Anti Semitic, Anti Jewish comments at work?

The Jews have suvived worse.

I don't think that you're wrong to be offended at all, given that the comment about the pennies was clearly derrogatory and anti-semetic.

However, I think that your coworker WAS wrong to be offended. Why would she be offended by being asked if she was Jewish, unless she considered it an insult? I'm not Jewish, and I have been asked if I am due to last name and appearance (always by Jews, by the way), and have never once been offended by it. Why should I be? I don't consider being Jewish to be bad.

sure, the guy assumed something that was wrong. So what? Honest mistake. When did he really insult her?

The part that is offensive, IMHO, about the story is that your coworker considered "Jewish" an insult.

Pick your battles carefully. The world is teeming with offensive people. Feel the offense, but understand you'd be spitting in the wind if you think your energy could stop the stupidity. Don't let people push your buttons. Stay steady and rational. When these sort of disturbing events occur, blink your eyes and re-boot yourself back into balance and reason. You cannot change such enormous currents of unbalanced human behavior by yourself. Save your energy for more profound responses, such as volunteering at the Jewish Anti-Defamation League.

I don't think you were wrong to be offended. Doesn't mean it's right to be offended either. Everyone makes assumptions. You yourself are most likely guilty of insult by assumption as well. Just as you didn't say anything, other people don't say things either. I think people today are too thin skinned, there's a certain desire for political correctness that allows people to be offended at the drop of a hat. Have you ever assumed someone was asian because of their skin tone and last name? Or assumed someone was hispanic because of their last name? Or assume that because someone doesn't speak English well and they're not white that they're foreign? Or any one of a hundred other assumptions that people make on a daily basis.

Shalom

I really don't know why some people are so against the Jewish community!! You guys have done nothing wrong to us!! I think you have the absolute right to be angry!! Just tell them that you are Jewish...

I also don't really get the part about the pennies!!

Have a wonderful day(**,)

I'm a gentile, and what you heard appalls me. I can only imagine how you must feel. Your restraint is to be commended.

Actually, I'm also appalled that the first co-worker was "insulted" because her attorney thought she is Jewish. Since when is it an insult to be called one of God's chosen people?

I think your co-workers need to be educated regarding your faith. Perhaps now is the time to do it! I agree with "Girl Wonder" -- you should say something, but keep it dignified.

You are not wrong to be offended. I would have said, "Y'know, gus, I'm Jewish. I don't want to make a big thing of this, but I'd appreciate if you you could keep comments like that to yourself."

I'm sorry you had to go through that. Good luck to you!

Perhaps a little admonishment toward those who would make fun of others WAS in order. I'd have spoken up as I have done listening to any negative comments based on Race, Religion, or Sexual Orientation.

You have all your rights to be angry. It is offensive.

You should have said something like "hmmm (clearing your throat angrily)..I am Jewish.". That would be funny and your work mates will stop talking about it.

You should have said "Excuse me, I'm Jewish." and then watch them scramble to save face. It would have been pretty funny. I think you have a right to be angry.

There were always non-Jews who have hated us since our religion was born. There always will be those who hate us until the Messianic times. What's new?