Editor's Notes: Why some Jews are scrubbing themselves from the internet - comment

In an era marked by rising antisemitism, a concerning trend has emerged where individuals are actively seeking to distance themselves from public association with Jewish or Israeli causes. This phenomenon, described by legal scholar Kenji Yoshino as 'covering,' involves individuals not renouncing their identity but rather 'turning the volume down' to navigate a world that increasingly views such affiliations as a liability.

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Take my name off it.

The Jerusalem Post has received numerous requests from contributors, academics, and professionals to remove their names from articles and interviews. These individuals are not retracting their views or disavowing their Jewishness; rather, they are responding to a climate where public attachment to Jewish or Israeli issues has become 'too expensive' – impacting their careers, social circles, and overall safety.

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He calls it covering: not denying who you are, but turning the volume down so the world lets you pass.

While acknowledging the necessity of responding to antisemitism, the author contends that this focus alone is insufficient. The piece argues for the cultivation of a Jewish life that extends beyond the reactive stance against hatred. On the eve of Shavuot, a festival celebrating the receiving of the Torah, the article emphasizes the importance of a public, covenantal identity rooted in something more than survival. It calls for a robust Jewish existence that is not solely defined by threats and antisemitism, but by a vibrant engagement with heritage and community.

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Fear does not erase attachment.