To think there are very few allies against Anti-Semitism?

Racism is so widespread it's almost ingrained in British society now it's not just anti-Semitism and sadly there are very few people willing to stand up to it

It is outrageous to dismiss anti-Semitism as “words”. Anti-semitism has risen in the last couple of years in the UK, people are hearing it more because it is actually happening more.

What are you trying to say, that British Jewish people’s lived experiences are invalid? That the racism directed at them matters less than other types of racism?

Yes, so not you, but some people.

The problem is that there are many different defenitions of anti-semitism.

I still have no idea what you mean. But I’m guessing I won’t like it.

There are allies, OP, but our antagonists are louder.

I think, especially in London, people exercise a certain self-preservation. They would rather not stand up in case they then become a target too. It's understandable.

Wish I could offer something more hopeful, especially given some of the idiocy on display in this thread...

It depends on who, what and how you asked for help before anyone can judge whether it was the circumstances of the situation or something else.

People can’t be expected to call themselves an ally for every ism that there is, but I would think that the vast majority of people in this country would stick up for a child they saw being upset by an unrelated adult in public.

You're right, it's not really a 'phrase'. Apologies. I'll re-phrase.

The words 'Anti-Semitism' have been so awfully overused in the last couple of years that people, including the police, probably now under-react to any real examples or reports of it.

I don't think this is outrageous at all.

One good example is how in recent years, we've rightly been taught to respect the lived experiences of people of colour and other minorities when they speak about racism or oppression. But that same respect often isn’t extended to Jewish people when they speak about antisemitism.

How has antisemitism been overused? If someone is antisemitic then they’re antisemitic.
If you’re referring to the current political situation in Gaza, It is not antisemitic to criticise the government of Israel but that’s a whole different issue from hurling abuse at a family in the street simply because they’re Jewish. I’m appalled by the situation in Gaza but that doesn’t mean I’m not acutely aware that Jewish citizens aren’t regularly subjected to actual antisemitism.

Yep, your name is true!

I think there are a few posts in this thread where if you substituted 'racism' for 'anti-semitism', it would read very differently and people would be shocked.

It makes me think that when Diane Abbott claimed that Jewish people experience racism 'differently', the other side of the argument is true - that anti-semitism is seen as less of a problem than racism.

Like the PP asking for an explanation of what happened. That could be innocent but if someone said they suffered racial abuse, why do we need to know the details to validate the fact it happened?

I think the issue is so many people are disgusted by the situation in Gaza and are taking this out on other innocent people.
I’d have spoken up for you OP. I’m sorry nobody did.

Yeah I have no idea what this poster even means so was just ignoring it. What a strange thing to say.

Oh dear

I would hope that this is a symptom of people’s difficulties interjecting into any situation like this, not specifically just antisemitism but I don’t know. My children and I aren’t visibly Jewish but my daughter had two terrible bullying situations at school involving hate speech - neither handled particularly well by the teacher bystanders. I’m not sure if this is specific about anti Jewish bullying or a more general issue.

I am terribly sorry this is happening to you. I have posted a few times about how difficult everything is just now. Feel free to message if you’d like to talk.

The phrase 'Anti-Semitism' has been so awfully overused in the last couple of years that people, including the police, probably now under-react to any real examples or reports of it

It's not a phrase.

And can you imagine saying this sentence but replace anti semetism with the word racism. It's outrageous.

So sorry op...yanbu

Sorry @PenelopePennyDrop - I see that you're responding to the post above and I misinterpreted you!

In the same way that many in the Jewish community are unable to distinguish between criticism of the Israeli government’s appalling behaviour and antisemitism, many non Jews are unable to distinguish between the atrocities in Gaza and being antisemitic. Many people are just too dogmatic and narrow minded to see the nuance.

Antisemitism is never ok. I would have said something had I been there but then, I’m from a small community where people look out for each other. I’m sorry you and your children experienced this. It is not ok.

The poster clearly said ‘there are times’ to indicate that they don’t feel this applies to all those who are outraged by whats happening in Gaza.

@PenelopePennyDrop That's great to know that you're outraged by the genocide in Gaza but why do you feel the need to say it in the same breath as saying you're not anti-semitic? Jews in the UK are not in any way responsible for what's happening in Gaza and I think it would be widely considered to be problematic if I said:

'I disapprove of the genocide in Rwanda but have nothing against Black people'

... do you see what I mean? It suggests that the first thing is somehow the responsibility/interest of all Black people all over the world?

I am outraged by the genocide in Gaza but not anti-Semitic in the slightest.

I am not in London but I think its pretty unlikely that nobody would do anything in my area if they saw a woman and children being verbally abused for any reason.
I hope not and I know I would certainly try to help

Sorry that happened to you. I would have intervened on your behalf, and have done for others. I know the difference it can make when even one person says something in support.

I do agree with @familylawyer01392 that most people just watch gormlessly regardless of what's happening, whether it's racial abuse, sexual assault, or, to a lesser extent, very ill people.

People don’t like to get involved, in general. I don’t think anti-semitism plays a part. You can see videos everyday of people, walking on by, or not getting involved when bad things are happening. Survival instinct, and Bystander syndrome.