'Antisemitism must be treated like any other form of racism'
Below is a letter shared by the UK Jewish Social Workers group in response to the ‘Complaint about BASW podcast October 2021’
The UK Jewish Social Workers group is a new collective of Jewish social workers from various backgrounds and denominations. We have come together to support one another, fight antisemitism, promote solidarity and community, and help inform other social workers about what it can mean to be Jewish.
Unfortunately, the UK Jewish Social Workers group was not at all surprised that there would be complaints about the BASW podcast on antisemitism. Sadly, we expected these types of complaints because the podcast was the first to ever talk about antisemitism and social work, with two Jewish people talking about their experiences. We expected attempts to censor, silence, intimidate, and cancel Jewish voices and opinions.
Overall, the specific complaint fits into typical antisemitic discourse, such as only some forms of antisemitism are allowed to be discussed and should only be addressed by certain people (seemingly non-Jews) in specific ways. Once again, it has been suggested that Jewish people are liars and smearers for recounting controversies and fears and for responding to other people’s statements.
Once again, it has been inferred that Jews have overplayed their victim status, and there needs to be a more "balanced approach" if they give their opinions or even make recommendations. This approach also seems to include non-Jewish people calling into question what antisemitism means to Jewish people and the impact of antisemitism on their lives. Once again, it has been shown that Jews will always somehow be cast as perpetrators of oppression if they dare to name the discrimination they face and have faced throughout history.
We are aware that some of the supporters of the complaint had not even listened to the podcast. We also see that “BASW members” signed the complaint, but the complaint does not attest to how many.
To repeat what was said many times in the podcast, it is essential to inform social workers what antisemitism is and what being Jewish is – from the perspective of being Jewish. The podcast is the start of the conversation about antisemitism, a topic rarely mentioned in social work literature, policy, or practice. Hearing from survivors of oppression is the first step in anti-oppressive practice. It upholds the value of listening to the views of others – especially those that are marginalised, discriminated against, not believed, and often silenced.
We expect this good and just practice for other minoritised groups. We are emphatic that antisemitism must be treated similarly. However, again as reiterated many times in the podcast, people should also find out more on their own accord, should do their own reflection, and address their own biases. We are advocating for critical reflection of social work, society, and ourselves.
Also, as said in the podcast, which was not specifically about Israel/Palestine, we strongly advocate for ways to protest and fight the horrific specific policies that are destroying the human rights and the lives of Palestinians. However, this must be done without calling for the destruction of Israel or calling for the death of all Jews worldwide.
To all those hiding their Jewish identity for fear of repercussions, we are sorry that unjust and cruel claims may make you even more fearful. It is not OK, and please be aware overall feedback suggests that the podcast had many more supporters than known dissenters. If you are experiencing antisemitism, please contact organisations such as the Community Security Trust.
The UK Jewish Social Workers Group