How antisemitic rhetoric is impacting Jewish communities, and what to do about it

How antisemitic rhetoric is impacting Jewish communities, and what to do about it Enlarge this image toggle caption Washington Hebrew Congregation Washington Hebrew Congregation The rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, cast a bright spotlight on the age-old problem of antisemitism in recent weeks, with his offensive remarks inspiring other demonstrations of hate and stoking fears among the Jewish community. Deborah Lipstadt, the U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, says the "longest or oldest hatred" is being normalized anew — making people think it's OK to do or say certain things. LA's Holocaust museum got hate mail — and more visitors Enlarge this image toggle caption Holocaust Museum LA Holocaust Museum LA Shortly after Ye's antisemitic tirade began, well aware of the damage such rhetoric can do, the Holocaust Museum LA reached out to the rapper to offer him a tour. Kean, the CEO, says museum leaders were upset that such an influential celebrity was using his platform to spread antisemitic hate, and wanted to help him understand the reach and power of his words by showing him the museum and introducing him to a Holocaust survivor, "so he could learn from a firsthand witness where hate and prejudice can lead when bigotry goes unchecked."