The persistence of antisemitism and strategies for addressing it

EAST GREENWICH – On Thursday, Dec. 5, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island hosted a program focused on understanding modern-day antisemitism and fostering allyship. It brought together experts and community members for a compelling evening of education and discussion.

Community members helped organize the event which attracted more than 100 Jewish and non-Jewish residents. Town council and school committee members, representatives from the East Greenwich School Department and other faith leaders also attended. The event featured a presentation by Stephanie Hague, Chief Strategy Officer, at the Jewish Alliance, on understanding Jewish identity and the current manifestations of antisemitism.

It was followed by an engaging panel discussion with Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser, Temple Sinai, Cranston; Wendy Joering, executive director, Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center; and Elizabeth Chernick, High School senior. The panel explored critical questions about the persistence of antisemitism and strategies for addressing it, offering both personal experiences and professional insights.

Stephanie Hague’s presentation served as an essential foundation for the evening. She began by highlighting Jewish identity, the local and international Jewish community, and the Jewish community’s relationship to Israel and Zionism. She also discussed the evolving nature of Jewish hate and antisemitism, but also acknowledged that Judaism is at its core, about community and joy. Her exploration of Jewish identity emphasized the resilience of Jewish communities while acknowledging the challenges they face amid rising incidents of hate.

To begin the panel discussion, participants shared personal reflections on their experiences with antisemitism and how it has evolved over time. Wendy Joering addressed the role of education in mitigating antisemitism, emphasizing the importance of teaching about the Holocaust and other genocides. These efforts, she argued, are vital to equipping the next generation with the tools to stand against hate.

Rabbi Goldwasser and Wendy Joering discussed how antisemitism often intersects with other forms of hate. They stressed the importance of solidarity among marginalized groups and the need for communities to address hate in all its forms, as prejudice against one group often perpetuates harm to others.

In response to a question about what the East Greenwich community can do to support Jewish residents, all panelists underscored the importance of allyship, education and openness to disagreement and discussion. They emphasized that allyship is not just about reacting to antisemitism but proactively creating a more inclusive and equitable society for Jews and others.

Melissa Chernick, East Greenwich resident, and organizer of the event shared, “We’re so happy to have shared valuable information with our community. We hope we have brought new information to some people and helped open the eyes of others to the reality we are facing as Jewish people.”

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island is committed to education across the state on modern-day antisemitism and Jewish identity. To schedule a program in your community, workplace or school, please reach out to Stephanie Hague at shague@jewishallianceri.org