Dear non-Jews,

When Jews tell you that something you have said is antisemitic, generally we’re not making a judgment on your entire personality. Especially if this is a 1st offense, we tend to assume it was an error, try to educate you, & keep it moving.

There are probably exceptions to this general rule, but generally speaking, an accusation of antisemitism is about ~a specific statement~ and not a person’s beliefs or character, when that person does not have a track record of antisemitic behavior & comments.

At the same time, we’re aware that antisemitic ideas permeate the world around almost everyone.

I don’t think there is any consensus among Jews about how to react to/deal with that situation.

Just know that it’s okay to apologize for accidentally saying something antisemitic because such an admission is, generally speaking,* just a way for us to move past a sore moment and keep going.

*speaking for a lot of Jews i know, but not all, certainly

p.s. If you’re not Jewish, think carefully before you say “this person’s record of antisemitism means they’re not qualified for X political office.” does this seem co-signed by a consensus of Jews? or is an antisemitism accusation being used in bad faith by mostly non-Jews?

by “a consensus” i mean Jews from across the political spectrum, and many of them. it does not have to be all. and are they saying “this person’s problem is severe enough they should not be allowed to serve in office,”

or did they say “this person said this or that problematic thing; they have apologized and now it’s over for us”?

consider whether what you’re saying about someone is co-signed by Jews, or whether non-Jews are deploying accusations of antisemitism in ways Jews wouldn’t.

Jews find it very frustrating to become silenced bystanders in arguments over antisemitism, our points of view ignored in favor of (usually, let’s face it, Christian) non-Jewish opinions.