r/Eugene • u/SoiledConsistently • 27d ago
Jew in Eugene, am I wrong to be scared? Moving
Title pretty much sums it up. I am an observant and visibly Jewish person living in Eugene. I am descendants of holocaust survivors. Given historical context of being scapegoated and persecuted in combination with the current national political climate, I am finding myself feeling increasingly worried and uneasy for my safety. I am interested in the community’s perspective as a whole, especially others who are non white or minority populations. Am I wrong to feel scared, do you feel scared or increased worry of your safety?
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u/Salt-Scallion-8002 27d ago edited 27d ago
Know that you and all are welcome to be who you are anywhere near me and my loving community around Eugene and beyond.
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u/chakrakitty 27d ago
Been an Ashkenazi jew my whole life. Had my family flee pogrom in Russia as well as holocaust. I have never been scared to have jewish blood one day of my life. The news media will program people to be afraid. If you turn off your TV and talk to the people around you, you'll realize all of that non sense is used to control people with fear and actually isn't as real as they make it out to be. Empower yourself and rise up!
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u/laylazdudley 27d ago
Hi there! I'm half Palestinian, the descendant of Nakba survivors and I don't think there's much need to fear, but the risk of antisemitism is not zero.
Personally and unfortunately, I was raised with a good amount of it, but I made the conscious choice to judge people on an individual basis for their actions and not based on things over which they have no control, like being born of a certain ethnicity or race. I'm a hairdresser and have Jewish clients that I value greatly and have had very meaningful conversations around current events.
As long as you don't publicly support the horrible things happening to Palestine in both Gaza and the West Bank, where my mother was born, then I think you'll be fine. If you do feel it's ok to kill entire populations because of their religion or ethnicity in the name of colonial expansion, I suggest you keep it to yourself and search your heart for why that would ever be OK to happen to anyone.
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u/Fro-yo_enthusiast 27d ago
Beautifully put, if you don’t go around praising genocide then people won’t have a problem.
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u/SoiledConsistently 27d ago
So if Jews support their homeland and State of Israel, they should keep it to themselves?
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u/laylazdudley 27d ago
Not at all. There is a difference between supporting the actions of a government committing atrocities, and supporting the people of a country that have the choice to do better. Just like you wouldn't assume everyone here in the states supports Trump.
There are wonderful Israelis who protest their government's actions and even refuse compulsory service in the IDF, and they are also treated horribly, but I respect the hell out of them. Again, looking at these individuals, I understand the difference.
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u/Podalirius 26d ago edited 26d ago
You are of European descent, you have no connections to that land. What is happening over there is colonialism playing out in the 21st century.
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u/WALLOFKRON 27d ago
Dont be scared one bit
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u/SoiledConsistently 27d ago
Thank you…but it is concerning to see this post get downvoted 😔
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u/divisionstdaedalus 27d ago edited 27d ago
Most people are so cynical now that they think this is seeded political propaganda rather than a person expressing genuine concern about current events
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u/seaofthievesnutzz 27d ago
its probably getting downvoted because people feel insulted and not because they hate jews.
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u/uoduckuo 27d ago
If you don’t understand why it’s getting downvoted, then you’re totally missing what everyone is trying to tell you. It seems you’re stuck on a certain mindset and not super open to hearing what people are saying.
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27d ago
I'd say that you are wrong to be scared. I've only been in town a few years, but I've never heard an antisemitic word from or about anyone.
Eugene has a pretty broad Christian base, so I can understand your feeling a bit alone, but you shouldn't feel disrespected, displaced, unwelcome, or targeted.
I don't want to paint with a broad brush, but from my experience, most secular people don't care, most religious people are totally ignorant about other's religion, and overt-bigots are a very small minority.
Is there going to be a kashrut deli or restaurant opening around here soon? Nope. I wish, but there's not enough observant Jews to make it a viable option.
But, could you walk into a parve brewpub with tallit dangling and enjoy a beer and conversation with a complete stranger sitting at the bar? I should hope so.
If you're feeling isolated, I'd suggest finding a comfortable space and manner to socialize with others. If you only socialize within your specific cultural boundaries, you're going to remain feeling isolated.
Shalom
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u/garfilio 27d ago
Eugene has had a history of antisemitism. Periodically there have been antisemitic fliers distributed, and the Synagogue has been vandalized with antisemitic graffiti. The poster is likely not in danger of being attacked on the street by an antisemite, but like anyplace, it's good to be aware.
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27d ago
I don't disagree with your observations, but op used the term 'scared'. I don't believe that op should feel scared. There is nothing in Eugene's recent history that warrants being 'afraid'.
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u/PoriferaProficient 27d ago
Eugene is rather secular. In fact the whole state ranks number #2 for least religious in the country. Most people just don't care about religion, even the ones who will identify with one if pressed.
Point is, no one is gonna care about your religion, one way or the other. In the unlikely instance that someone does make a big deal of it, it's because they're an assclown, and you'll find those anywhere in the world.
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u/SoiledConsistently 27d ago
I understand your message, while I wasn’t only sharing this about Judaism as a religious but being Jewish as an ethnicity too.
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u/DopeShitBlaster 27d ago
Personally Eugene is as safe a place as anywhere to practice your religion. I realize there is a major conflict in Palestine right now and people are critical of Israel’s role. But I would say the vast majority of people can separate the religion of Judaism from the country of Israel and its conflicts/probable war crimes.
If you do feel the need to support Israel’s wars you might run into people that disagree with you, but it’s not because of your religion.
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u/AppropriatePirate702 27d ago
You're completely fine
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u/SoiledConsistently 27d ago
Say more
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u/AppropriatePirate702 27d ago
About what? You shouldn't be worried about any racially motivated violence unless you're on campus pushing back against pro Palestine groups and even then I wouldn't be worried. If you are that afraid, you live in America. Buy a handgun, rain with it, a lot, obtain a CHL and carry. I carry everytime I leave my house, neither me or anyone in my family will be a victim to anyone
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u/SoiledConsistently 27d ago
Correct me if I’m wrong, you’re telling Jews in Eugene who are scared for their safety to carry firearms illegally on a federal college campus? While at the same time you’re telling us not to be worried about ethnically motivated violence.
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u/SoiledConsistently 27d ago
lol ive lived here for over 10 years and went to UO. Reddit is wild.
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27d ago
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u/SoiledConsistently 27d ago
I guess I could say the same about you 🤷♂️ Local Jew goes to his local subreddit asking for community support and is basically told to stfu by the majority and even told he’s not human, he’s a bot. This experience is synonymous with the dehumanizing of Jews for centuries. Thanks.
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27d ago
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u/SoiledConsistently 27d ago
Idk what to tell you. I’m a local Oregonian 🤷♂️ Thanks for your support.
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u/Lonely_Dig2132 27d ago
Honestly this isn’t the right place to post for an answer that makes sense, people on this sub just love to be angry and fight for whatever reason
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u/FmrEdgelord 27d ago edited 26d ago
Eugene is quite left leaning, so I’m guessing if you were to get any flak it would be verbal insults from the “anti-Zionist” folks who missed the memo that you aren’t Netanyahu’s first cousin. However, I absolutely understand the concern. It’s worrying that this is a growing fear among the Jewish population in the United States and the fact an apolitical post like this is attracting downvotes speaks to the reality of that worry.
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u/peonylover 27d ago
Hey — I’m also a Jew in the area. Are you connected in the community? If not, want to get together? Would love to have you over for shabbat. (Really low key, just challah, lighting candles and board games.)
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u/HyperboleHelper 27d ago
I personally welcome you as a person and what you can add to our city just by being here. I know that we have a few synagogues and I hope that you find the right community for you!
I'm sorry that you have to ask that question about our area, but with our state's history I don't blame you! I really don't have the background to answer your question other than to suggest caution to everyone in the coming few years especially.
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u/WalkingJayBird 27d ago
I’ve never seen or heard of anyone in your position being attacked or harassed at all. That said, anything can happen. There are certainly some racist and terrible people in Oregon and Lane County. I think you should be fine in Eugene. Just try to trust your gut, and be aware of sketchy people. I would avoid Oakridge (45 min drive east) Their are a ton of racist trash out there. Springfield has some blatantly racist folks I’ve seen with Swastika tattoos etc. Again, that said… they are the minority. Mostly good folks out here! If you’re worried, you can carry mase, and a pocket knife etc.
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u/Prestigious-Packrat 27d ago
There's always a kernel of rationality in even the most irrational fears, and your fear is far from irrational given our current political climate. Although you didn't go into specifics of what's made you to feel unsafe, I'd be truly ashamed and disgusted if members of our community have tried to intimidate you in any way.
Fwiw, although I've lived here in Eugene for decades, I grew up in a city with a large and vibrant Jewish community. Eugene just doesn't have that, and I know what a lonely struggle it can be to find something like it. Good luck to you, and please know you have my care and support.
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u/Different-Trip-2724 26d ago
Just put the politics aside and be proud of your lineage. You have the luxury of having to ask Reddit if you should be afraid. Unlike our ancestors, we have no idea what it means to truly fear being Jewish.
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u/SoiledConsistently 26d ago
Your comment is not only ignorant but dismissive of historical trauma and lived experiences. As a second-generation Auschwitz survivor, I carry the weight of my ancestors’ fear and persecution—a reality you trivialize by comparing today’s relative safety to past horrors. Instead of offering support, you diminish valid concerns while showcasing your lack of understanding. Do better.
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u/Different-Trip-2724 26d ago
No, I will remain proud with my gratitude for not living in the times during which my ancestors suffered terribly. There is nothing wrong with saying I have not experienced that level of adversity. You have your story, I have mine. I respect how you feel and am glad you are able to express that freely.
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u/uoduckuo 25d ago
Can’t you say the same for Palestinan Americans also facing similar fear and lack of safety? “It’s not only ignorant but dismissive of historical trauma and lived experiences.” But everything you’ve said has proven you do the same of what you’re trying to avoid others doing.
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u/Fro-yo_enthusiast 27d ago
Not wrong, but I think you’ll be fine 🤷♀️ there are plenty of other visible minorities that have dealt with this all their life. Personally the only antisemitism I’ve experienced is a group of Zionists yelling and threatening me because I “wasn’t a real Jew” for being pro-Palestine.
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u/Both-Competition-152 27d ago
Im trans myself we have our fair share of bigots but mainly in the springfield hills not the nice ones lol
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u/Proud_Cauliflower400 27d ago
Unless your hasidic or recognizable as "a jew" which most folks aren't outrightly recognizable by most folks that know almost nothing about Judaism or folks who are Jewish aren't even going to be able to tell.
Live your life and don't broadcast your belief system/religion and most people around here won't know. If you keep it low key enough chances are you'll find out who you need to avoid. They'll be your key to knowing who you need to avoid at all cost. Hate and actionable hate trickles down from the top extremists. The lower rung leads to the upper rung. Some has figured it out already. There's got be organizations that have a list of nazi wannabe douches.
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27d ago
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u/PunksOfChinepple 27d ago
OP went out of their way to specifically state that they're not white, twice. Reading comprehension can be important sometimes!
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u/MoeityToity 27d ago
There isn’t any sort of Jewish community here. When people find out that I am, they’re like “Oh but I thought you were from here!”
That being said, unless you wear a Star of David or, G-d forbid, a Bring Them Home dogtag, the antisemites/antizionists aren’t going to clock you as being Jewish. This is a very blue bubble and it’s more diverse than it’s ever been.
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u/sidhsinnsear 27d ago edited 27d ago
Unfortunately, unlike what some are saying here, I would be cautious. You might get flak on both extremes in Oregon. There are the right extreme neo-nazis, but they hang mostly in southern Oregon. Sometimes, though, I would see them at night in downtown Eugene just be careful there. The extreme left seems to have moved on from harassing any Jew they see for being "occupiers" (even if you've never personally lived in Israel). But if you see some protestors wearing keffiyehs, I would turn around just in case. The Synagogues get graffiti on them every Halloween or so, but no other attacks lately on them.
At the end of the day, sadly, like everywhere else lately, just be aware of your surroundings if you wear a kippah or tichel (not sure of your gender). Stay safe and Shalom.
Edit: the downvotes are kinda proving my point...
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u/Peachykeengreat 27d ago
The downvotes are because you are conflating anti semitism with anti Zionism. Also this person is clearly a Zionist based on previous comments in this thread and their own comment history.
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u/sidhsinnsear 27d ago
Nope. Not playing the semantics game. It's plain old racism when someone attacks you just because you're a Jew. The distinction is absolutely moot when you're hiding in your attic or your dorm room because of your ethnicity. I will not tolerate people cloaking their racism in virtue signalling and then demanding to be called righteous.
So downvote me. I don't care. I won't appease hate for a whole ethnicity because of a perceived political belief that I bet dollars to donuts 99.99% of randos in Oregon know only what they read on Al Jeseera and CNN.
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u/justacunninglinguist 27d ago
There's some anti-Zionist sentiment going on but it shouldn't be conflated with antisemitism. Unfortunately, there will be bigots wherever you go but generally it's not tolerated here.