The Anti-Defamation League reports an alarming all-time high in anti-semitism today in America. The report notes its highest yet since 1979 with the number of hate crime incidents shooting up 500 percent in the past decade. This time, it’s not only conspiracy theorists or white supremacists that account for fueling its fire, but as well as musicians, athletes and politicians with a great range of support and influence. Prominent figures such as Kanye West and Kyrie Irving fell under fire after posting stereotypical and offensive ideas that perpetuate hate against Jews. 

Little is done to counteract this rampant increase. It took days before Adidas dropped West and for the National Basketball Association (NBA) to suspend Irving. Their effect had already incited a stir within those who agree with their actions, even after they received appropriate forfeiture. Following West’s attacks on Jewish people, his followers had hung anti-semitic banners over the 405 freeway in Los Angeles and over Interstate 10 in Jacksonville, Fla. 

Politicians such as Former President Donald Trump  who once wrote, “U.S. Jews have to get their act together and appreciate what they have in Israel before it is too late.” On his social platform, Truth Social – Arizona gubernatorial candidate Karl Lake and countless others have released anti-semitic statements before retracting only after severe backlash. All of this arose around the fourth anniversary of the Tree of Life shooting, the deadliest attack on Jewish people in American history.  

Weaponized in political debates, conspiracy theories and under the watchful eye of constant misconstruction, it should not fall on the hands of Jewish Americans to fight these acts of hate. With powerful figures backing up this sick and hateful ideology, it is a clear indication that we are not doing enough to combat the effort.