The Rise of Anti-Semitism Globally

The new season of Chosen For What? begins with a timely and urgent conversation about the rise of antisemitism globally, and what that means for Jewish communities today. Host Tommy Schnurmacher brings together multiple voices to explore how antisemitism is showing up in modern society, how it is being experienced across generations, and why these conversations matter now more than ever.

Rabbi Lisa Grushcow offers insight into how antisemitism is being discussed and understood within Jewish communities, while Mollie Bowman, a third-generation descendant of Holocaust survivors and Managing Director of Living Links, speaks to the importance of educating young people and empowering them to respond. Shoshana Cenker shares a deeply personal perspective, reflecting on what it means to raise children in a world where fear and visibility are once again part of daily life for many Jewish families.

The episode also examines the evolving language surrounding antisemitism, including the rise of anti-Zionism in academic and public spaces. Anthropologist Adam Louis-Klein breaks down how certain narratives and terminology are being used today, and why understanding these distinctions is critical in recognizing modern forms of hate. This conversation connects directly to broader questions people are asking today, including what antisemitism looks like in 2025, how Holocaust memory shapes Jewish identity, and why Holocaust education remains essential in combating hate and misinformation.

Chosen For What? is brought to you by the Foundation for Genocide Education, a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that every student understands the history and lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides. To learn more about their work, or to make a donation, please visit GenEd.org.