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23 May 2025
What does it mean to fight antisemitism in 2025? If you think it’s just about calling out hate, think again.
At a recent panel hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Ben Gurion Society, three frontline leaders—
Rob Granader, Vicki Fishman, and Omer Oppenheim—sat down for a candid, sometimes uncomfortable, and deeply human conversation about what it really takes to protect and uplift Jewish life today.
And they didn’t hold back. The conversation opened with a sobering acknowledgment: antisemitism is not only rising, but it’s also becoming more complex to address.
“We’re losing the battle on social media.”
That’s how Rob Granader put it. A longtime advocate and Federation task force leader, Granader spoke with urgency about the cultural and political headwinds facing the Jewish community. “We’re in a mode in this world where we’re not changing our minds,” he said. “So do you go after your foes—or do you focus on strengthening your friends?”
It’s a question that doesn’t have easy answers. But it’s one that this panel wrestled with head-on.
Omer Oppenheim, Director of Government Relations at Jewish Federations of North America, pointed to broader communal division as a critical barrier: “Half the Jewish community thinks the problem is antisemitism on the right, and the other half thinks it’s on the left. If we can’t agree on what the problem is, how can we expect others to get on the same page?”
The Hidden Frontlines: Schools, City Councils, and Quiet Wins
While many headlines today focus on college campuses, Vicki Fishman, Director of Virginia Government and Community Relations at the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), pointed to a quieter, more insidious battleground: K–12 schools. “The problem may not be antisemitism itself—it might be bad teaching,” she explained. “And when you have a good policy but a bad teacher, you still end up with antisemitic outcomes.”
She also shared a behind-the-scenes win in Alexandria, Virginia, where quiet advocacy helped stop a BDS resolution before it could gain traction. “To hear from someone who’s not a friend of Israel that there’s no appetite for this—it gave me hope.”
The Power of Relationships
A recurring theme throughout the evening was the importance of relationships—especially when navigating difficult conversations. Whether it’s educating a local official about the implications of invoking antisemitic tropes or deciding when to call out versus call in, the panelists emphasized nuance and persistence.
Fishman shared a story about a local politician who used problematic language on national television. “We got him on the phone and talked to him about what the problem was… and he stopped making that reference.” These behind-the-scenes efforts, while not always visible, are essential to long-term change.
Hope in Action
Despite the challenges, the panelists shared what gives them hope. Granader spoke passionately about the younger generation: “Post October 7, there’s been so much energy… People are showing up and being resolute about being Jewish in a way that is just so encouraging.”
Oppenheim, who works on Capitol Hill often, added, “Both parties care about combating antisemitism… Maybe now is not the right time, but in three months, six months—however long it takes—it’ll be the right time to make meaningful change.”
“They’re lions.”
That’s how Granader described the younger generation of Jewish students stepping up in the wake of October 7. “They’re resolute. They’re showing up. And they’re not afraid to be visibly, proudly Jewish.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Oppenheim: “Both parties care about combating antisemitism,” he said. “Maybe now isn’t the moment for big change—but that moment is coming.”
From Conversation to Action – What YOU Can Do
Our esteemed panel didn’t mince words. “Live Jewishly in whatever way you can, and don’t be shy about it,” Fishman challenged, recounting how wearing a yellow pin or a dog tag necklace can often spark conversation.
Other advice from the panel included:
Responding to action alerts and contacting your members of Congress is one of the most direct ways to make your voice heard and support policies that combat antisemitism.
Stay informed by subscribing to newsletters like those from the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and Jewish Insider. Awareness is a powerful first step toward action.
Get involved in advocacy days hosted by your local and state legislatures. Showing up in person demonstrates the strength and visibility of our community.
When you’re invited to join a task force or working group, say yes. Your voice and perspective matter, and your involvement can shape meaningful outcomes.
Live Jewishly—and do so openly. Everyday moments, from casual conversations to public expressions of identity, can become powerful opportunities for education and connection.
Consider hosting gatherings like Shabbat dinners. These informal settings allow others to experience Jewish life in an authentic, welcoming, and non-confrontational way.
Keep in mind that what may seem obvious to you might be unfamiliar to others. Be ready to explain Jewish history, culture, and experiences with patience and clarity.
And finally, as Rob Granader said so well: “Say ‘yes’ when Federation calls!”