Exaggerated antisemitism is dividing people into camps of hate in KY, nation | Opinion

Recently, I asked a white politician what is more offensive: to be called a racist or an antisemite. He said being called an antisemite was undeniably far worse.

Exaggerated antisemitism today is the buzzword du jour, the kiss of death for elected officials and news media, and it’s dividing good people into camps of hate.

By using the highly controversial (and contentious) definition of antisemitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, state and federal government officials have weaponized this specific hate speech to enact hundreds of laws, resolutions and ordinances, along with creating and expanding “Antisemitism Task Forces.”

Now bogus cries of antisemitism are used to attack our universities, proclaiming that such speech encourages violent protests and allows for employment of professors who are “terrorists.”

And for any legislator or individual who would have the “audacity” to ask why these particular laws are required, these people are condemned for daring to even question such legislation, being hauntingly told that these laws “are needed to protect the Jewish people.”

It seems no other ethnic, religious or racial group needs such protection from hate speech and violence — just the Jewish one.

This charade underscores how once again Jews are being used as scapegoats. All these so-called “antisemitic” laws and mandates are in fact pure unadulterated promotion of Jew hating. As one Kentucky rabbi says, it puts a target on the backs of all Jews. Too many conversations about race and religion are being defined and fueled by alternate truths and conspiracy theories. Many on the extreme right even declare that DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) is causing the rise of antisemitism.

Our American history is ordered to be scrubbed of every minority group from museums, libraries and schools; every group that is except the Jewish Holocaust.

Lawsuits are filed against networks, journalists and universities if they don’t acquiesce to Trump’s propaganda and threats. They foolishly believe that by succumbing, their payments of ransom and extortion money will keep them safe as they retreat into prescribed positions of news coverage and educational curriculum.

Meanwhile extreme right-wing news and social media posts, along with cult right wing conservative groups, preach for a white nation. They attack any action they perceive as “liberal.”

Tactics by the Department of Justice call for “investigating” businesses and schools to ‘root out’ DEI.

Is antisemitism increasing? Yes, but so is all minority hate. Is one hate speech worse than another? No.

Bigotry and prejudice are not just learned from parents and peers. No, now this hate is encouraged by people in our federal and state governments and their social media bloggers and podcasts.

This hate will only stop when we all demand that it stops. When we refuse to be manipulated by the fear-mongering from snake oil political candidates and elected officials. When we stop listening to the propaganda broadcasts and social media. To paraphrase that famous poem by Martin Niemöller: “First they came for...”

If you think this is not about you, you are next.

A fourth generation Kentucky Jew, Ms. Goldman is a community activist and organizer in Louisville who often writes on social issues.

This story was originally published August 12, 2025 at 6:00 AM.