What is antisemitism?
You might have heard the word “antisemitism” before, but what does it really mean? This guide will help you understand what antisemitism is, why it’s wrong, and how we can all work together to stop it.
What is antisemitism?
Antisemitism is hostility or prejudice against Jewish people. It is when people have negative feelings, say mean things, or do harmful things toward Jewish people just because they are Jewish. When someone is judging or treating someone unfairly only because of who they are, that action reveals their prejudice.
Jewish people are people who follow the religion of Judaism or come from a Jewish family or culture. The Jewish community is a diverse community: There is no one way to “look” Jewish. Jewish people live all over the world and come from many different backgrounds—including Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Ethiopia, and right here in Canada! Antisemitism can show up in many ways, like bullying, telling jokes that make fun of Jewish people, or even spreading lies about them.
Why is antisemitism wrong?
Antisemitism is wrong because :
It’s unfair
No one should be treated badly simply because of their religion, culture, or background.
It hurts people
Words and actions can make people feel sad, scared, or left out.
It spreads hate
Antisemitism can lead to violence or discrimination,and it makes hate normal.
A little history
Antisemitism is an ancient form of hate, it is often called the hate that never sleeps and it has been around for a very long time, even thousands of years. It often leads to blaming Jewish people for things they haven’t done, like causing chaos in society, controlling all money or dominating governments. While these ideas are false, they have caused a lot of violence, brutality and suffering.
One of the worst and most violent examples of antisemitism is, of course, the Holocaust. The Holocaust was the systematic murder of six million European Jewish people by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II (1939–1945). The Nazis also targeted other groups, including their
political opponents, the Roma people, disabled individuals, and LGBTQ communities..
While HATE STINKS does not provide an in-depth exploration of this topic, it helps educators introduce it to children, enabling them to understand that the Holocaust happened in history, that it was fuelled by antisemitism and that it is important to reject and stand up against hate.
Some Jewish Contributions to the World
Jewish people have contributed so much to the world. Here are some examples:
Albert Einstein
(1879–1955)
One of the greatest scientists of all time, Einstein developed the theoryof relativity and won the Nobel Prize in Physics. His work changedhow we understand the universe.
Jonas Salk
(1914–1995)
A medical researcher who developed the first successful polio vaccine,saving millions of lives worldwide, even today.
Anne Frank
(1929–1945)
A young Jewish girl who wrote a famous diary during World War IIwhile hiding from the Nazis. Her diary teaches us about courage andhope.
Stan Lee
(1922–2018)
The co-creator of iconic superheroes like Spider-Man, the X-Men, andthe Avengers, inspiring generations of comic book fans.
Leonard Cohen
(1934-2016)
One of the most influential Canadian poets and singer-songwriters inhistory, known for his masterpiece "Hallelujah."
How does antisemitism show up today?
Even today, antisemitism can surface in different forms
Online
People might post mean comments, hate speech and/or spread harmful lies about Jewish people on social media.
In school
Someone might make fun of a Jewish classmate for their Jewish beliefs or traditions.
In the news
Sometimes, people knowingly blame Jewish people for things that they know are not true.
Comment ce guide peut-il aider?
Discover a little about Jewish culture
Understanding Jewish traditions and history will help you see how diverse and fascinating the world is.
Speak up
If you hear someone saying something false and mean about Jewish people, tell them it’s not okay. You can also tell a trusted adult.
Be a friend
If you see someone being treated unfairly just because they’re Jewish, stand by them and include them.
Question stereotypes
Don’t believe everything you hear. If someone says something negative about Jewish people, ask yourself if it’s true or fair.
