Seattle Rabbi: Why is it so difficult to denounce anti-Jewish hatred?

Jews constitute less than 3 percent of the U.S. population and approximately 0.2 percent of the global population. This minority status inevitably results in Jews being frequently confronted with “Jewish questions.” These inquiries can include, “Do you keep your head covered all the time?” or “Do you support apartheid?”

Such questions can seem innocuous, but they reflect a broader misunderstanding of a rich and diverse community, one that can be simultaneously visible and invisible. And they can paper over the pressing needs of the community, such as a strong partnership with law enforcement to prevent and combat violent antisemitism.

The Jewish people represent a tapestry of experiences and identities. Some are deeply religious, while others identify as secular or even atheist. Our community encompasses individuals of all backgrounds — white, black, brown — each with varying degrees of observance and cultural practices. Cooking, family traditions, and a strong connection to Israel are central to many Jewish identities. The overwhelming majority of Jews are Zionists, believing in a profound connection to our homeland. However, this diversity, while enriching, also renders observant Jews more vulnerable to intimidation and violent antisemitism.

Observant Jews can be easily targeted for hate

Observant Jews, easily recognized by the kippah we wear or the tzitzit on our clothing, often find ourselves concentrated in neighborhoods that facilitate walking to synagogue on Shabbat. This presence can, unfortunately, make us easily targeted. Events such as anti-Israel rallies are often staged in Jewish neighborhoods, strategically chosen for maximum impact. Holding these rallies on Saturdays—when observant Jews refrain from using cell phones—adds another layer of hostility.

In the wake of the terror attack on October 7, 2023, the situation has become increasingly dire.

Many protests have featured flags of U.S.-designated terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, known for their violence against Jews and non-Jews alike. These demonstrations not only serve as psychological warfare against local Jews but also incite further violence. Synagogues and schools have been vandalized, and incidents of intimidation are on the rise. For example, a rock was thrown through a Jewish family’s window simply because they displayed a “Seattle Stands with Israel” sign.

Anti-Jewish violence is on the rise

The reality is stark: visibly identifiable Jews have faced physical violence across North America.

An Orthodox Jewish man was shot multiple times in Chicago while wearing a kippah on the Sabbath. Despite the clear hate crime implications, there was a notable delay in public condemnation of the act. This raises crucial questions: Why is it so difficult to denounce anti-Jewish hatred? Why do vitriolic acts of antisemitism often fade from memory among our non-Jewish neighbors?

Security has become a necessity in nearly every Jewish institution. Attending a Jewish wedding, funeral, or baby naming often requires pre-registration and walking past armed guards. Since October 7, this has escalated to multiple security personnel at events. Gatherings featuring Israeli or pro-Israel speakers are frequently kept secret and must be coordinated closely with law enforcement.

Here’s how we effect change and make our communities safer

To effect change, we must advocate for stronger laws and ensure their enforcement.

For instance, State Representative David Hackney introduced a bill aimed at making protesting on I-5 a felony—an initiative that seems like common sense. Prosecutors must hold offenders accountable. When anti-Israel protestors blocked access to SeaTac Airport last fall, the subsequent dropping of charges only emboldened further criminal behavior, often targeting the most visible segments of the Jewish community. Moreover, police departments and other law enforcement agencies must be equipped with the necessary resources to protect all communities, including the Jewish community.

It is imperative that we collectively strengthen our response to antisemitism, ensuring that our voices are heard and our safety prioritized. Together, we can cultivate an environment where our differences can be safely celebrated, and all individuals can live free from fear and intimidation.

Rabbi David Benchlouch is a special contributor to MyNorthwest. He is the head rabbi of Congregation Ezra BessAroth, a Sephardic synagogue in Seward Park, Seattle, founded by immigrants from the Mediterranean island of Rhodes more than 100 years ago.