Recent months cast a shadow over Jewish and Israeli communities, marking an alarming surge in global antisemitism. Since Oct. 8, protests and social media campaigns calling for the dismantling of Israel have escalated, coinciding with a concerning 400% spike in antisemitic cases as reported by the FBI. The Jewish population, although only 2.4% of the total U.S. population, alarmingly accounts for over 55% of reported hate crimes. This stark rise in hostility is more than a statistic; it’s a grim reality our community in Los Altos is facing.
Local police are diligently investigating antisemitic acts, but the pervasive sense of dread among the Jewish residents is palpable. Residents removed mezuzahs from their homes, and refrain from speaking Hebrew publicly to avoid becoming targets of hatred. Jewish educational institutions and organizations have significantly bolstered security measures. Targeted threats led to the cancellation of community events, and Jewish elected officials face security concerns. Bewilderment and fear, prompt reassessment of our future in the community we once considered home.
Antisemitism is often assessed using the “ 3D test” – demonization, double-standards, and delegitimization, distinguishing legitimate criticism from discrimination. Demonization portrays Jews negatively through harmful stereotypes, double-standards apply biased criteria to Israel, and delegitimization questions Jewish’s right to self-determination or Israel’s right to exist. While criticism of Israeli policies is not inherently antisemitic, it crosses the line with these elements. When 80% of Jews are considered Zionist – ones who support the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Israel, anti-Zionism easily becomes antisemitism. Substituting terms like “Jews,” “Zionist,” or “Israeli” with “Black” or “LGBTQ” reveals the deceptive nature of anti-Zionism and the imperative to remain vigilant against antisemitic sentiments.
In response to this rising tide of hate, our Los Altos leaders passed a city council resolution condemning hate and violence. Councilmember Pete Dailey, recognizing the severity of the situation, has been vocal in his opposition to terrorism and his dedication to combating antisemitism. His stance, while attracting criticism from certain quarters, demonstrates the courage required to confront and challenge deep-seated prejudices and misinformation.
Pete publicly recognized the pain of all residents, emphatically stated his opposition to all violence and hatred. He consistently refrained from blaming anyone and drew attention to a disturbing trend, stating, “This global information war is touching our community, it is impacting our children who are bathed in a sea of disinformation, they are bathed in darkness, they are bathed in videos from TikTok and YouTube.” He also cited Andi Carvin, managing editor of the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab, an organization dedicated to analyzing disinformation and digital threats, highlighting the prevalence of falsehoods, propaganda, and hate on social media platforms, “As high as I have ever seen in any conflict.”
Dailey raised concerns about a photo published in our Town Crier, of two students at the Los Altos students’ pro-Palestinian demonstration. They held signs featuring a well-known phrase from the Hamas 2017 charter calling for the destruction of the State of Israel “From The River To The Sea.” Dailey stressed his support of the students’ right to free speech yet questioned, “Where were the teachers and community leaders?”
Pete questioned global resentment towards Jews and Israelis, highlighting the level of anger directed at other nations in wars with civilian casualties. He emphasized the U.S. war in Afghanistan against the Taliban, partly financed by taxpayers – a crucial aspect ignored by the critics. As we stand united for peace, mourning innocent lives and wishing for an end to this war, a question arises: If taxes funded the Afghanistan war, is it not imperative to contribute to ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and defend U.S. interests and allies?
Great leaders fearlessly defend their communities. In these challenging times, following a heinous terrorist attack and amidst an alarming surge in global antisemitic incidents, we find resilience in our community. When leaders at elite universities dismiss calls for the genocide of Jews as context-dependent and fail to protect their students, we are proud to belong to a community where courageous leaders prioritize the safety of all residents, advocate unwaveringly for unity free of hatred and racism.
Written by a group of concerned Los Altos residents: Alexandra Levich, Amnon Levi, Chen Attar, Eli Garten, Elinor Tamari, Jim Welsh, Maya Bronicki, Tal Shalon, Vadim Katz, Zachi Rosenberg.
