Photo Courtesy of Ruth Bergman

The Cis Maisel Center for Judaic Studies and Community Engagement hosted Ruth Bergman of the Zekelman Holocaust Center on Jan. 12. Bergman gave an educational presentation entitled “Antisemitism and What We Can Do About It.” In light of a recent rise in antisemitism incidents, which some attribute to the ongoing Israel-Hamas War, Bergman’s discussion provided insight into a contemporary issue that has marred the fabric of our nation.

The presentation highlighted a centuries-old problem, centered around hate and misinformation. The meat and potatoes of the night, however, surrounded the idea of antisemitism’s modern expressions and how to identify them. 

“This is my definition [of antisemitism] based on years and years of research: Antisemitism is the belief that the ‘Jews’ are an existential threat to humanity,” Bergman said. 

Bergman has ample credentials to teach the topic of Jewish studies through her role as Director of Education at the Zekelman Holocaust Center and a certification in Jewish Leadership from Northwestern University. As a Jewish woman herself, Bergman finds it vital to educate those on how to combat antisemitism.

Historically, antisemitism arose from direct teachings by parents, governments, places of worship and schools. As children, it is typical for some to take the words of authority figures as gospel. 

Today, the markers of antisemitism breed in revisionism and denial. Oakland University community members can fight discriminatory rhetoric by disseminating informed, culturally conscious education.  

Along with revisionism, the current affairs in Israel make way for antizionism. Bergman sees parallels between antizionism and antisemitism. 

“In practice, contempary antizionism is a form of antisemitism. These equivalencies are dangerous because they are false. However you want to talk about an issue, you have to [actually] talk about the issue. The inflammatory language when talking about Israel needs to be talked about properly,” Bergman said. 

Hate is something that should not be tolerated in general, but Bergman finds it vital to highlight antisemitism with the recent wave of it on social media. High-profile individuals with large platforms have been perpetrators of antisemitism in the past year. Kanye West, Kyrie Irving and Donald Trump are a few public figures who have outwardly exposed antisemitic sentiments.

“Of course, we want to get rid of hate in the world, and we want to deal with antisemitism on that level. But on that personal level [for Jews], it matters,” Bergman said.

Bergman sees the importance of teaching media literacy so that individuals can discern fact from fiction. Lots of antisemitism is rooted in myth. 

“Developing media literacy skills allows us to tell truth from fiction, fact from propaganda.  It is easy to listen to the rhetoric that confirms our biases and justifies our prejudices; with social media, it is easy to repeat these lies to an international audience. Using our critical thinking skills to discover truth is essential for demanding accountability from our leadership and sustaining our democracy,” Bergman wrote for The Times of Israel. 

As the evening drew on, the question of what we can do about it remained. Bergman believes the answer to this question involves stepping in and educating on a reactionary basis. 

“What you can do is speak up and say something, that’s if you feel safe, of course, always put your safety first. But we have to have these conversations,” Bergman said. 

The Zekelman Holocaust Center, having gone under renovations to its Core Exhibit, will have a grand reopening to the public on Jan. 28. 

On Feb. 13, Oakland University will be hosting an event that also pertains to the subject of Judaism. “What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid” will feature best-selling author Michal Oshman and her story of keeping her faith close in her life and career.