Antisemitism: Past, Present, Future?

Antisemitism: Past, Present, Future?

This activity can be used in any Jewish educational space or format. It is designed as a shorter activity for facilitating meaningful conversations in cases where the leader does not have the time or bandwidth to conduct a more in-depth activity, but still wants to engage the group in discussion based on the Timeline.

Age Group: 14+

Group Size: Up to 20 participants

Time: 35 minutes

Materials Needed

• Copies of the timeline from the brochure for each participant

• Large whiteboard or flipchart for group reflections

• Markers and sticky notes

Instructions

Step 1. Review the Timeline

• Distribute the timeline from the brochure to each participant.

• Have participants skim silently first and highlight events that stand out.

• Allow participants to take notes or highlight moments that are meaningful to them.

• The facilitator should then spotlight some key events (early, middle, modern) to illustrate the arc.

Step 2. Reflecting on the Patterns

• Ask: 'What patterns do you notice in the timeline?'

• Ask: 'Do these moments of antisemitism seem to repeat? If so, why?'

• Participants can mark key patterns on the whiteboard or discuss in pairs.

Step 3. Discussing the Future of Antisemitism

• Pose the central question: 'Do you believe antisemitism will ever truly end? Why or why not?'

• Ask: 'What forces might contribute to its decline or continuation?'

• Ask: 'How does antisemitism today look similar to or different from past examples?'

• Allow participants to discuss in small groups, then share insights with the whole group.

Step 4. Brainstorming Solutions

• Ask: 'What would need to happen for antisemitism to end?'

• Have participants write potential solutions on sticky notes and place them on a board.

• Review these solutions as a group, and let participants cluster their sticky notes (e.g., 'education,' 'policy,' 'Jewish unity,' 'allies/coalitions'), then discuss which are most realistic vs. most aspirational.

Step 5. Facilitator's Closing Discussion

• Summarize key takeaways from the discussion.

• Emphasize that while the answer may not be clear, engaging in the conversation is essential. For example: 'Even if we can’t end antisemitism, we each have a role in shaping Jewish resilience and pride. What is one action you personally can take in your community or school to strengthen Jewish life or combat hate?'

Facilitator Notes

• Encourage diverse perspectives, allowing for disagreement and debate.

• Keep the discussion open-ended—there is no definitive answer.

• If emotions run high, remind participants of the importance of historical awareness and collective responsibility.

• Balance the tone between realism and hope—acknowledge pain, but also spotlight Jewish creativity, continuity, and agency.

• Consider incorporating modern examples of antisemitism and ways of combating hate in today’s world.