In response to rising Jew-hatred, Memphis Jewish Federation has provided these resources to empower you with knowledge, take meaningful action against hate, and shine your light on antisemitism.

GRANT OPPORTUNITY!

ANTISEMITISM MICROGRANT 2024

Antisemitism

Antisemitism is a form of prejudice that is directed towards Jews as individuals and as a group. Based on age-old stereotypes and myths that target Jews as a people, their religious, cultural, nationalistic practices and beliefs, antisemitism manifests itself through rhetoric, symbols & images, attacks on property and institutions and violent assaults.

In recent years, antisemitism in the United States has risen dramatically and has become more mainstream. The threat has significantly increased since the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre in Israel. According to the Anti-Defamation League, in the three months since the 10/7 massacre, antisemitic incidents in the U.S. have skyrocketed, reaching a total of 3,291 incidents between Oct. 7 and Jan. 7, representing a 361-percent increase compared to the same period one year prior. Of the total, at least 500 incidents took place on college campuses, and another 256 were reported in K-12 schools. At least 634 incidents were reported against Jewish institutions such as synagogues and community centers. About two-thirds of the total incidents could be directly related to the Israel-Hamas war.

Antisemitism is impacting Jewish attitudes and behaviors. 63% of American Jews say the status of Jews in the U.S. is less secure compared to one year ago. Nearly half of American Jews (46%) say they changed their behavior at least once out of fear of antisemitism this past year. (American Jewish Committee, February 2024)

Anti-Jewish bias, hate and violence are symptoms of an ill society for which all Americans should be worried. In a society rife with antisemitism, racism and other forms of hate are not far behind.

Microgrant Opportunity

In order to raise awareness about antisemitism and the dangers it poses to civil society, Memphis Jewish Federation is offering program-based, reimbursement microgrants in the amount of $500-$3000 to non-profit organizations in greater Memphis* for initiatives and programming to take place from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 that accomplish one or more of the following goals:

• Raise awareness about the history and/or current state of antisemitism;

• Provide education, and/or training in best practices/effective methods of response;

• Take action through advocacy efforts;

• Educate the broader Memphis community about Jews, and Judaism in order to dispel antisemitic myths and tropes;

• Explore how antisemitism manifests as anti-Zionism.

* Must have 501c3 status or a non-profit fiscal sponsor

Memphis Jewish Students Standing Up Against Antisemitism

We are proud of high school student Lea Thomas who penned this article for the St. Mary’s student newspaper, the Tatler.

A senior at St. Mary’s, Lea is the daughter of Sarah and Naftali Thomas.

"It is no secret that antisemitism is on the rise. According to a report by the Anti-Defamation League, in 2021, there were an average of seven antisemitic incidents per day, 34% higher than in the previous year. Seventy-seven years after the Holocaust, we are still seeing antisemitism increase at a dangerous rate.

"These statistics may seem like just numbers, but 2,717 reported incidents and an increase of 167% in assaults in one year is not normal. We are four years after the deadliest assault on Jewish people in the United States, the Tree of Life shooting. But for some reason, 11 people being murdered was not enough for the world to put a stop to antisemitism."

Click to read Lea's full article