In recent weeks, there has been a rise in antisemitic talk, from celebrities to everyday people who have a platform to speak in hateful ways. Kanye West, a famous rapper, used his Twitter platform to declare that he would go “death con 3 on Jewish people” and claimed in that same tweet he “can’t be anti-semitic because black people are actually Jew[s]” (CNN). Kanye West’s fame and large following on social media caused many people to blindly agree with his antisemitic remarks. After the Georgia vs. Florida college football game on October 30th, 2022, a billboard was projected outside the stadium that said, “Kanye is right about the Jews” (NBC). With Kanye’s influence over Americans and the subsequent rise in antisemitism, an important question surfaces: should American Jews worry about antisemitism? 

     Despite the hatred and danger that comes with these antisemitic comments, it is my opinion that it is unlikely that there will be a massive violent attack against the Jews like what occurred in the Holocaust. Even though there are still attacks on Jews, like the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, there are more people in America who stand against bigotry than those who do not.  

     However, American Jews should be concerned that many people seem to be comfortable saying hateful words publicly against Jews or any type of group. This goes against our Jewish values and American values of peace, community, caring, and responsibility. So what can we do about it? 

     All Americans and especially Jews should stand against all types of racism, bigotry, intolerance, injustice, and hatred. We can do this by using our platforms for teaching acceptance, tolerance, and love. We need to stop following and supporting people who are spreading these heinous ideas, whether they are a celebrity or not. On October 25th, Adidas decided to end its partnership with Kanye West due to his antisemitic behavior, a big step in the right direction. If more people and companies start to give consequences to people for their hateful actions, then we can make America a safer place for all minorities.