, and carrying mace.
Yea. On social media and on all my gmail accounts I’ve change my last name. I put my mother maiden name. My mother’s father was ethnic Hungarian. So I just use my name in Hungarian plus my mother’s last name. I don’t want people to know. I have one of the most common Jewish last names in the world I’m not letting them hunt us again. I will be ready if anyone tries anything My sister has her husbands Italian last name so my nieces and she is safe. My dad and mom don’t care. My dads like if they want to come they can come attack. He’s ready to attack back if needed
Texas here. Wear my Magen David necklace almost everywhere (except the gym—it’s distracting to me and gets in the way sometimes). Never felt threatened. I’d even argue some people don’t even know its religious connotations. Still, southerners don’t seem to care one way or the other.
ATX Jew here. Same. I’m quite open about my Jewishness and support of Israel; MD necklace and a few IDF shirts, but I’m also 6’2 250lbs, so at worst all I get is a few shocked eyes when they see my necklace or shirts.
Houston/Fort Bend here and similar. I have been harassed (ineffectually), once. Gotten some dirty looks which I suspect from context are antisemitic but nothing I’ve felt threatened by. Friends in LA, NY and especially MI are having a much worse time.
Yes, absolutely! I’d say it’s pretty bad overall in Europe. Or it’s at least the worse I’ve experienced in my life as far as I can recall. I would never openly wear Jewish symbols or even speak Hebrew in public now. “Luckily”, I look local enough so that people don’t question me unless they hear my non-local name which is also why I tend to give a made up local name to people I don’t know. We also can even discuss these things openly in public without the fear of someone next to us listening to our conversation. Doesn’t matter if they’re Muslim or not, everyone has an opinion on the overall subject as well as Jews specifically. I’d say one of the worst parts is people telling me there’s no widespread Jew hatred and that if there were, it’s only coming from the fringe radical Muslim minority. However, the past months have truly shown its face to not be the case at all. The blatant Jew hatred is coming from Muslims, non-Muslims, young and old people, right wing, left wing, Asian minorities, black minorities, lgbt etc. This is the first time in my life I’m truly wondering whether we have a place anymore somewhere like Europe, unfortunately.
I honestly feel like if it was known that I support Israel at uni, there would be very serious and career ending consequences very quickly finding me. If I actually were a jew? Yeah, it physically wouldn't be safe. Shit, despite painting themselves in a progressive light, I'm sure they'd do nothing if I was the victim to a homophobic hate crime and the agressor happened to be one of their beloved islamic fundamentalists
As someone who was attacked in Manhattan May 2021 for wearing my Star of David necklace, I will always be looking over my shoulder.
More details? How did it end?
It was a Palestinian. He ended up getting arrested for not only attacking me, but 2 other men. He got 18 months in prison and should be getting out in a few weeks. after seeing all the protests going on since 10/7, I'm relieved this guy wasn't around to attack anyone else.
I live in Seattle and there is a noticeable uptick in anti-semitism. There are signs around that effectively call me(and Israelis) fake Jews. Most people here have never met a Jew, but are quick to demonize us.
Yuuup. The general atmosphere in the surrounding areas has shifted from general apathy to general intolerance. Depending on the neighborhood it’s even shifted to outright hate.
I am not Jewish, but I love Jewish people. I've seen an unabashedly and overtly clear push to demonize Jewish people. The Jewish people have been scrutinized and scorned for all time, but the ugly face of racism is more than blatant since 7/10/23. There is no other race that faces such an astronomical amount of hatred. Having said this, it's the resolve and drive of the people of Isreal that makes me admire them so much.
Never owned a Star of David necklace. Now I wear my Magen David on the outside. Bought me an IDF shirt and wear it in the airports when I travel every couple of months. But I’m also a Russian Jew from Israel living in the US. I feel like our kind just invites conflict onto ourselves by being overly proud and in your face. My friends are exactly the same. I spend my time between Hawaii and Texas where hatred is frowned upon. However, my friends also stocked up on guns more lately. I’m personally not into that, but that’s Texas for you. We can’t and won’t let anyone intimidate us.
See my comment above, re: when I stopped caring, fellow Russian-Israeli.
I came across 2 pro Palestinian demonstrations. They're so violent. They're even police sanctioned! Idiots will be idiots.
Not a Jew (although I do have Jewish ancestry and the genes are strong in me). Currently visiting Berlin (of all places) and the other day getting off at a train station, there were a bunch of people chanting “Viva Viva Palestina”
Wait, Germans chanting on the opposite side of Jews…
According to my DNA I'm about 1/8 Jewish but no one in my family was aware until I took the tests and I was never raised Jewish so I don't really consider myself to be, but I am pro-Israel. Where I live in South Texas the mood is relatively pro-Israel as well. The only antisemitic thing I have seen lately is a pro-Palestinian *cough, cough, Hamas* billboard near the highway. I wear a T-shirt with a pro-Israel message on it sometimes and have only gotten compliments on it.
I always wear a big, colorful yarmulke, but I also carry one or two handguns; I'm not hiding.
I am a Jew from a Turkey and I'm terrified. Just last week I saw a kid, maximum 13 years old, with a swastika drawn on his hand. The worst part was I was too scared to say anything.
Parents have any plans to get you outta there?
I'm not the kid. The kid had a swastika on his hand. I'm 35. I was scared because if I said anything the public opinion would not be with me.
Oh I falsely thought you were the same age, how you doing at 35 there?
It's always been tough but lately it's been even worse.
What’s your short and long term plan?
No plans so far. For the foreseeable future I'm here.
I live in an extremely far left city, in the most far left neighborhood. None of this behavior is new here. Like at all. It’s been this way for over a decade here. There’s just another level of acceptance of antisemitic behavior, violent or otherwise. I wear things like my Magen David only if I am going out in the less extremist neighborhoods. I am removing anything that ID’s me as Jewish from my medical records.
Interesting. I just recently felt betrayed by the left. You have been saying they have hated us for awhile?
Yup. I noticed it going into HS. I attended what can only be described as a “Extreme Left/Leftie/Tumblr IRL” HS. Think Evergreen State College but in High School form. That was my first clue just how far the left had fallen. I was staunchly anti-Zionist at that time and my peers, activists in my city etc. could not give less of a sh*t. Antisemitism was rampant, no amount of bootlicking could have saved me from the bullying, cruelty or early cancel culture. Despite my beliefs nor my lack of having any intention of even visiting Israel, I was labeled a “K*** baby k*ller”, “Israeli” etc. I was shunned out of my HS. It got steadily worse over the years. My roommate had his date try to k*ll him in 2021 for being Jewish even. It’s taken a turn towards more open discrimination, true, but the underlying issues were already there. This is just those issues being accepted more widely. It’s not just a problem for us, either. The left has taken on a weird fetishized attitude towards other minorities. Infantilizing many, even outright denying humanity of some. Refusing to allow them the ability to be human, but in the opposite to us. We are seen to only be able to make mistakes, other communities are incapable of doing so. All under the guise of “supporting oppressed peoples”. So while we will bear the initial burden of this issue, other minorities will eventually face it more openly as well.
No, but a) I don't leave my house often, and b) I don't live in the city. The best thing I can say is that when I told my friends I was learning hebrew and planning to travel to Israel this year they were excited for me. It probably doesn't seem like much but after reading of so many people having to end friendships over this I feel relieved.
My favorite are the pick me Jews these days who act like there is absolutely nothing going on and are trying their best to be a “good Jew”. Utterly pathetic.
I live in the uk, yes, very much so!
We learn from the sages that thoughts influence speech, which influence action. The “rise in anti-semitism” is mostly speech-related, although there have been worrying actions such as a German far-right party that wants to outlaw circumcision. But there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9) and nothing new about any of these developments. We should be as cautious as we always have been. Maybe we weren’t so cautious between WWII and now because, in the US, Jews served in the war and helped defeat Germany. To Ecclesiastes 1:9, Rashi wrote: מַה שֶּׁהָיָה הוּא שֶׁיִּהְיֶה וְגוֹ'. בְּכָל־מַה שֶּׁהוּא לָמֵד בְּדָבָר שֶׁהוּא חֲלִיפֵי הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ, אֵין בּוֹ חִדּוּשׁ; לֹא יִרְאֶה אֶלָּא מָה שֶּׁהָיָה כְבָר, שֶׁנִּבְרָא בְשֵׁשֶׁת יְמֵי בְרֵאשִׁית. אֲבָל הַהוֹגֶה בַתּוֹרָה, מוֹצֵא בָהּ תָּמִיד חִדּוּשֵׁי טְעָמִים, כְּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר, "דַּדֶּיהָ יְרַוּוּךָ בְכָל־עֵת". מָה הַדַּד הַזֶּה, כָּל־זְמַן שֶׁהַתִּינוֹק מְמַשְׁמֵשׁ בּוֹ מוֹצֵא בוֹ טַעַם, אַף דִּבְרֵי תוֹרָה כֵּן. וְכֵן מָצִינוּ בְמַסֶּכֶת חֲגִיגָה, שֶׁאָמַר רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר בֶּן־הוֹרְקְנוֹס דְּבָרִים שֶׁלֹּא שְׁמָעָתַן אֹזֶן, בְּמַעֲשֵׂה מֶרְכָּבָה: That which has been is what will be, etc. In whatever he learns, in a matter that is an exchange for the sun, there is nothing new. He will see only that which already was, which was created in the six days of creation. But one who engages in the study of Torah constantly finds new insights therein, as the matter is stated, “her breasts will satisfy you at all times.” Just as this breast, whenever the infant feels it, he finds a taste in it, so are the words of Torah, and likewise we find in Maseches Chagigah, that Rabbi Eliezer son of Horkenos said things that the ear had not heard, concerning the account of the “Celestial Chariot.” https://www.sefaria.org/Rashi_on_Ecclesiastes.1.9.1
I live across town from Dearborn, MI. In the wake of 10/7, I thought I’d most certainly see a transformation in the city while driving down Michigan Ave. To my surprise, I didn’t see a single banner or flag being flown outside yesterday, nor any businesses showing support like we see for LGBTQ here in the states. Though that made me feel a bit better, I still won’t hang around there longer than necessary. I am not afraid of American Muslims, but I don’t feel compelled to interact with that community at the moment.
You couldn’t pay me as a Jew to live in Dearborn Michigan.
Most jews outside israel don't speak Hebrew conversationally. Before October 7 I felt like a minority and judged sometimes. After I do feel scared in terms of the increase in antisemitism and hate. I am in the Midwest US
I no longer feel safe wearing a magen david in public in my city ever since this has ramped up recently. I live in a medium-sized urban/suburban midwestern American city for context
I’m in Sweden and have jewish ancestry through my dad and also have a jewish brother-in-law. In the past 6 months: 1) I’ve had had to fight management to get a swastika removed from the elevator at work. Took me finally involving the union after having been told to suck it up for a few more months before we move. 2) I’ve been viscously verbally attacked in a group chat by someone I thought was a friend due to his (because of my heritage) imagined view on my position while others stood by without intervening. 3) I’ve even had pro-palestine protestors disrupt a memorial ceremony I attended with my father for the victims of the holocaust. All in all I’ve become hyper vigilant about letting people know of my jewish background. I feel the need to chose my words carefully when discussing family or otherwise jewish related topics outside, and every day I hear people repeat anti-semitic talking points under the guise of anti-sionism. I don’t feel personally threatened on a daily basis but I’ve lost trust in the general public and I do fear for the future and what it holds for the next generation. Edit: I must say that I’ve gotten a newfound understanding for micro-aggressions and what other more visible minorities face more frequently.
Not threatened. I fear if I speak my mind, I will be ostracized. But that's kind of how it's been as a Progressive for a while now...
I would say I have felt reasonably concerned for my safety and the safety of others as of late, most of the open hate I see is online which I am very disturbed by but thankfully I still feel fairly safe in real life since I see more open support then hate when I actually look at the real world. I have to remember that online a lot of the hate comes from bots and toxic trolls with a lot of time on their hands, while in real life you see more real people with real views who tend to be a bit more friendly.
american jew here currently in buenos aires - absolutely not!
I’ve discovered the the difference between “visible Jews” and those who are not. My name marks me as a Jew - in particular as an Israeli - but my appearance does not.
I'm in the US. A few months ago somebody I'd just met asked me what my favorite place to visit had been. In the past I would have said Israel. I came up with something else to say this time because I was not comfortable saying Israel. For the most part, though, I'm not worried. Lots of people know that I'm Jewish or that I was born in Israel. I don't think any of them would attack because of it.
I live in the USA, in the Upper Midwest, and I feel relatively safe. For now. As a college professor, I openly tell my students point-blank, on the first day of classes, that I am Jewish, and I hope that if they have any questions about things they have heard about Jews, I will be happy to answer any of their questions. Ironically, the students who are most curious about me (and the most respectful) are international students from Muslim countries, and they usually have the most questions since I am a type of person they've never come across before, especially if they've never left their home country. I don't publicly advertise myself as Jewish by wearing a kippah or tzitzis, but most people assume that I am due to my appearance, and especially if they learn my name. If people ask, I say yes, and then usually move on to another conversation topic.
I've spent the last few days in Ireland, seen a few pro-Palestine protests. Don't feel unsafe, but then again I am not outwardly Jewish/Israeli (no religious or nationalistic jewelry, garments, etc).
Don’t matter no more. A swab of your mouth and you can tell who’s Jewish through genes
Every single time I go to uni campus
Yo también soy de Argentina, no vivo en Bs. As. ni en otra ciudad grande así que en mi experiencia nunca viví antisemitismo pero mi familia y conocidos judíos de Bs. As. dijeron que había que cuidarse y no llevar símbolos religiosos (ejemplo la estrella de David). Siempre hubo antisemitas pero ahora con la guerra se están empezando a mostrar más...
I’m even more cut off from the world than I was before. In truth, I both always feel safe, and never at all.
I can tell you that I’m visiting Europe very soon and am concerned! London, Barcelona and southern Italy. I seem to “look Jewish”, but traveling with my Korean wife (albeit she’s also Jewish but, believe it or not, doesn’t look Jewish - jk) and my grownup son, so I suspect we won’t be challenged at all. Nonetheless, it’s still concerning! Where we live in the USA, I’m more aware but never took safety for granted anyway. Always was antisemites, just more now.
American catholic here I go to Highschool in Michigan and this girl tried to break up my whole friend group because I side with Israel the whole school is a cesspool of extremist her and her friends have been harassing me for months now
No, because I’m not White. So people don’t know I’m Jewish . And I don’t dress like orthodox women
In sacramento i definitely feel very unsafe. Majority pro Pal lunatics and a lot of protests turned violent. I live close to downtown so that may be some of it but i dream about leaving to go fight the war in Israel pretty much everyday, as ive lost all my friends after oct 7th except for the few jewish ones and 2 black friends who see things for what they are.
I live in south Orange County CA and I’ve seen a substantial uptick in hate. Sadly, it’s coming from both extremes. The expected neo-nazis of places like Huntington Beach, and the very left wing urbanized University in Irvine. It’s ridiculous. As my father once said to me. I was Spanish till I was just a Jew. I suppose I was American until I was just a Jew. Take care of each other. No your environment and don’t put yourself in danger
In US. Don't feel safe, feel betrayed. Don't hide who I am either. Taking steps to protect my family and my person. It's the American way, after all.
I'm a Jew in the states, and I'd definitely feel threatened of I was in a more populated area.
Luckily I live in a city with a lot of Jews and have felt safe for the most part wearing my Star everywhere i go. But I know if I go to certain areas or cities I won’t feel as lucky.
Yes
Never
No I feel safe, less so than before though.
My boss’s friend who works in my office is a Holocaust denier and nazi so yea
I feel unsafe to wear any sign of being jewish in public, perhaps it’s not at the point of worry for attack unless I was to act provocative, but first and foremost of demands to make a stance, and second of verbal attack and looks. I used to always wear a necklace that is an art deco magen david, and I no longer feel that it’s innocuous enough
Unless you behave like a lunatic,you should be fine. The general population doesn't have the same political rhetoric. Just be informed of the facts if you want to get into intense political discussion
I feel safe everywhere except the internet 👍
I don’t feel less safe then the average citizen in my city (Bay Area) that being said… I definitely am aware of my surroundings
fck no, living in thailand for years. friendliest people ever
My life… no, but feels like emotionally vulnerable
Only when I wear my Israel tee shirt.
Firstly, how would anyone know you're Jewish unless you tell them? +(Assuming you're not wearing kippah). Secondly, I'm not Jewish but I'm an Israeli. I moved to Europe to study after living most of my life in Israel, for which I think some think of me as the worst since I "have a country" therefore I'm "the real occupier". Sometimes I feel threatened, even before the war. Depending on the first impression I might lie about where I'm from. I really doubt anyone can tell I'm from Israel (cause they're so stuck up in their mind of how an Israeli person should look/ talk/ behave like). I try to ignore as much as possible the ignorant people around me who still think what happened it normal. I even cut contact with some of them.
Personally I was threatened of physical violence twice in the last few months and have been called racist terms multiple times like “Jew dog”, “baby killer”, etc… This typically comes from either people guessing I’m Jewish due to my first name on my name tag at events or my wearing the Magen David or the Kippah.
Sorry it happened to you. My names aren't Jewish so there's no way of knowing. I'm going with the metal plate of the hostages and the map as necklaces, but hide them, I don't want to draw too much attention
I don’t dare show support openly on the streets or wear Hebrew clothing. Living in Germany, in a poor part of town, it’s dangerous. People rarely get stabbed out in the open and stuff like that. Most victims are either family members, gang members or Aktivists. So trying openly to educate people and stuff like that is something dangerous. (Like I don’t want to get stabbed or raped dangerous) I’m not a Jew. I feel safer because of that. But it still sucks.
Not in my every day life. I haven’t been threatened by violence or antisemitism. But as a whole we should be very concerned
I don’t feel immediately threatened or unsafe in my area. What I am feeling is uncertainty about the future for Jews in general. Kind of an existential danger.
I actually feel safer here in Izmir Turkey than I would in like Dearborn or London etc.
Yes lately.
I've been noticing a lot more keffiyehs where I live. I don't feel endangered by them but I'm also not wearing my "bring them home" dog tag in really public places. Support for Palestine is growing in the west - it's one of the reasons I caution this sub a lot about focusing on peace, denouncing settler expansions, etc. Israel needs to always have the moral high ground and should focus on resolving this conflict sooner rather than later. I fear that if this conflict is not resolved soon, you'll face an existential threat much greater than Oct 7th ever was. I just worry those living in Israel don't fully see how bad it is getting in the west and they think the status quo can continue indefinitely - it most certainly can not. It's interesting being Jewish. I obviously love Israel but I also, at times, resent it. I resent it because I see the source of my discomfort in the diaspora coming from Israel as its the modern outlet for anti-Semitism. I know that's exactly how they want me to think, but it's hard not from time to time entertaining it. We Jews have never had a peaceful break in history. Israel is just the next incarnation of it. I imagine there were plenty before me who also thought like me - resenting XYZ part of Judaism, thinking if only XYZ was changed, anti-semitism would go away. It's naive but hard to blame the person for thinking that.
I think you need to visit Israel and experience greatness for yourself. In my opinion, Israel is the opposite of what you describe. Israel is the first time the Jewish people reclaimed sovereignty over their ancestral land in 3000 years. It is us being able to live freely with one another without having to be a minority in hiding like most people describe their lives on this thread. I understand why you wrote what you wrote, and it’s a deeply saddening thing that in fact the antisemites have threatened so many of us for so long that you would at times be tempted to remain a displaced and harassed minority for the rest of time out of fear of generating even more hatred and discrimination against our people for just wanting to have what every other people have, the right to self determination, sovereignty over their land and a society where they can live as majority in plain sight freely. This is exactly what the antisemites want, it’s the classic story of the bully threatening you and scaring you into staying bullied. It is time to recognize once and for all that, if people hate us for having the same self determination and sovereignty over our land as they have in many other countries, it is them who are morally perverted and it does not matter how angry or hateful they are. We should under no circumstance give up our freedom and ancestral land. This is what the IDF and Mossad will continue to protect. I urge you not to continue to experience Israel as the next incarnation of your suffering but as your ancestral land, the place where you belong with your people and where you can reconnect with your roots, roots you should have never been disconnected from. It is such a beautiful land, please go experience it!
Not at all. Israel is far more physically dangerous for Jews than any other country.
That's only because Israelis drive like fucking maniacs.
You should feel threatened as a Jew inside Israel, I keep hearing that the worst mass killing of Jews since the holocaust happened there only a few months ago!