Antisemitism is experiencing a troubling resurgence in the United States. Incidents ranging from hateful graffiti and online harassment to threats, vandalism and even violent attacks have become increasingly common. Many Americans are asking an uncomfortable question: Why, in a nation that prides itself on tolerance and diversity, is antisemitism growing?

The answer is complex. There is no single cause. Rather, a combination of social, political, technological and international factors has created an environment in which old prejudices are finding new life.

Antisemitism is hardly new. It is one of the world’s oldest forms of hatred, stretching back centuries. Jews have often been portrayed as outsiders, blamed for economic problems, political upheaval, disease outbreaks and social change. These stereotypes have survived despite repeated historical evidence proving them false. Like many forms of prejudice, antisemitism adapts itself to changing times.

One major factor in its recent growth is the rise of social media. In previous generations, extremists had difficulty spreading their views beyond small circles. Today, hateful messages can reach millions of people with a few clicks. Conspiracy theories, misinformation and outright fabrications circulate rapidly online

Political polarization has also contributed to the problem. Americans increasingly view one another through ideological perspectives, and extremists on both the far right and far left have sometimes used Jews as convenient targets. While their accusations differ, the result is often the same: Jewish individuals are unfairly blamed for broader social, economic or political problems.

International conflicts have played a role as well. Tensions in the Middle East. Criticism of governments and policies is a normal part of democratic debate. However, there is an important distinction between criticizing a government and expressing hostility toward an entire religious or ethnic group. Unfortunately, that distinction is sometimes lost, leading to increased hostility toward Jewish communities far removed from the conflict itself.

Economic uncertainty can also fuel prejudice. Conspiracy theories thrive when people feel powerless or confused. Antisemitic myths frequently portray Jews as secretly controlling governments, banks, media organizations or world events. These claims are not supported by evidence, yet they continue to attract believers because they offer simplistic explanations for complicated problems.

Another concern is the fading of historical memory. Fewer Americans personally know survivors of the Holocaust, and younger generations are further removed from the events of World War II. As firsthand witnesses disappear, the knowledge of history can weaken. Surveys have shown that many young people have a limited understanding of the Holocaust and the devastating consequences of unchecked hatred. When history is forgotten, old prejudices can re-emerge.

The growth of antisemitism should concern everyone, not just Jewish Americans. Hatred directed at one group rarely remains isolated. History repeatedly demonstrates that societies become stronger when they protect minorities and weaker when prejudice is allowed to flourish.

Combating antisemitism requires education, responsible leadership, and a willingness to challenge falsehoods whenever they appear. Schools can teach historical lessons. Social media companies can take stronger action against hate speech. Community organizations can encourage dialogue among people of different backgrounds. Most importantly, ordinary citizens can refuse to remain silent when they encounter prejudice.

America has faced periods of intolerance before and has repeatedly worked to overcome them. 

At a time when antisemitic incidents are rising, public officials should be especially careful to demonstrate that all communities are equally valued and respected. Public officials can unintentionally contribute to the perception of antisemitism when they appear unwilling to engage with Jewish communities in the same way they engage with other groups. For example, when elected leaders decline invitations to participate in events that are important to the Jewish community, such as Israel Day celebrations or Holocaust remembrance programs, critics may view those decisions as dismissive or insensitive. Whether such actions are motivated by political considerations, policy disagreements, scheduling conflicts, or something else, they can deepen feelings among many Jewish Americans

The challenge facing the nation today is not simply protecting one community. It is preserving the principle that all Americans deserve to live free from hatred and discrimination. That principle remains as important now as ever.

Many Jewish families feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously by those in positions of authority.

The song “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” from the musical “South Pacific” became one of the most controversial songs in Broadway history because it directly challenged racial prejudice and argued that hatred is learned rather than inborn. 

“You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear

You’ve got to be taught from year to year...” 

It begins at home.

Michael Kossove is professor emeritus and an adjunct professor of microbiology at Touro University’s School of Health Sciences. He is a polio researcher, international polio lecturer and polio survivor, and writes opinion columns for the River Reporter.