After Tragedy: Supporting Jewish Friends in Uncertain Times
Speaking Up for Jewish Safety in a Divided World
You are, no doubt, as horrified as I am by the brutal murders of two young Israeli Embassy staff members, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, as they left a Jewish diplomatic reception in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, May 21. The person who has admitted to killing them seems to be motivated by his opposition to the war in Gaza. These murders reminded me of a program I attended a few weeks ago about the “State of Antisemitism in Indiana.” This was a program offered by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the Jewish Community Relations Council, and the Jewish Community Center. I had my eyes opened to the enormous rise in reported antisemitic actions in 2023 and 2024. Much of the increase stems from responses to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza. The speaker from the ADL clarified that criticism of the war in Gaza does not equate to antisemitism.
How is antisemitism commonly defined? “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” Some of the reported incidents in Indiana were vandalism of property with the use of swastikas. Other incidents involved the distribution of antisemitic fliers in Carmel and Fishers. There were no physical assaults reported. To protect the safety of their members, the JCC and the synagogues have hired security teams.
Jewish communities are deeply concerned about verbal attacks on children from grade school to college. I am aware of an unfortunate incident at the Smokey Row Elementary School in Carmel on March 7, 2025. The school held their annual international festival and one booth had content that stated “the children of Israel have always been a difficult nation” and asked “Did the Jews kill Issa (Jesus)?” This references a centuries-old belief that is at the root of Christian anti-semitism––something wholly inappropriate for a public grade school event.
After the murders this week, I wonder what I can do. My first thought is to make sure that the Christians I know are aware that our Jewish siblings are feeling unsafe and under attack. That’s the purpose of this blog. My second thought is to bring the subject up with my Jewish friends. I would like to know if they feel unsafe as they go about their everyday activities. Are their children and grandchildren being harassed at school? What about all the attention by the Trump administration on protests on college campuses and the accusation that colleges and universities aren’t doing enough to keep their Jewish students safe? Is this really supportive of Jewish students or is it using Jewish students to attack the universities? What about people who are being deported because they speak out against the war in Gaza? I want my Jewish friends to know I am interested in their well-being and the well-being of their families and friends. I can’t prevent the attacks but I can link arms with my Jewish friends to a promote a safe, healthy community. You can, too!
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Resources to Address and Challenge Anti-Semitism from the Anti-Defamation League
Teaching Materials on Anti-Semitism and Racism from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Important note: In researching educational resources to accompany this post from Betty, I found a link to a page from Indiana University offering information about anti-semitism. However, when I tried to visit the page, I discovered it no longer exists. IU has removed all reference to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) because, at Trump's direction, the U.S. Department of Education issued directives warning that schools must eliminate DEI initiatives or risk losing federal financial assistance.
–Matthew Vire
Director of Communications for The Garden
