Israel’s recent pre-emptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and leadership have sent shockwaves across the globe, and here in Houston, our Jewish community feels the reverberations acutely. As tensions escalate in the Middle East, we face a harsh reality: International conflicts thousands of miles away can ignite hatred right here at home. The fear is palpable, and it is justified. History has taught us that global events targeting Israel often translate into local violence against Jews.
In the last month, we’ve witnessed this pattern unfold with alarming clarity. A Jew and her Israeli boyfriend were murdered in our nation’s capital. A peaceful gathering in Boulder, Colorado, designed to bring attention to Israeli hostages, was set ablaze, leaving 15 people injured, including a Holocaust survivor. Even the private home of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a practicing Jew, became the site of targeted intimidation. These are not isolated incidents. They are harbingers of more to come if we don’t act now. The current situation with Iran could result in a powder keg of antisemitic sentiment. Social media could erupt with conspiracy theories blaming all Jews for Israel’s military actions. Protests that begin as political demonstrations too often devolve into calls for violence against Jewish communities worldwide. We’re witnessing a dangerous trend of holding every Jew accountable for the actions of the Israeli government.
That is not legitimate criticism of policy. That is antisemitism, plain and simple.First, speak out and report incidents immediately. Whenever and wherever you hear antisemitic rhetoric, challenge it. Silence is interpreted as agreement. Your voice matters, especially if you’re not Jewish. Allies have power. Also, report incidents of harassment, vandalism, or threats against Jews or Jewish institutions to law enforcement and organizations such as ADL (the Anti-Defamation League). Documentation is crucial for tracking patterns and allocating resources for protection.
But Houston has always done things differently. We argue, we debate, and yes, we disagree, but we do not turn to violence. When there’s a problem in Houston, we say it out loud, then we do something about it. We sit down.We talk. We listen. We find a way forward. It is in that spirit of collaboration that we must unite now, before hatred takes root in our community.
So what can Houstonians do to prevent antisemitic incidents and crimes in our community?Second, show visible support. Attend interfaith events at synagogues.Join vigils against antisemitism. Post messages of solidarity on social media. When the Jewish community sees neighbors standing with them, it counters the isolation that hatred seeks to create.
Third, educate yourself and others. Learn to recognize antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories. Understand the difference between legitimate criticism of government policies and hatred toward an entire people. Share accurate information to counter the misinformation that fuels violence.
Fourth, strengthen interfaith relationships now. Don’t wait for a crisis. Build genuine friendships across religious lines. When we know each other as individuals, it’s harder for hatred to take hold.
Fifth, form and participate in community-to-community dialogues. Have conversations and discuss realities that different communities are facing. Seek to understand and respect the circumstances that affect your neighbors. Form collective collaborations against hate and violence aimed at all communities.
The murders in Washington, D.C., the flames in Boulder, the intimidation in Pennsylvania: These attacks will happen again. They will grow more frequent and more extreme if we don’t unite across faiths, communities and political lines to stop them.
Houston has taught us that collaboration is not only possible, but essential.
This is our moment to set an example and show that the ties binding us are stronger than the hate dividing us. We cannot allow antisemitism to be normalized. Instead, let’s normalize respect, truth-seeking and working together toward solutions. Houston has done this before, and we can do it again. Together, we can ensure that our city remains a place of peace, dignity, and safety for everyone.
Rabbi David Lyon is the senior rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel.
Bishop James Dixon, II, is prelate at the Community of Faith Church, which is part of Kingdom Builders Global Fellowship.
J. Michael Treviño chairs ADL’s Coalition for Mutual Respect.
