How Do Others See Me As a Jew?

An interview with a 17-year-old student

What forms of discrimination have you encountered based on your identity as a Jewish person? People I know talk about Jews being “good with money” or “cheap,” which to them is basically the same thing. And they do it in front of me, so it’s clear they want me to hear them. And that they don’t care how it makes me feel. Plus, I don’t get invited to things like dinners out, concerts, comedy shows; anything that costs money to go to. The excuse is they think I won’t want to do things that actually cost money. This is totally not true. They’re just coming up with reasons to exclude me. I know I shouldn’t care; that I should think it’s their loss. But I do. Being rejected is never fun.

Have you ever encountered antisemitic stereotypes or prejudices in your daily life? If so, how did it make you feel?

I hear the occasional, "You don’t look Jewish," like there's a way Jews are supposed to look. Like not looking Jewish is a compliment. This is totally hurtful. In sixth grade, a group of guys who knew I was Jewish had a running joke that started off as funny and after a while wasn’t one bit funny. They’d tell me I must have lost my yarmulke, and offer me random things to replace it. They’d come up behind me and try to balance things like books and paper plates on my head, saying, "Is this your Jew hat?"

How do you think discrimination against Jewish people compares to discrimination faced by other religious or ethnic groups?

It's hard to compare pain, and I know everyone's experience of being discriminated against is unique. Comparing these kinds of things can diminish the seriousness of what each group faces, and how it feels to be mistreated.

Plus, I know I’m lucky. Even though I’ve been treated as less than in ways that have affected me psychologically, I’ve never been discriminated against in more serious ways. I’ve never not had enough to eat or missed out on important opportunities because of being Jewish.

What discrimination I have faced makes me recognize, for sure, that that no one should be discriminated against, period.

Have you faced any challenges or barriers in education, employment, housing, or healthcare?

Personally, I've been very lucky as far as those things go. This might be because I’m young. I’ve never had to apply for a job that’s more competitive than being a camp counselor, which I’ve been doing at the camp I attended as a little kid, where most of the campers – and the counselors – are Jewish.

I have heard stories from friends and family members who’ve faced bias or were passed over for things like promotions at work, or weren’t hired in the first place, because of being Jewish.

How do you respond to incidents of discrimination you’ve face as a Jewish person?

It depends. Sometimes I call it out right away. Other times I make it a point to explain to the person why they’re just plain wrong. There have been situations, like the yarmulke joke, when it felt like I just needed to let it slide.

Have you witnessed or been a victim of hate crimes targeting Jewish individuals or Jewish institutions?

Thankfully, I haven't been a victim of any hate crimes, and don’t personally know anyone who has. I do know, from reading and watching the news, that that these things happen.

What efforts, if any, have you seen, or participated in, to combat antisemitism and promote understanding and acceptance of Jewish people?

Keeping Jewish traditions alive through shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations make any kind of hate pale in comparison to the strength of our faith and of our community.

How has discrimination impacted your sense of belonging or connection to your Jewish identity?

It's a double-edged sword. On the one hand, incidents I’ve experienced remind me that there's still so much work to be done. On the other hand, they've made me even prouder of my heritage and more determined to stand up for my community.

What do you believe society can do to create a more inclusive and accepting environment for Jewish individuals, and effectively combat antisemitism?

Education is the most important thing. Teaching about about the Holocaust in school helps, but learning about Jewish history, culture, and contributions are also important. Calling out bigotry, against Jews or anyone, whenever it's seen or heard, and encouraging, even fostering, interfaith and intercultural dialogue, can make us all stronger and more accepting of each other.

About the Author

The interviewee is a 17-year-old high school student who lives in a suburb of Washington, D.C.. He aspires to one day work in government and public policy making.