Since the October 7 Hamas attack, StopAntisemitism, an organization dedicated to combating antisemitism, has increased its staff by double to manage the surge in antisemitic incidents. The organization has identified over 1,000 individuals involved in antisemitic activities, leading to 400 losing their jobs and 300 being under investigation. The scale of antisemitism has grown significantly, with reports to StopAntisemitism increasing by 1,500% since the attack. Campus antisemitism has also surged, with a 3,000% increase in anti-Jewish incidents reported in 2024. StopAntisemitism is working to hold accountable those spreading antisemitic narratives, including individuals on the political right, and is urging public and institutional action.
The organization has pointed out that antisemitism has been rising even before the October 7 attack, with a growing alliance between the radical left and radical Islam. They have been working to combat this on college campuses, which have been a hotbed of false narratives and hate towards Jews and Israelis. The organization is now facing an even greater challenge with the spread of antisemitism to previously reasonable voices on the political right, who seem to be embracing hatred to gain popularity on social media.
StopAntisemitism has adopted a model of exposing and holding accountable those who spread antisemitic slurs and conspiracy theories. Their goal is not to exact vengeance but to enforce consequences, as they believe that when those involved in antisemitism realize they cannot hide behind anonymity, and when their institutions feel pressure, the cost will matter. This is part of their strategy to ensure accountability.
The organization has also highlighted the serious consequences of unchecked antisemitism, such as the failure of universities to protect Jewish students, even as threats mount. Their 2024 Campus Antisemitism Report noted a 3,000% increase in anti-Jewish incidents. Students reported that 43% would not recommend their school to a Jewish peer, highlighting the issue of safety and inclusion for Jewish students.
They have also pointed out the complicity of some administrations in the issue, using the example of the Harvard Law Review awarding a $65,000 fellowship to a protester who had faced criminal charges for assaulting a Jewish student on campus. This has led to a situation where Jews feel unsafe in universities, signaling a lack of moral backbone in society.
StopAntisemitism is working to prevent the normalization of antisemitism, which they fear will ultimately undermine the foundation of the United States. They are advocating for a collective effort from media outlets, universities, employers, and citizens to reject excuses for antisemitism and to take action against it. The organization is confident that their efforts will lead to accountability, with careers ending, investigations opening, and institutions shifting away from tolerating antisemitism.
They are also drawing on historical examples, noting that antisemitism flourishes in weakening cultures heading towards collapse from within. The once-mighty Roman Empire, the Spanish Empire, the Nazi regime, and the Soviet Union all thrived on the pages of old books, rather than in reality. StopAntisemitism believes that Jewish life has been the canary in the coal mine, and that if the canary is sick, the air is toxic.
The organization is determined to extinguish this poison before it suffocates America, the greatest country in the history of the world. They are calling on every citizen to take responsibility and reject antisemitism, as it is a growing threat to democracy and social cohesion.