“Every day, Rabbi Diana Fersko fields questions she doesn’t know how to answer: “My daughter isn’t comfortable being Jewish on campus, do you have a minute to talk?” “Another shooting at a kosher marketplace. Should I be afraid?” Members of her congregation come to her worried and confused, and she lacks a resource she can point to that will help them understand what, exactly, is going on with antisemitism today–until now. We Need to Talk About Antisemitism provides a comprehensive overview of modern antisemitism in all its forms, galvanizing readers to fight for social justice. Drawing on historical research and current events, Fersko takes us through the roots of some of the most pernicious and damaging myths about Jewish people. She unpacks the microaggressions, identity denial, and Christian privilege that many Jews have to contend with, and examines the current American political landscape to condemn the antisemitism of both the far right and the far left. Fersko discusses the intersection of antisemitism and race, including the persistent erasure of Jews of color, and weaves an intersectional model that links antisemitism to other forms of discrimination. She thoughtfully engages with difficult moral questions about Israel and more, creating a dialogue with readers that aims to spark, not shut down, conversation. Finally, she shows Jews and non-Jews alike how to learn more, speak up, and come together, spreading a message of solidarity and hope. Approachable and ultimately optimistic, We Need to Talk About Antisemitism pairs a serious discussion of an enduring form of hatred with a deep commitment to hope and perseverance. This is a timely read for anyone who wants to learn more about what it means to be a religious minority in America today, and for anyone passionate about fighting injustice in any of its forms”–]cProvided by publisher.
