Antisemitism is real- and growing like a weed

“A certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”- definition of antisemitism in Georgia’s 2024 law

I met Rabbi Yossi Lew while shopping in the Kedron Kroger. He is a very friendly, sincere, humble man who invited me to visit the small Chabad in Tyrone, the closest thing we have to a synagogue in our area. Consistent with the recent Citizen column, he told me that everyone is welcome, Jew and gentile(https://thecitizen.com/2025/08/06/peachtree-city-chabad-rabbi-tells-of-dangerous-antisemite-visit/ ). It concerned me to hear that a peaceful soul like Rabbi Lew had been threatened by a very aggressive antisemitic man (who was ultimately arrested).

It disturbed me. However, it did not surprise me, not at all. Bigotry is having a field day, nationwide. Hate groups are springing up everywhere (https://www.splcenter.org/hate-map). There are 50 such organizations here in Georgia, as listed on the site. Most are white nationalist, although there are other groups listed. 

Specifically, antisemitism has been on the rise in our state and nation (https://www.adl.org/resources/report/audit-antisemitic-incidents-2024 ). The Anti-Defamation League reports that there has been a 893% increase in such incidents, nationwide over the last 10 years.

Closer to home, a few years ago, residents of numerous communities, including Newnan, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody, discovered that disgusting antisemitic flyers had been thrown onto their driveways. Reportedly they were put there by a violent national hate group known as the Goyim Defense League (https://times-herald.com/news/2023/02/why-we-must-act-to-stop-anti-semitism ). 

Hate and extremism are nothing new in the USA. They have been here since the beginning of our republic, given the history of slavery. However, there is only one type of discrimination that has become acceptable to both left- and right-wing fringe groups- antisemitism.

On the left, some believe that they should be able to harshly (and unfairly) criticize all Jews simply because Israel is a Jewish state that is doing things that they oppose. The out-of-control pro-Palestinian protests at Ivy League schools, singling out Jewish students, are a prime example. On the right, there are the old-time bigots who just do not like anyone who is not a white Protestant.

I am very critical of Governor Kemp and our General Assembly on numerous social and fiscal issues. But I do agree with them regarding the need to affirmatively halt antisemitism. Along these lines, I support the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition (above) that was utilized in drafting the 2024 Georgia law regarding antisemitism. I do not believe that it limits free speech, although some others do (https://firstamendmentwatch.org/georgia-governor-signs-bill-that-would-define-antisemitism-in-state-law/). And, antisemitic actions must have consequences.

Bigotry spreads like an out of control weed. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said- “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere…Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” He was correct. 

The only way to stamp out bigotry is to step up to the plate. We must forcefully confront bigots, whether they are on the left or right. Let them know that they are factually and morally wrong. Don’t just sit back and let them spew hatred, leading to confrontations like we just saw with Rabbi Lew.