Top Jewish Stories of 2022

2022 is coming to an end, and with that, comes the chance to revisit the significant moments of the year. We saw similar themes repeat themselves throughout 2022, for better and, yes, for worse. Jews were incredibly visible on a global platform (who doesn’t love to wake up to see “THE JEWS” trending??), and made the best of their situation.

Here are the 5 major trends in the Jewish experience of 2022:

Antisemitism

Hatred of Jews has been rising for years now and has been present for plenty of human history, but 2022 felt like it was defined in some ways by major stories of antisemitism. In January, an armed man took a synagogue hostage in Colleyville, Texas, as Jews around the world watched and hoped for the captives’ safe return. In May, Lufthansa employees blocked Jews from boarding their flight while letting non-Jews pass in peace.

Ye (the artist formerly known as Kanye West, Kyrie Irving, and Dave Chappelle, ) used their platforms to spread antisemitic stereotypes and conspiracy theories, portraying Jews as fakes or as an all-powerful global cabal of puppetmasters. Meanwhile, Jews were attacked in the streets and had their places of business and worship defaced.

Kanye West

When people and businesses responded, it was encouraging. Lufthansa (in four apologies and a settlement), Ye clothing partners Adidas and GAP (along with JPMorgan Chase, Balenciaga, and others), and the Brooklyn Nets showed, to varying degrees that they were willing to stand up to antisemitism. The United States announced at a White House Hanukkah celebration that they would develop a national strategy to fight against antisemitism. “Silence is complicity,” said President Joe Biden.

Ukraine

The invasion began in February, as Russia launched a “special military operation” into Ukraine. Russian military forced millions into becoming refugees, razing cities, and bombing civilians. Russia continued its internationally denounced war on Ukraine throughout most of 2022, affecting a place that has held significant historical resonance for the Jewish people for many centuries. Under the leadership of Jewish president Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine embodied the Jewish spirit of few against many, delivering catastrophic blows to Russian forces and bringing hope to his people.

Asher and David Cherkasskiy, Ukrainian special forces

Ukraine’s Jewish past was revisited in thought and in memory, while its Jewish present was filled with inspiration, courage, and a reminder of the worldwide connection of all Jews.

Holocaust Awareness

When modern antisemitism spreads, Holocaust denial is often not far behind. As survivors continue to pass away — including the oldest known at the age of 108 — and memory fades, the disinformation of Holocaust denial becomes easier and easier to pull off. While denial continued growing as a worrying phenomenon, there were some who fought to preserve truth and memory.

Lily Ebert and her great grandson Dov Forman

Lily Ebert, a 98-year-old survivor amassed a huge following on TikTok, combatting Holocaust deniers. Social media influencer Montana Tucker created a Holocaust docu-series to help spread the message of never forgetting the atrocities. “Speak up against hate of any kind,” said Tucker, “Don’t be scared about losing your jobs and your friends. Speak up, and get your point out there without attacking. Everyone has the right to have their own opinions. If you don’t attack, you will be seen and heard.”

Authentic Jewish Stories

Jews in 2022 were also able to tell their stories without having to invoke the Holocaust. Major productions depicted Jews, without any fear of embracing their identities. Steven Spielberg and James Gray revisited their childhoods in The Fabelmans and Armageddon Time, respectively. Nathan Fielder confronted his own Jewish identity through the premise of simulated child-rearing in The Rehearsal and Moon Knight featured the MCU’s first explicitly Jewish superhero.

Steven Spielberg

Jews thrived or struggled in TV shows The Patient and Fleischman in Trouble, Broadway show Funny Girl (all backstage gossip aside), and Hallmark movie Hanukkah on Rye. Even the bad movies felt good, an indication that representation was so strong, there was enough room for good stuff and bad stuff alike.

Miami Boys Choir

Through all the good and the bad, one definite light in 2022 was the resurgence of the Miami Boys Choir, not just as a source of Jewish entertainment, but as a widespread cultural phenomenon. In shining red and silver shirts, a group of Jewish boys recorded in 2008 blew up on TikTok. The initial video garnered over 12 million views. Then came the comments, remixes, karaoke tracks, dances, translated lyrics, and many many fans.

Miami Boys Choir

The positivity was overwhelming, a sign that cultural differences like language and religion could be easily overcome. "The one thing that really stands out to me,” said David Herskowitz, a soloist featured in the viral video, “is that out of the millions of views, there have been...like one or two antisemitic comments. Who would have thought that a song about Jerusalem would go viral and there wouldn't be any [negative feedback?]?” Miami Boys Choir closed the year out with a packed free concert in Los Angeles, which of course included their worldwide hit song.