By Steve Rosenberg
Antisemitism is not history — it is headlines. From college campuses where Jewish students are harassed for simply identifying with Israel, to sports arenas where antisemitic chants echo from the stands, the threat is real and growing. The Jewish community cannot afford to look away, and neither can the world. In this battle, Jewish athletes stand as living proof of resilience and pride, carrying the weight of our history and the hope of our future every time they step onto the field, the court, or the track.
What makes Jewish athletes so vital in this moment is not just their talent — it is their visibility. In an age when antisemitism thrives both online and in the public square, representation matters more than ever. Each Jewish athlete who competes at the highest levels offers a counternarrative to the lies and hate. Their achievements say to the world: we are here, we belong and we will not be silenced.
By this point we all know these past couple of years have underscored just how much strength our community needs. Since the barbaric attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, Jews across the globe have faced an escalation of hostility. Calls for Israel’s destruction often bleed into open Jew-hatred, while Jewish kids at home are made to feel like strangers in their own schools. And yet, in the middle of this storm, Jewish athletes remind us what perseverance looks like. They are more than competitors; they are ambassadors of courage.
Consider the pride sparked every time a Jewish athlete wins a medal, hoists a trophy, or simply refuses to bow to bigotry. Their success chips away at centuries-old stereotypes and fuels the confidence of young Jews who need to see that greatness is possible. Even more powerful is when these athletes use their platforms to speak out against hate. A tweet, a post, or a press conference comment may seem small, but it can inspire thousands and shame those who traffic in hate. These moments matter, because silence only strengthens the voices of hate, while courage helps build a new standard for how athletes can influence culture.
This is why organizations like the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame matter so much. We are not simply preserving history; we are broadcasting it. Each inductee’s story — rooted in Jewish identity and tied to our city — becomes part of a larger shield against antisemitism. When we celebrate figures like this year’s class of honorees, we remind the world that Jewish contributions to sports are inseparable from the fabric of Philadelphia and the fabric of America. The Hall ensures that these stories are never forgotten and that our young people have heroes to look up to who reflect their values and experiences.
Jewish athletes are not asking for sympathy. They are showing strength. They are proving that identity and excellence go hand in hand. And in doing so, they inspire our community to stand taller, to speak louder and to push back harder against hate. Their victories on the field, in the ring, or on the court are victories for all of us.
In an age when antisemitism seeks to diminish and divide us, Jewish athletes shine as examples of what it means to endure, to excel and to lead. Their victories are more than personal milestones — they are communal triumphs. They show the next generation of Jews that the answer to hate is not retreat, but resilience. Their example challenges all of us, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, to be stronger allies, to celebrate Jewish pride and to recognize the indispensable role Jews continue to play in shaping sports and society.
The world will continue to throw challenges our way. But if we choose to lift up these stories, honor these heroes and carry their message forward, then the light of Jewish resilience will continue to shine — on the playing field and far beyond it.
Steve Rosenberg is the board chair of the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.