As Kansans and Americans, we must stand up against the surge of antisemitic hatred | Opinion

My mother was 14 years old when she started sneaking out of the house to protest for civil rights in the mid-1960s. As a longtime civil rights activist and pastor, she instilled many values in me. But one of the most significant was her sense of justice.

I grew up watching my mother fight back against pervasive, generations-old racism and prejudice against African Americans, standing up for what was right. And I know well the stories of how the Jewish community stood with the Black community to demand justice and civil rights together. In so many cases, like the Freedom Summer of 1965, the Jewish community was on the front lines of the fight for equal rights for all people. Many of those activists were survivors or children of survivors of the Holocaust. Together, our communities changed our country for the better.

Today, we are in a moment that demands the same moral clarity. As the chair of the Kansas Democratic Party, as an American and as an advocate for justice, I strongly denounce and unequivocally stand against antisemitism in our country, which is surging at alarming rates.

The Anti-Defamation League reported that in 2022 alone, antisemitic incidents rose 36%. This number has only increased following the events of Oct. 7, with the ADL reporting an increase of antisemitic incidents of more than 300% in just the first three weeks after Hamas’ terror attack on Israel. This trend has not abated in the ensuing months.

Right here in our local communities, the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | AJC has tracked a 500% increase in reports of antisemitic incidents.

At a time when division is easy, it is more important than ever that we speak up and stand strong against Jewish hatred. At a time when misinformation runs rampant, it’s more important than ever that we recognize how our words and actions directly impact the safety of our Jewish neighbors. At a time when the loudest voices often encourage outrage and polarization, we must take care to use loaded terms only with accuracy and intention; to truly educate ourselves on deeply complex issues; to hold multiple truths in our hearts at the same time.

It’s not enough to disagree quietly with the escalating antisemitic hate. Pushing back against forces of hate is paramount in building a better state, country and world. Hatred against any group of people is truly hatred against us all. Our hearts go out to all Israelis and Palestinians suffering abroad, and we call for peace and safety for our Jewish and Muslim neighbors here in our state.

It’s now my turn to use my voice to advocate for our fellow Jewish Americans. I encourage everyone who strives for justice, peace and equality to love our neighbors as ourselves regardless of our diversity of backgrounds, and to use our voices to speak out against hate and antisemitism.

One simple thing we can all do is reach out to the Jewish friends and neighbors in our lives. We can also reach out to our elected leaders and ensure they are keeping this issue top of mind. And we can connect with the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | AJC in Kansas City to provide education, training and support to our workplaces, schools and community groups. For more information, reach out to jcrbajc@jewishkc.org or visit jcrbajc.org

I will always use my voice for justice. I hope you’ll join me.

Jeanna Repass is chair of the Kansas Democratic Party.