What it’s about:

A recent Instagram video highlights the vast diversity within the Jewish community, challenging stereotypes and acknowledging the rarity of Jewish encounters for most of the global population.

Why it matters:

With only 15 million Jews worldwide, understanding the breadth of Jewish identity is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and accurate perception of the community. This message is especially relevant in a world where media often perpetuates a narrow image of Jewish individuals.

The Global Jewish Population

The video underscores that Jews represent less than one percent of the world’s population, with 7 million residing in Israel and 6 million in the United States. This demographic reality means that most people around the globe, and even in the US outside certain cities, may never personally meet a Jewish person.

Challenging Stereotypes

Addressing common misconceptions, the video presenter points out that media portrayals often limit Jewish representation to Ashkenazi Haredim, which is only a small fraction of the Jewish populace. The true face of Judaism is much more complex and encompasses a spectrum of ethnicities, lifestyles, and identities.

Jewish Diversity on Display

Highlighting the diversity within the Jewish world, the video features images of Jews from various ethnic backgrounds, including Ethiopian, Indian, and Iraqi Jews. It also emphasizes the community’s range of personal expressions and orientations, expanding beyond traditional depictions.

Conclusion

This emphasis on diversity within the Jewish community is a call to broaden our understanding and challenge the narrow portrayals that often dominate public perception. It’s an invitation to recognize the unique and varied faces of a global and multifaceted people.

This story was first published on jpost.