Resurgence of Anti-Semitism: A Call to Action

We find ourselves in what feels like one of the most perilous moral landscapes in recent history. An age-old animosity that many thought was buried has resurfaced globally. In the U.S. and various Western nations, anti-Semitism is not merely increasing; it’s evolving into something deeper. History has shown us, time and again, that unchecked anti-Semitism doesn’t stay confined to Jews. Instead, it poses a threat to the very fabric of civilization.

We recently took a trip to Israel together. One of us is the child of a Holocaust survivor who has dedicated his life to reviving Torah scholarship to its pre-war prominence. The other is the president’s nominee for the future U.S. ambassador for international religious freedom. What we observed there, particularly in light of current events, should send a jolt of concern through anyone who values freedom and faith.

Rising Fears Among Jewish Communities

Across Western cities, Jews are once again living in fear. In places like Paris, London, New York, and Los Angeles, the scenes are disturbingly reminiscent of the past. Jewish students often feel compelled to hide who they are on college campuses. Synagogues are increasingly fortified; some businesses face boycotts because of their Jewish ownership. Families find themselves hesitating before sending children off to school, whispering concerns among themselves.

It’s been eighty years since the Holocaust, yet the mantra of “never again” feels more like a desperate appeal than a firm promise. How is it that within a survivor’s lifetime, such vile hatred has once again become socially acceptable—shouted in streets, trending on social media, and rationalized by those who, frankly, should know better?

We need to confront a harsh reality. If society tolerates hatred against Jews, it’s not a problem confined to the Jewish community. It signals a broader crisis for civilization itself. The moral backbone of the West—rooted in the sanctity of life, individual freedom, and the inherent value of every human being—is grounded in Judeo-Christian ethics. When we discard these ethics, allowing for dehumanization of any individual, the contagion can swiftly spread to others. Anti-Semitism is the oldest hatred in the world primarily because it’s so easily adaptable. It cloaks itself in new terminology, disguises itself as political discourse, and finds fresh justifications, but at its core, it is about denying someone’s humanity.

The Importance of Leadership

While in Israel, we visited Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial, a somber reminder of what happens when humanity strays from its moral compass. For Rabbi Hofstetter, whose family endured that horror, the experience was profoundly personal, a stark reminder that evil flourishes when good people choose silence. Later, at the Western Wall, we touched the weathered stones, praying for wisdom, courage, and strength. Those stark walls tell a story of resilience: that faith can survive even the gravest atrocities.

That same message came alive at an event with thousands devoted to scriptural study. It struck me: light only persists when actively safeguarded. We cannot rely on the enduring nature of moral clarity; it requires constant care and revitalization from one generation to the next—just like our freedoms.

Thus, effective leadership is crucial. We need a clear and unwavering American voice now more than ever. It’s heartening to see a president and an administration prioritizing the fight against anti-Semitism and the protection of religious freedom. We must shift our conversation about hate into a policy-oriented imperative. Silence and neutrality aren’t options—history has not looked kindly on those who stand idly by.

A Tipping Point

We’re at a critical juncture. The world is once more being tested, not hypothetically, but in real time. Will we confront the internal hatred simmering beneath the surface, or will we look away until it’s too late? Rabbi Hofstetter’s parents witnessed what unfolds when society fails its moral tests. Their generation paid a steep price in blood. We bear the privilege and duty to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.

The unchecked rise of anti-Semitism threatens not just Jews, but the moral fabric of the free world. Hatred that begins with Jews has a way of extending beyond, eroding the fundamental values supporting Western democracies: truth, justice, freedom, and faith.

We know the trajectory of this path all too well. I’ve witnessed it before. The pressing question now is whether we possess the resolve to alter the course of history before it recycles itself. Faith obliges us, freedom demands it, and perhaps the very structure of civilization is at stake.