​Bend the Arc​ is a US-based progressive Jewish organization with an interesting take on antisemitism.

I would recommend their ​Dismantling Antisemitism Message Guide ​for its refreshing perspective that challenges popular notions of antisemitism, but I’m not going to make you open another window. I’ll just summarize.

Basically, they teach that antisemitism is manmade and therefore can be man-destroyed. They teach that we can end antisemitism, and they criticize folks who talk about antisemitism as though it were inevitable as the sunrise, naturally occurring as weeds in the garden.

Bend the Arc wants to change the narrative. To people who say we’re never going to get rid of antisemitism, Bend the Arc says, “Not with that attitude we’re not!”

I don’t know how to end antisemitism. I don’t have a plan. I don’t even know if Bend the Arc has a plan. But it makes me hopeful to believe it’s possible, so I appreciate this aspect of their message.

However, in their attempt to spread their message, I’ve noticed them maligning Jews who talk about antisemitism “the wrong way.” Jews who seem to be attached to antisemitism for some perverse reason, who don’t think we can get rid of it and perhaps don’t even want to.

In taking on this dismissive attitude toward Jews’ attachment to antisemitism, Bend the Arc is missing something important.

It is not easy for Jews to part with antisemitism. It sounds perverse, but it is reasonable.

So much of what characterizes us as a Jewish people is our resilience. Our ability to face adversity and come out the other side. It is a source of pride, and reasonably so.

Another thing that characterizes us is our familiarity with darkness. We understand that a worst case scenario is not just theoretical.

Who are we without these things? We don’t know, and for more Jews to get on board with Bend the Arc’s message, we’d have to be excited to find out who we are without antisemitism.

Our history is immutable, but there is a potential future where we share this history while unencumbered by bigotry in the present. This sounds joyful and liberating.

At the same time, it is a complicated prospect because of the uncertain future it presents in terms of our Jewish identity. I wish Bend the Arc would acknowledge this.

I’m grateful to Bend the Arc for saying something new, but I am frustrated by the limitations of their messaging. It reminds me of the things I like least about progressive spaces: the ideological superiority and dismissal of those who disagree. We should be inviting them in, not alienating them.

Do you have thoughts about Bend the Arc, the prospect of ending antisemitism, or the progressive left?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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