Achshav, ani mevinah: A Jewish mother’s reflection on antisemitism in social work

This personal reflection explores the intersection of identity, motherhood, social work, and antisemitism through the author’s journey into Jewish life and the emotional transformation that accompanied her conversion. Central to the narrative is the author’s daughter, whose soulful brown eyes symbolize not just familial bonds but also a connection to a Jewish history steeped in suffering and resilience. The author’s decision to convert to Judaism brings forth an unexpected awareness of the persistent presence of antisemitism in the world, and startlingly, within the social work profession. This reflection highlights the author’s evolving understanding of her Jewish identity and the existential threat posed by a prejudice that continuously rears its head in various forms, from individual microaggressions to larger, systemic violence. Drawing parallels between historical trauma and the present-day rise of antisemitic incidents in both the social work profession and society at large, the piece underscores the unique, insidious nature of antisemitism, especially in social contexts that dismiss or minimize its significance. The author grapples with the implications of these dynamics for herself, her family, and the social work profession, ultimately reaffirming the importance of standing firm in one’s identity in a world that often seeks to erase it. The work serves as both a personal testimony and a call for heightened awareness and action against antisemitism in social work.