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To Condemn the Rise of Antisemitism

I join with Reverend W. Alan Froggatt of United Church of Chester, as Faith Leaders of Chester, to condemn the rise of antisemitism throughout the region, the country, and the world and to strongly encourage our local schools and businesses to include antisemitism in their DEI curricula.

In the last month alone, preliminary data from the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism indicates that reported incidents of harassment, vandalism, and assault throughout the United States increased by 388% over the same period last year.

Antisemitism can be defined as the marginalization and oppression of people who are Jewish or are perceived to be Jewish based on the belief in stereotypes and myths about Jewish people, Judaism, and Israel. Central to antisemitism is the myth that Jews are to blame for society’s problems. Historical and contemporary depictions cast Jews as untrustworthy, disloyal, alien, and greedy. Throughout history, the scapegoating of Jews and the dissemination of these stereotypes and myths have been used to create collective instability and insecurity in Jewish communities globally.

Obviously, these myths are ridiculous, irrational, and complete lies. No logical person would believe these ancient stereotypes, nor would they continue to perpetuate them.

Together, our faith communities want to work with the greater community of Chester – with all ages – to combat the rise in antisemitism and to ensure a safe and peaceful way of life for all. We want all of our residents to feel safe walking the streets of our town at all times, no matter what signs of their religion they are wearing or not wearing.

We warmly welcome discussion and support from all.

Rabbi Marci N. Bellows

Chester