How Antisemitism Signals Broader Intolerance: A Conversation with Jonathan Judaken, Rachel Fish, and Elisha Wiesel

As part of our online webinar series In the Face of Hate: A Conversation Series on Combating Antisemitism and Racism in the 21st Century, Leora Schaefer, Executive Director of Facing History & Ourselves Canada, facilitated the conversation “How Antisemitism Signals Broader Intolerance and Hatred,” featuring Dr. Jonathan Judaken, Dr. Rachel Fish, and Elisha Wiesel. The discussion explored the idea that when antisemitism rises, it signals deeper fractures within the social fabric and a growing acceptance of other forms of bigotry and hate. This phenomenon, often described as the "canary in a coal mine," underscores how the treatment of Jewish communities reflects a society's overall commitment to pluralism, inclusion, and democratic values. The panelists’ exploration of this topic underscored the need to combat antisemitism both as a distinct issue and as part of the broader fight against hate and intolerance.

Ken Stern, director of the Bard Center for the Study of Hate, defines antisemitism as a conspiracy theory in which scapegoating Jews serves as a “convenient solution to uncertainty, fear, or discomfort within a society.” Rachel Fish expanded on this idea, illustrating how "The Jew" as a stereotype can morph into contradictory identities—as the capitalist, socialist, aggressor, or pacifist—to suit those who wish to divert attention from the systemic roots of injustices. She noted that antisemitic narratives often coexist with other forms of hatred, including misogyny and Islamophobia. Jonathan Judaken added that fear, anxiety, envy, and resentment are all emotions that drive antisemitism, especially during social crises and among people who lack the educational tools to understand the root causes of their anxieties or suffering.

Judaken highlighted what he called “the shadow side” of globalization (the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of societies in economic, cultural, and political realms) as an underlying factor fueling the rise of neotribalism (societies fragmenting into smaller groups where members feel a sense of shared values and collective belonging), which in turn accelerates polarization and extremism. He described globalization as "the earthquake shifting the ground beneath our feet," that is ultimately resulting in an “uptick in Judeophobia and other forms of racism.”

When thinking about the ways in which a society’s tolerance for antisemitism might serve as a harbinger for its broader tolerance of other hatreds, it’s necessary to explore the particularities of antisemitism as well as the features it shares with other forms of racism and bigotry. Fish stressed the importance of learning about the specific histories and struggles of targeted groups in order to understand each group’s experience, noting the unique challenges Jews face, including the persistent denial of antisemitism's continued relevance and magnitude today. Judaken pointed out that the mainstream stereotype of Jews as white and privileged (despite the ethnic, racial, and economic diversity among the Jewish population) can result in a belief that Jews do not share any common experiences with other marginalized groups and should not be included in solidarity efforts. He argued that societies seeking to preserve structural inequities strategically “pit racialized subjects against one another,” and warned against the fragmentation of anti-racist coalitions, citing Eric K. Ward’s essay Skin in the Game as a call to unite against all forms of racism.

In the final moments of the webinar, the panelists shared sources of hope in the fight against antisemitism, highlighting allyship, the resilience of the Jewish people, education, and the need for nuanced narratives. Elisha Wiesel emphasized curiosity as a cornerstone of meaningful allyship and civil discourse. He noted that allies who genuinely seek to understand Jewish life and culture can foster deeper understanding and stronger relationships. Asking thoughtful questions—such as "What does Shabbat look like?" "What are Jewish holidays like?" "What is kosher?" and "What are the core principles of Judaism?"—not only opens channels of communication but also promotes a culture of respectful dialogue. Curiosity, Wiesel observed, is a powerful tool for bridging divides and building connections across different communities.

Fish echoed Wiesel’s call for allyship, emphasizing the importance of being an upstander when witnessing any form of bigotry, prejudice, or discrimination. The need for effective and sincere allyship is as critical in the fight against antisemitism as it is in combating all forms of racism and bigotry. “Jews don't solve antisemitism alone," she stated.

Judaken expressed gratitude for organizations like Facing History & Ourselves, which articulate what he calls "third narratives"—perspectives that move beyond binaries and polarization, emphasizing nuance, historical depth, and a shared sense of humanity. "These are the kinds of narratives we need more than ever," he concluded, and he urged viewers to seek them out.

In order to view the recording of this rich discussion in its entirety, click here.