What Is Antisemitism?
Antisemitism is prejudice, hostility, or discrimination directed toward Jewish people or Jewish communities or people and communities perceived as Jewish. It can appear in stereotypes, conspiracy theories, biased language, exclusion, harassment, vandalism, and violence. Understanding both the historical roots and contemporary forms of antisemitism can help students recognize how prejudice develops, how it affects individuals and communities, how it is connected to other forms of hate and prejudice, and how it undermines democratic values for everyone.
This collection, developed jointly by the AFT, Weitzman Institute, and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, offers lesson plans, primary sources, historical background and learning activities for K–12 educators, higher education faculty and families. The resources explore and celebrate Jewish identity and culture, the important contributions Jewish people have made to the United States and the labor movement, as well as the history of antisemitism, its impact on communities and our democracy, and ways to stand up against bias and discrimination.
Educators can use these materials to support thoughtful, developmentally appropriate discussions; help students evaluate information and challenge stereotypes; and foster learning environments grounded in respect, inclusion and understanding.
For additional information and resources, watch A Conversation Between JCPA CEO Amy Spitalnick and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on Antisemitism, Democracy, and the Assault on Knowledge & Education and read their joint op-ed, and visit AFT’s Choosing Humanity in Divided Times and Countering Antisemitism and Islamophobia pages.
