A leading rabbi has raised alarm over the increasing normalization of antisemitism among Jewish teens, warning that the issue is becoming so pervasive that it no longer shocks or shocks them. The rabbi recently conducted a survey across Atlanta schools, where he found that while students initially claimed not to face antisemitism, they were repeatedly exposed to Jewish stereotypes and anti-Israel bias. This pattern suggests that antisemitism is becoming ingrained within the social fabric of our schools and online spaces, leading to a desensitized generation that no longer recognizes the hate directed at them.
The rabbi emphasized that the normalization of antisemitism is how it spreads unchecked, eroding self-worth and weakening solidarity. He noted that Jewish teens are growing up in an environment where ancient stereotypes are recycled as humor, and anti-Israel chants are broadcast across platforms like TikTok. This steady drumbeat of bias has numbed our youth to what’s happening around them. The true challenge is not just the antisemitism itself, but the desensitization to it, which risks making the next generation conditioned to accept rather than resist it.
The rabbi stressed that the crisis is not only the presence of antisemitism but also the lack of awareness. He urged Jewish teens to feel proud of their identity and to confidently recognize when that identity is under attack. The rabbi emphasized the importance of teaching Jewish history and creating spaces where Jewish teens feel supported rather than silenced. He also called for collective action from parents, educators, and community leaders to address the issue, stating that the resilience of the Jewish community must be passed to the next generation through pride, not fear.