Talking About Antisemitism: Who Is Listening, and How Can We Make a Difference?

At a time of heightened antisemitism and deep political polarization, many Jews are asking not only how to recognize and respond to hate, but how to help non-Jewish friends, colleagues, and neighbors truly understand it. Why do some conversations build bridges while others leave people feeling isolated? Why do messages that resonate strongly within the Jewish community sometimes fail to persuade outside audiences—and are there standard approaches that unintentionally make understanding more difficult? How can we navigate complex, difficult questions involving Jewish identity, Israel, Zionism, and antisemitism without every conversation turning contentious?

In this two-session interactive online workshop, we will explore what effective communication and Jewish advocacy look like in practice. Together, we will examine real-world scenarios from schools, workplaces, civic organizations, and everyday relationships. Participants will explore areas of both consensus and genuine disagreement while practicing responses that invite curiosity and mutual understanding without minimizing legitimate Jewish concerns. Underlying the course is a central question: Can building relationships across political, religious, and communal divides make Jews safer, and how do we reach people who don't already see the world as we do?

• Anyone who has wondered how to respond to a difficult question or conversation about antisemitism, Jewish identity, Israel, or Zionism
• People seeking practical ways to address antisemitism in their workplaces, schools, organizations, communities, and personal relationships
• Those interested in building stronger relationships with non-Jewish friends, neighbors, colleagues, and community partners while confronting antisemitism seriously and directly

• Practical ways to answer difficult questions about Jewish identity and antisemitism that open rather than shut down conversation
• Approaches that help non-Jewish friends, colleagues, and community partners move from understanding antisemitism to knowing when and how to act
• A clearer understanding of areas of consensus and disagreement about when criticism of Israel or Zionism crosses into antisemitism
• Strategies for navigating disagreement without asking Jews to minimize their own experiences or concerns