Continual antisemitism and its significant recent rise poses the question: How do we personally respond to antisemitism in our daily lives? Do we each have enough knowledge and diplomacy to convince reasonable persons that they are misinformed about Jews? If not, what do we need to know? Are we going to be bystanders or upstanders?
Prominent Jewish author Dara Horn provided me with insight in one of her talks. She believes there is more ignorance than malice regarding antisemitism. This presents us with an opportunity to educate the great majority who just don’t know. Jews and friends of Jews must self-assuredly stand up to antisemitism. But, to be effective, we need to understand the history of antisemitism to rebut the ignorance.
A year ago, I went to a meeting of about 100 people to hear a speaker who had retired after 30 years with the FBI. He brought a woman with him who was running for Congress after having served 20 years in the FBI. When the FBI speaker finished his presentation, the floor was opened for questions. Out of the blue, someone in the group asked, “Who is right in the war between Israel and the Palestinians?” The FBI retiree immediately responded, “George Soros, a Jew and Hungarian Holocaust survivor,” and went on to suggest that Soros had some responsibility for the conflict.
Taking a cue from Dara Horn, I raised my hand and told her that “George Soros, a Jew” is an often-used antisemitic trope. While Soros is a controversial, often vilified, figure on the political left and right, it was wrong to single him out as being born a Jew. What did that have to do with anything? Afterwards, she came over to me and apologized. When I asked what Soros had to do with the war, she was unable to tell me. After that, several others approached me and were thankful I spoke up. I was encouraged.
After 52 years of practicing law, I retired in the summer of 2023. In the spring of 2024, I enrolled in a cohort-based online course given by The Graham School at the University of Chicago entitled “Crafting Your Next Chapter.” The cohort members, who came from diverse backgrounds and multiple geographic areas, bonded very well. For me, this was an excellent format for learning and motivation.
I thought, “Could we educate Jews and non-Jews alike about antisemitism so they felt comfortable in factually responding to it in their daily lives?” Small cohorts could facilitate this by being interactive and encouraging dialogue and discussion. I took my concept to Jim Sluyter, the CEO of The J. He loved the idea — so much so that he wanted to personally participate in the program and be sure that it would be open to non-Jews. The J and Jewish Experiences quickly brought in the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee (JCRB|AJC) as partners.
Working together over many months, we have created a program called “Knowledge as Power: Educating Against Antisemitism” that we believe will make our community stronger in combating antisemitism. The course will provide participants with the knowledge necessary to diplomatically and factually respond to antisemitism when encountered in their daily lives. Participants, no longer bystanders but upstanders, will feel empowered to act as advocates and ambassadors for the Jewish community.
Knowledge As Power: Educating Against Antisemitism is sponsored by JCRB|AJC and Jewish Experiences, and will be led by Neta Meltzer, executive director of JCRB|AJC, and Sarah Markowitz Schreiber, director of education and programs of JCRB|AJC. Dr. Ben Schneider is also participating. He is an assistant professor in the Department of Military History at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, and he lectures there on antisemitism and the Middle East. Interestingly, Ben has told me that most of the military personnel who take these courses admit being unfamiliar with the history and widespread nature of antisemitism.
I encourage you to participate in this program. Don’t be a bystander. Become an upstander! We envision growing to host many cohorts, expanding the reach and programming exponentially over time and building an affinity among the participants.
Our community needs you in these very troubling times.
Knowledge as Power: Educating Against Antisemitism is a four-session cohort style program. The first cohort will meet at The J on Wednesdays, May 7, May 14, May 28 and June 4 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Participants will be asked to commit to attending all four sessions. This is an application-based program, and applications can be found here; applicants will be notified by April 28.
Bill Carr has long been active in the Jewish community, having served as president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City; The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah; and KU Hillel; and served as a member of several other community boards.