Navigating Antisemitism and Russophobia: Russian Jews in the West

In today's global landscape, Russian Jews living in the West face the unique challenge of navigating two interrelated but distinct forms of prejudice: antisemitism and Russophobia. While these phenomena vary in intensity and manifestation, the impact on individuals can be profoundly complex.

The Dual Burden of Antisemitism and Russophobia

From my perspective, Russophobia is not something that significantly affects me. I was born in Russia, but that is merely a point of origin. My family heritage extends to Latvia, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, which means I feel no significant connection to these places, including Russia. On the other hand, antisemitism, which has seen a concerning rise in the United States in recent years, including cases of violent and murderous incidents, is a stark and pressing concern for me.

Past and Present: Comparing Antisemitism Across Borders

Comparing the everyday, casual antisemitism experienced in the former Soviet Union to the more infrequent antisemitism in the United States is a remarkable contrast. In Russia, antisemitism was openly expressed among the populace and even in the official press, whereas in America, it remains a rare occurrence. In my 27 years in the United States, I have encountered antisemitism only a small number of times, perhaps no more than a couple of times. The intensity and frequency of encounters with Russophobia in the US, on the other hand, are virtually non-existent.

Antisemitism in the United States: Personal Experiences

Although my experiences with antisemitism in the United States are minimal, there have been instances that stand out. In school, I faced bullying for having a Jewish family name and even heard the term "dirty little Jew" from my teachers at age seven. In more recent years, I have encountered instances where my colleagues and ex-partners displayed a lack of understanding about Jewish culture and history. For example, a colleague once casually mentioned that Jews don't worry about money because they are inherently rich, without realizing that I was Jewish. Similarly, an ex-girlfriend associated the De Beers diamond company with Jews, suggesting that it was not a genuine business and should not be patronized. These experiences highlight the persistence of misunderstandings and biases.

The Invisible Plague: Russophobia in the United States

Despite these incidents, I have never encountered russophobic attitudes in my time in the United States. However, during high school, I witnessed a disturbing incident involving Russian students. A group fight erupted between Russian and Black students, leading to the arrest and prosecution of the Russian students. During the trial, the judge questioned one of the defendants, further highlighting the systemic issues that Russian immigrants face in the US.

Conclusion: Balancing Identities and Adjusting to New Realities

Living as a Russian Jew in the West is a journey of balancing identities and adapting to a new reality. While experiences of antisemitism and Russophobia vary, the overall impact on individuals and communities remains significant. By understanding and addressing these issues, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.