Introducing and Critiquing HebCrit: A Framework for Understanding and Combating Antisemitism and Jew-Hate

• In Event: Beyond Binary Thinking: Jews, Antisemitism, and Navigating Difference

Abstract

Objective and Purposes
HebCrit is an emerging framework designed to address antisemitism by adapting Critical Race Theory (CRT; see Delgado & Stefancic, 2023) to the unique experiences and identities of diverse Jewish communities. This talk introduces HebCrit, highlighting its foundational principles, theoretical roots, and practical applications. HebCrit was first proposed by Rubin (2020) to fill a critical gap in existing CRT frameworks, which often overlook the specific forms of discrimination faced by Jewish people. While CRT has been instrumental in addressing racism, it does not adequately address antisemitism or the complex positionality of Jews as an ethno-religion.

Rubin’s (2020) original exploration of HebCrit focused on American Jews as a White-perceived, Ashkenazi, racialized group. Drawing inspiration from foundational CRT scholars like Crenshaw and Ladson-Billings, I extend HebCrit to be more inclusive of the entirety of Jewish ethnicity, including Sephardi, Mizrachi, and other Jews of color. I integrate key elements from intersectionality, Critical Whiteness Studies, and diverse Jewish ethnic lived experiences to provide a more nuanced analysis of antisemitism.

Theoretical Frameworks
Intersectionality. Intersectionality examines how various forms of discrimination intersect and overlap, affecting individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups (Cho et al., 2013). HebCrit uses intersectionality to highlight these complex and overlapping forms of discrimination, providing a more comprehensive understanding of Jewish experiences.
Critical Whiteness Studies. CWS examines the construction and maintenance of White identity and privilege, critiquing the ways in which Whiteness is normalized and taken for granted (Nayak, 2007). This involves exploring how Ashkenazi Jews have been racialized differently in various contexts and how their racial identity can shift depending on social and political circumstances. HebCrit uses CWS to analyze these shifting dynamics and to challenge the notion that Jewish identity is fixed or monolithic.

Perspectives
Diverse Jewish Ethnic Perspectives. HebCrit also emphasizes the importance of diverse Jewish ethnic perspectives. Jewish communities are ethnically and culturally diverse, encompassing groups such as Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrahi, Ethiopian Jews, and more, each with their own unique histories and experiences. Traditional DEI initiatives often fail to account for this diversity, instead treating Jewish identity as homogeneous (see Abrams & Armeni, 2023). By addressing Jewish diversity, HebCrit provides a more inclusive and accurate representation of Jewish communities, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

Scholarly Significance
A central goal of HebCrit is to scrutinize power dynamics within institutions and society. It examines how antisemitism is perpetuated and intersects with other systemic inequalities. For instance, HebCrit can analyze how Jewish exclusion from DEI initiatives reflects broader patterns of marginalization and erasure, rooted in Christian hegemony. This approach advocates for a more inclusive recognition of the complex intersections of race, religion, and ethnicity.
This talk aims to introduce HebCrit to a broader audience, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities within the Jewish community and the diverse forms of oppression experienced by Jews. Through this introduction, we hope to frame the proceeding papers and panel discussion, paving the way for a more just and inclusive society for Jewish individuals and other marginalized groups alike.

Author

• Noah D. Drezner, Teachers College, Columbia University