We Need to Talk About Antisemitism

by Rabbi Diana Fersko

A millennial rabbi explores why we’re reluctant to discuss antisemitism—and empowers us to fight against it.

Antisemitism is on the rise in America, in cities and rural areas, in red states and blue states, and in guises both subtle and terrifyingly overt. Rabbi Diana Fersko is used to having difficult conversations with members of her congregation about the issues they face—from the threat of violence to microaggressions and identity denial. In We Need to Talk About Antisemitism, she gives all of us the ultimate guide to modern antisemitism in its many forms. Exploring topics like vile myths about Jewish people and the intersection of antisemitism with other forms of discrimination, the book gives readers the tools they need to understand the state of antisemitism today. Fersko shows Jews and non-Jews alike how to speak up and come together, spreading a message of solidarity and hope. This is a timely read for anyone passionate about fighting for social justice.  

Genres: Nonfiction, Jewish, Judaism, Social Justice, Politics, Religion, History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 29, 2023

Reviews

[Scott Rhee · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a scene in the movie “Bad Teacher” where Justin Timberlake’s character—a well-meaning but incredibly naive liberal high school teacher—-says, very passionately, how much he hates slavery. Jason Segel’s character—-a more jaded, weathered physical education teacher—-tries to make a point by talking about how vicious and blood-thirsty sharks are, which elicits a passionate “Ooh, I hate sharks!” From Timberlake. Almost within the same breath, though, Segel then says how much he admires and respects the power of sharks, which Timberlake then responds with a comment about “the nobility” of sharks. Segel walks away, knowing that, while Timberlake is clueless, the other teachers in the break room get the point.

It’s easy to hate something that is almost universally hated. I hate rape and murder, but that should be something that everyone hates, so it’s pointless to even make a comment about it. As a liberal, I think it’s easy to find outrage in certain obvious things. Homophobia, for one. Racism. Greed. Narcissism. Antisemitism.

Unfortunately, too often, I think liberals make statements without truly understanding what their statements actually mean or what they’re about. I hate Antisemitism, too, but do I really know and understand what Antisemitism is? I’m not a Jew, so I can honestly say that I’ve never been a victim of Antisemitism. But would I be able to recognize it and call it out if I were to see someone saying something truly Antisemitic? I would like to say “yes” to those questions, but I’m not sure.

Rabbi Diana Fersko’s book “We Need To Talk About Antisemitism” helps to clarify some things and helps to make the answers to those questions a firmer “yes”.

Antisemitism is on the rise and has been steadily rising since 2016, according to data from numerous sources including the Southern Poverty Law Center (https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-ha...).

Under President Donald Trump, white nationalist and far-right hate groups such as Proud Boys and Oathkeepers flourished. Like the Ku Klux Klan—-a hate group that had its heyday a century ago, and is still around in some form—-groups like Proud Boys disseminate ancient Antisemitic lies such as blood libel and the conspiracy theory that Jews secretly run major institutions such as banks and Hollywood. They are idiotic untruths, but, sadly, a growing percentage of the population believes them.

To rational-minded people, Antisemitism doesn’t make much sense. Judaism is, according to Fersko, unique in that Jews aren’t a race but they have historically been, and to some extent still are, considered a race. And despite a 21st-century scientifically-enlightened view about “race” being non-existent, antisemitism is still a major issue. For that matter, racism is still a major issue. It’s a confusion kept alive by idiotic racists.

Fersko’s book has gained even more importance as of late since the Israel-Hamas War started in October 2023. Antisemitic hate crimes have almost tripled in the subsequent months following the start of the war. To be fair, hate crimes against Muslims have also risen considerably. (https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/29/us/hat...)

Israel has been criticized for its military response against the surprise attacks by the Palestinian organization known as Hamas (a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) as designated by the United States), and casualties on both sides have been in the thousands. (https://crsreports.congress.gov/produ....)

The topic of the war has become so sensitive that nearly any criticism of Israeli policy is viewed as Antisemitic and any inclination to defend Israel’s response is viewed as anti-Palestine. There is no neutral ground in this argument.

Due to the war, the information in Fersko’s book hasn’t become any less valid. On the contrary, her book has become even more important. We really need to talk about Antisemitism now.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A necessary read that I honestly think everyone needs to have on their shelves.

[Paula Korelitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to hear Rabbi Fersko talk about this book in person. It was written prior to October 7, 2023, but is now so much more relevant.

Rabbi Fersko presents seven different types of antisemitism. Her discussions made me realize that there were types of antisemitism, she calls microaggressions, that I had not considered as antisemitism until I read her descriptions of them. I will now know that I need to address those when they occur through the words or actions of another Jew.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Everyone should read this book. I’ll recommend it the next time I have to deal with yet another microaggression, which will most likely be tomorrow.

[Sari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just imagine you picked this book up because you have heard antisemitism was on the rise and started reading it on October 1st, not knowing what would happen to Israel on October 7th and the uproar it would cause all over the world for Jewish people everywhere. I started this book thinking it was so modern and unique and strangely relatable. They already had the Kanye scandal documented and I finished reading the book and thinking, “oh dear, here comes part 2.” Sad.

[Shelby (catching up on 2025 reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪

Thank you #partner @sealpress for the #gifted copy.

𝗪𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺
𝗥𝗮𝗯𝗯𝗶 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗙𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗸𝗼
𝟴/𝟮𝟵/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📖 A millennial rabbi explores why we’re reluctant to discuss antisemitism—and empowers us to fight against it.

📌 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦: 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐉𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜, 𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 (@merriamwebster)

💭 As someone who reads / has read a great deal of antiracist literature, I was surprised (and frankly disappointed) by my recent acknowledgement that I have never read a nonfiction book specifically about antisemitism. What the heck, Shelby?

So I requested this book because I wanted to learn. Of course I knew going into it that antisemitism is on the rise (I haven't been living under a rock) but I don't think I'd given it the time and attention it deserves. Well, friends, this book certainly planted a seed.

Rabbi Fersko's book is comprehensive but accessible. It's one that can be read and understood by Jewish folks and non Jewish folks alike. Rich with sources, this book is a wealth of information and commentary on so many topics: Tension between Christians and Jews, the Holocaust, Israel, intersectionality, identity, racism, and of course, acts of antisemitism - from the blatant and horrendous, to the more covert microaggressions. Fersko also provides actual steps we can take (Jews and allies alike) to help put an end to antisemitism and move toward a more peaceful future.

This book is a 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱! Especially for folks passionate about social justice.

📌Out now!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Review ✨ We Need to Talk About Antisemitism by Rabbi Diana Fersko

This book helped me fill in some gaps in my own knowledge and to think more critically about Jewish identity and culture and how antisemitism affects Jewish safety in the U.S.

She defines antisemitism as "a conspiracy theory that thrives on the idea that human existence is too complicated for people to really understand, so instead it supplies a simple story with a coherent narrative, a clear villain (the Jews), and a clear victim (everyone else)...People hate the Jews because we are Jewish. That's the definition of antisemitism." (19)

I found this book incredibly accessible while also giving me a lot of food for thought. It's broken up into eight chapters that help define antisemitism and explore themes of micro-aggressions, Christianity, the Holocaust, race, and Israel, to help readers understand how antisemitism is deployed and its consequences. The book concludes with chapters on accountability and the future, proposing ideas for how both Jewish and non-Jewish people can respond to antisemitism in the world around us.

I appreciated the ways in which she opened the door for dialogue and conversation about certain topics while also being very straightforward in discussing the damage caused by perpetuating these stereotypes and problematic ways of thinking.

Genre: non-fiction, religion, culture
Pub Date: August 29, 2023

Thanks to Seal Press for a copy of this book!

[Wendelle]

This is an important book about a timely and alarming issue that is not often discussed. A 2022 Toronto police report reveals that the Jewish community was the target of the most hate-driven attacks of that year. This book shows the diffuse nature of antisemitism today, it now consists of casual microaggressions, dismissive reactions to concerns about antisemitic attacks through references to supposed privilege, humor about Jewish stereotypes, mockery or resentment of signifiers of Jewish culture, minimization of antisemitism as insignificant suffering that should not be acknowledged, exclusion of Jewish history and situation in the discussions of social justice, the fading of societal memory for the Holocaust, and other ways and papercuts of situations wherein Jews are the recipients of casual hate. I highly recommend this book and hope it creates further discussions of this issue and encourage us to stand up bravely when discrimination or microaggressions occur.

[Or-el · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is it. I finally found the book that adequately and in an even keel explains antisemitism, its harmfulness, and its extensive reach in today’s society. It’s one of the best books on the subject for Jews to read, but more importantly, I’d recommend it especially to non-Jews curious to learn and understand the dire straits of Jews today and Jews looking at the future.


The only fault it has is that, in its focus on American experience, it won’t touch on the different experiences with antisemitism that Jews face in other countries in Europe (and in some parts of the U.S.), which has an angle that isn’t heavily explored here. It likely intentionally avoids that to focus on the American experience and the author’s own context and lived experiences, in fairness, but it would have been a nice addition if I had one edit to make.

[Robyn]

Notables 2023 #118

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing and important book. It was highly readable despite the depressing subject. I wish everyone would read this book.

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m rating this book a 4 instead of a 5 because I wanted more. I wanted more accounts of how antisemitism is affecting people today. This book talks a lot about the societal ways that antisemitism is cropping up. That is very important but I found the last two chapters to be the most powerful.

Then again, I am Jewish and already experiencing the cognitive dissonance of antisemitism in the USA. Gentiles might find the earlier chapters more eye-opening.

This book has inspired me to be more visibly Jewish.

[Jose Miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

En We Need to Talk About Antisemitism, Diana Fersko ofrece una valiosa contribución al debate sobre el antisemitismo contemporáneo, explorando cómo persiste y se transforma en diferentes contextos. La obra es clara y accesible, adecuada tanto para lectores nuevos en el tema como para aquellos más versados en él. Fersko aborda temas importantes como el antisemitismo en la izquierda y la derecha, así como las formas en que este prejuicio sigue influyendo en la vida de las comunidades judías.

Sin embargo, una de las principales críticas que se le puede hacer al libro es su tratamiento superficial del debate sobre Israel y las políticas del Estado. Si bien Fersko menciona este tema de manera general, su falta de un posicionamiento claro resulta problemática, especialmente cuando no aborda de manera adecuada la crucial distinción entre la crítica legítima al gobierno israelí y el antisemitismo. Al no profundizar en esta temática, la autora pierde la oportunidad de discutir una cuestión central para la comprensión del antisemitismo moderno, que es reconocer que estar en desacuerdo con las políticas del Estado de Israel no convierte a alguien en antisemita.

Este vacío puede explicarse en parte porque el libro fue escrito y publicado en 2023, antes del estallido de nuevos conflictos en la región que han intensificado este debate global. Aún así, su omisión genera una falta de equilibrio en una obra que, por lo demás, es una herramienta útil para combatir los prejuicios. El libro tiene el mérito de dar visibilidad al antisemitismo y abrir espacios de reflexión sobre sus múltiples formas, pero la complejidad de la relación entre Israel y el antisemitismo debería haber sido tratada con mayor profundidad para reflejar las realidades políticas actuales.

[Erika Dreifus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear, informative primer covering recent antisemitic developments and discourse in the United States that, toward its conclusion, proposes ways for each of us to deal with them.

[Zev · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm Jewish and observant. I live in the Pacific Northwest, where there are not too many Jews.

Three stars, and rating may change. I had...to really organize my thoughts and think about this one. I hesitate to even write this review. Why is it pointed out repeatedly that the rabbi is a millenial? So am I: 1988. Doesn't mean anything really. Was it some kind of "she's young so she's modern and with the times"? Bad message if that's it. Being young doesn't necessarily mean modern. She speaks at length about Judaism and Jewishness -in New York.- Some of us live in the Pacific Northwest and have -drastically- different experiences of Judaism and Jewishness. New York is not the end-all, be-all. She mentions Jews in LA in passing, and in Chicago in passing. LA and Chicago have huge Jewish populations. New York, LA, and Chicago are all in the top five as far as largest Jewish populations. She kind of acts increasingly like the only ones are in New York. Certain passages make it clear she thinks the only ones who -matter- are in New York. The writing is super self-absorbed in this regard. It was difficult to read.

One of her chapters examining antisemitism in the Xtian community in particular was TOTALLY ACCURATE. Dead on. I saw experiences I regularly have and I felt validated. She mentions several times that she doesn't "look" Jewish and yeah, that's a thing. She pairs this once with a passage about how Orthodox Jewish men in New York never ask her to shake the luvlav to fulfill a mitzvah, and she clearly feels left out. THIS IS SPECIFIC TO NEW YORK. QUIT ACTING LIKE IT'S NOT. Seattle does not have that. I would be shocked if Portland did, and I would have a lot of questions. And then she declares if you're Jewish and not a Zionist, you too are antisemitic. Leviticus 19:18 in the Hebrew Bible addresses self-loathing Jews. They exist. I have met more than a few. Zionism has nothing to do with it. She's shoving a deeply divisive political opinion into a book on antisemitism and declaring it fact. Rabbi, this makes you a jerk. People who have never met anyone Jewish are gonna read that and instantly think--but that's exactly what you want to happen. You are not impartial and never intended to be. I am dismayed and deeply disappointed in you, a person I have never met. I am anti-Zionist and Jewish. I don't support how Israel is treating Palestinians. My Judaism is important to me. This is not up for discussion.

She briefly mentions "Everyone Loves Dead Jews" by Dara Horn. I responded much, much more positively to that book. I couldn't put that one down, whereas I increasingly "had" to get through this. I did not have to. I chose to. Rabbi Fesko is obviously trying to be cute when she asks in a "blink and you miss it" moment something like "why does everyone tweet?' after pointing out she again found something on twitter. That's not cute, Rabbi. Everyone tweets because it's a popular site. You -sought- stuff out from twitter. Acknowledge it. Good conversations can happen on there.

While Rabbi Fesko does make good points in her book at times, and made me think on things and ponder, and one chapter was super accurate to my experiences here in PNW where there are few Jews...I don't recommend this. I'm sorry. I really am. It's a good thing I read it but...please also first read "Everyone Loves Dead Jews" by Dara Horn. I wanted to firmly recommend this left and right and talk about it meaning something. I can't, and I'm moody about it

[kglibrarian (Karin Greenberg) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first memory of antisemitism is from elementary school. It was recess and my classmates and I were playing hopscotch, climbing the monkey bars, and doing whatever else we did in the 70s. Then all of a sudden we were running toward the cement basketball court where two boys were on the ground punching each other. One kept yelling "dirty Jew" as he hit the other, who fought back until a teacher broke it up.

Before that day, I'm not sure I understood that Jew hatred existed outside of history. Though I faced other troubling incidents (every Friday was "slap a Jap" day in my junior high school), I had friends from many races and religions who seemed to accept me. I didn't let these things affect my life much until recently, when I've been shocked by issues I've faced in my own life and the collective hatred being showcased in the streets and on social media.

This book, published not even six weeks before 10/7, is an informative, insightful, necessary lesson on this poisonous issue that is too often downplayed or dismissed. As Fersko writes, "Jews don't always fit perfectly into secular silos of identity. . .this tendency to pass through categories can lead people to misinterpret the Jews." She discusses microaggressions, race, and the history of Jews that led us to where we are today. And though she couldn't possibly know what would be coming in the near future, her ideas and words take on an even more urgent tone in light of the devastating events of the last six months.

There is so much more to this book--it's a must read for Jews and non Jews who want to live in a world of tolerance, civil discourse, and good prevailing over evil.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an empowering book about the rise of antisemitism in America. Millennial rabbi Diana Fersko has been preaching about antisemitism for years, but in 2020, her synagogue was attacked with a baseball bat during the Black Lives Matter protests. She didn’t know if the attack was explicitly targeted at Jews or if it was just part of a night of more extensive aggression. But seeing the shattered glass of her synagogue was reminiscent of other historic attacks against the Jewish people. At that moment, she decided to take her message wider. In the book, she gives historical context for the plight of the Jewish people. She discusses violence against Jewish people, but she also spotlights the more significant problem of microaggressions in what she calls the narrowing of the Jewish people.

The release of We Need to Talk About Antisemitism in August of this year could not have been timelier. I was emotional as I read the chapter on Israel and was amazed by how prophetic it was. Many of us in the Jewish community are feeling adrift and afraid. Even before the attack on Israel, there has been an increase in antisemitism here at home, and the author offers us concrete tips we can apply to our everyday lives, not only for how to deal with our fears but how we can help the Jewish community at large. This book is for anyone curious about how to help the Jewish people, whether Jewish or not.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...

[Natalie Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It brought light to a lot of anit-semetic tropes we still hear today and gave me an understanding of where they come from. Overall, antisemitism is confusing. It is coming from the far right and the far left and it is just disguised as something else. This book did really get me thinking about my identify as a white Jew and the privilege (???) that I in a way have in the way I am perceived. Being Jewish is complicated though - are we a race, are we a religion? As a peoplehood I know how I feel about this, but letting the media decide is what I find challenging. Its almost like we are whatever we need to be to fit a specific narrative. I'm learning and agreeing with the author that Jewish people never really have the "right" to center themselves when it comes to hate and other problems they are facing. Its we condemn anti semitism AND X (despite the statement only being made for a recent spike in anti semitism). But overall a very important read in understanding the tropes we hear today, better understanding how my identify is perceived. I do wish this book felt more actionable. However, at the end of the day all we can really ask Jews to do is to be proud and stand out against anti-semitism when we see it.

If anyone is nyc wants to borrow LMK!

[Fred Schreiber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author explained about antisemitism, but glossed over the most important part: on page 169 of the hardcover edition, she said “We need to fight antisemitism at the source” but similarly to other authors on antisemitism, did not name the source, nor delve into it. She only obliquely mentioned the church once in the book. Simon Schama in his book “Story of the Jews” clearly and squarely placed the blame for antisemitism at the source: Christianity. They invented it, taught it, spread it, and it’s been alive and well 2023 years later. There’s probably an antisemitic act occurring somewhere on our planet as I write this. I’ve seen this artful dodging of avoiding naming the source many times. Why did I experience antisemitism in the 8th grade in the early 60’s? Where did that student get that from? His parents? His extended family? His church? It goes way back.

[Anouk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tend to think it’s corny when people say a certain book should be required reading, but I’ll embrace the corniness here…everyone should read this. The book is a pretty quick read but touches on multiple facets of antisemitism such as its history, typical tropes, how it shows up today, and how to combat it (for Jews and non-Jews). Testimonies of Holocaust survivors and their descendants are included at the end of the book and I’m glad I chose to read them. This was a timely read given the current I/P discourse and was helpful to understand what is and isn’t antisemitic when it comes to the discussion regarding Israel.

I’m sure there are books that go more in-depth and perhaps have a more nuanced view of certain hot button issues (such as Israel) but overall…very good book, definitely recommend.

[Rebecca Pontius · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as I have become a part of a community that has a large Jewish population - per my perspective and experience. As such, I have become more aware of Jewish culture and antisemitism. I realized my ignorance related to antisemitism. Due to this, I decided to read this book in order to become more informed.

It was informative. There were times that the author contradicted herself. The complexities of Judaism seem to make defining antisemitism difficult. I especially enjoyed the last two sections of the book where a Holocaust survivor is interviewed and Holocaust survivors’ grandchildren are interviewed.

I plan on sharing this book with one of my Jewish friends and discussing it further. I hope I am viewed as righteous gentile by my Jewish friends.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this engaging, accessible, and illuminating discussion of antisemitism. The author clearly lays out the origins and manifestations of antisemitism, and provides concrete suggestions on how Jews and non-Jews can fight back against it. Readers from all backgrounds will gain increased understanding of the problem of antisemitism and the critical need to call it out. Although this is a heavy topic, Rabbi Fersko’s prose is witty and engaging. Read this book!

[Lindzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rabbi Fersko said there might be pints in this book that I wouldn’t like or understand. She was right but she brings to light imprint at conversations about ensuring we can talking about antisemitism in a productive and sensitive way. Because it’s a problem and continues to be a problem. We need to look out for each other and our communities. A good book to open conversations about this topic.

[Kenia]

"It is not for you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it."
"Reflect on three things... Know where you came from, know where you are going, and know in whose presence you will have to make an accounting."
"Find yourself a teacher, make yourself a friend, and judge all people with the scale weighted in their favor."

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Required reading. Made me aware of the insidiousness of some forms of antisemitism. Of course the blatant antisemitism is easy to see and it’s easy to label those folks as crazy and hateful. But the microaggressions and subtle hatred are just as harmful and contribute to Jewish Americans not feeling safe and understood. The more we know the more we can all call out antisemitism.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so timely. I learned so much. Antisemitism is not allowing Jews to exist as others are allowed to exist. It is based on lies and conspiracy theories. Antisemitism is increasing. It needs to be stopped by talking about it. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about antisemitism. It is a quick read and well written.

[Angela Byers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very timely book in light of the war in Israel & the pro-Palestinian rallies being held around the country. The author is a rabbi with an extensive knowledge & deep understanding of the history of anti-Semitism in this country and around the world. If you are looking for a better understanding of what Jewish people in the US are going through, I highly recommend this book!

[RSter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had a few hundred dollars lying around so I could buy this book for family and other people in my life. I'll have to settle for buying myself a copy and insisting others read it. I do feel like it was more directed at Jewish folks (I'm not Jewish) than non-Jews, but that didn't make it any less accessible for me. New required reading.

[Alyson (alysonbookishthoughts) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading. It is so eye opening and I don’t think I’ve ever underlined and tabbed so many things in a book before. As a Jew who has faced antisemitism more times than I can count, this made me feel seen and there were so many things I’ve brushed off in the past that I did not realize were hateful and hurtful.

[RACHEL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fersko has offered reader an excellent primer on antisemitism with a look to its roots and the real world impact on American Jews right now. She also offers ways to counter and work against antisemitism.

My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads