Allyship is a verb

To be an ally you must include Jews in your Activism

It is Jewish American Heritage Month, but how many of you knew that? How many of you know what some of the most important Jewish holidays are (hint, it is not Hanukkah). How many of you know how to congratulate your Jewish friends when something good happens? How many of you know the different denominations within Judaism? Do you know the difference between a cultural and religious Jew? My guess is that the Jewish people reading this article know, along with maybe those who too face isolation for being a part of a marginalized group, and maybe two others. This constant alienation the Jewish community faces is a direct result of people not taking the time to educate themselves. Being an ally extends to all communities, including Jews. I assume since you are reading this article, you want to become more educated and be a better ally to the Jewish community, so here are some resources to help you get started along with some notes. I will not be directly writing and telling you how to be a better ally, because that is up to you.

If you choose not to proceed in reading the articles below. Ask yourself why. Is it because you are busy? Jewish people do not have time to be busy and ignore antisemitism. On a very important Jewish holiday, I had to show up to school to take five tests. I don’t have time to be busy. Do you think antisemitism is not a problem? You are privileged in saying this. Some Jewish people who are white do have privilege, but that does not diminish the problems that the Jewish community faces. Do you think you are already an ally to the community? Allyship is a verb which means you constantly have to do work.

1. Note: Your outspokenly Jewish friend is not your dictionary to learn about basic Jewish facts. First use Google to help educate yourself. The amount of times people have asked me basic information about Judaism is more than the amount of times people have said to have a safe fast or Yom Tov.

2. Sources:

https://www.heyalma.com/what-allies-need-to-do-to-help-jews-feel-safe/

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=afddd15cddf54fe397b527cd9015cda5#:~:text=Diffusion%20of%20Judaism&text=Judaism%20diffused%20mainly%20through%20relocation,and%20into%20Egypt%20and%20Babylon

https://www.nmajh.org/jewish-american-heritage-month/

https://www.publicsource.org/history-anti-semitism-pittsburgh/

1. Note: Repost different posts on Instagram to help others become educated about different holidays, antisemitism, and help to amplify Jewish voices.

   1. If you look into the statistics of the percentage of antismeitc acts versus the Jewish population, it is disgusting. But you do this work. You look into it.

2. Note: Stand up for your Jewish friends. Many conspiracy theories, stereotypes about Jews, and the disclusion of Jews in activism all stem from antisemitism. Allyship is not a single post on Instagram or speaking up when other Jews are around, but doing your part whether you are seen or not. This is the only way to inspire change.

   1. Do not believe in these stereotypes eithers! They all stem from an antisemtic backgrounds.