Fighting antisemitism

By Shelley Lieb and Ida Margolis

As we prepare to welcome a new year on the Jewish calendar (5784) and consider our past transgressions for Yom Kippur, let us introduce an opportunity to make a difference in our community — Interfaith Alliance of SWFL, a local group that is challenging antisemitism and working to protect our community from bigotry and all forms of hate.

You are familiar with the latest frightening news about the rise of antisemitism. You likely read something about antisemitism nearly every day. Headlines come from a variety of sources such as “The Dark Side of Social Media: How it Fuels Antisemitism” (Brandeis University, May 2022), “Antisemitic incidents on the rise across the U.S., report finds” (PBS, April 2023), and “Why Has Antisemitism Gained Momentum Again” (AARP, May 2023).

The Anti-Defamation League reported in March 2023 that antisemitic incidents in Florida more than doubled since 2020, and the SunSentinel noted that antisemitic incidents surged in Florida, growing more than nationwide (March 2023). News organizations throughout Florida and beyond reported that a “Naples rabbi was harassed outside a school board meeting” (May-June 2023).

Many years ago, there was a commercial on TV that said, “Wishing won’t do it, saving will.” How does that apply to antisemitism? Just reading articles and sending them to your friends doesn’t do anything about reducing antisemitism. You were familiar with the headlines above, but are you familiar with what your friends are doing, and have you been motivated to act?

GenShoah is often asked to show more films about antisemitism and send more articles about antisemitism. GenShoah could do this, but perhaps reminding GenShoah members what they could do would be more valuable. Nationally, there are organizations committed to combating antisemitism including the ADL, AJC and the World Jewish Congress. Locally, supporting the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center is a great place to start.

A new organization in our area also deserves our attention because of its mission. Its statement of who it is, what it believes and, most importantly, what it plans to do, is “work in partnership with others to protect our communities from bigotry, discrimination, prejudice, racism and all forms of hate against all people regardless of faith, race, gender, creed, sexual orientation or national origin.” This group is the Interfaith Alliance of SWFL which was founded in March 2023 in response to numerous concerns, including recurring “threats to public education and increasing levels of hate-based activity targeting Jews” and other groups. This is a local affiliate of the national Interfaith Alliance, which has a national campaign against antisemitism.

Please read more about this group at www.interfaithalliance.org/swfl. Once you know more, you may be motivated to attend one of its meetings (in person or via Zoom) and perhaps get involved in planning future events, programs and activities that will make a difference in our community. Write to swflinterfaith@gmail.com to get on its mailing list and learn more.

In a guest commentary published in the Naples Daily News and the News-Press, the Steering Committee of the Interfaith Alliance of SWFL stated, “Eradicating antisemitism is a core component of achieving a more inclusive vision of religious freedom that protects people of all faiths and no faith. All of us can do our part to challenge antisemitism and push back on hate.”

Think globally, act locally and, if not now, when?

About GenShoah SWFL

GenShoah SWFL is a group for children and descendants of Holocaust survivors and anyone interested in the mission of GenShoah SWFL, which is promotion of Holocaust education and human rights, preservation of history and memories of the Holocaust, connecting the second generation with one another and support of the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center.

Our group is always open to interested people. There are no dues or forms to fill out. If you would like to receive our newsletter and program announcements, just send an email to liebro@gmail.com. And, if you would like to volunteer to help with future programs, please let us know that, too!

Thank you to those who support our mission, read the newsletter, attend GenShoah programs and are members of the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center in Naples. We do encourage membership at the Museum, as we are an affinity organization with it. If you are not already a member of the Museum, please consider joining or making a donation.