When Words Hurt: Confronting Stereotypes and Global Antisemitism

Not long ago, while browsing an open market, I overheard a phrase that hit like a gut punch: "You just have to ‘Jew them down’ to get a good price." The words were casual, almost thoughtless, but the harm they carried was immense. That single sentence reflected a centuries-old stereotype that paints Jewish people as greedy or manipulative—a false narrative that has fueled hatred and discrimination for generations.

In that moment, I realized the importance of speaking up. Polite but firm, I said, "I’ve heard that phrase before, it comes from a really harmful stereotype about Jewish people. I think we can express ourselves better without using it." The woman paused, visibly taken aback but thoughtful. She nodded and replied, "I never really thought about it that way. Thank you for telling me."

It was a small moment, but it mattered. In a world where harmful stereotypes go unchallenged, silence can perpetuate prejudice. And now, with the results of a shocking new poll released by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), it’s clear that we must do more than ever to confront antisemitism head-on.

ADL Poll: A Global Wake-Up Call

According to the ADL’s largest global study on anti-Jewish attitudes, nearly half of adults worldwide harbor antisemitic beliefs. The poll, which surveyed over 58,000 people across 103 countries, revealed staggering statistics:

• 46% of respondents displayed antisemitic attitudes.
• 20% had never even heard of the Holocaust, while another 21% believed the Holocaust either didn’t happen or was exaggerated.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, did not mince words, calling this a “global emergency.” He stated, “This is a virus that has spread, it is accelerating and intensifying.”

The poll’s findings underscore the persistence of age-old stereotypes:

• 76% of respondents in the Middle East and North Africa believed that “Jews have too much power in the business world.”
• 49% of respondents in Eastern Europe agreed with antisemitic tropes, and even in the Americas, 24% harbored these attitudes.

Greenblatt also highlighted the role of social media as a "superspreader of hate," noting how platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplify antisemitic rhetoric, particularly to younger audiences. “A younger audience that consumes their news on TikTok and Instagram has a less informed view of the world,” he said.

Why This Matters

These findings remind us that antisemitism is not just a relic of the past—it is alive, insidious, and global. From subtle phrases like the one I heard at the market to outright Holocaust denial, the fight against antisemitism demands vigilance and courage.

As Modern-Day Esthers, we are called to confront this darkness. Esther risked everything to stand for her people, and in our time, we are asked to do the same—not just for Jewish people, but for truth, justice, and humanity.

Greenblatt’s closing words is a call to action for all Modern-Day Esthers: “The fact that nearly half of the global population has elevated antisemitic sentiments tells us we are in nothing short of a global emergency.”