White House Proposes Timely Campaign
to Fight Jew Hatred in U.S.
Talking Points | Actions to Consider | Stories Making News | Suggested Social Media Posts
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BACKGROUND
The Biden Administration announced creation of a new interagency group charged with developing a national strategy to combat antisemitism amid a surge of Jew-hating rhetoric unleashed by celebrities, pop stars and high-profile personalities.
Jewish community leaders met at the White House for high-level discussions with key decision makers. Never before has the White House hosted a summit for tackling the national epidemic of anti-Jewish hate sweeping the nation. Second Gentleman, Doug Emhoff, hosted the roundtable discussion between American Jewish leaders and senior Biden administration officials. Speaking of the “epidemic of hate facing our country” he stressed that “words matter” and that both political parties must oppose hate and prevent the normalization of attacks against Jews.
Virginia recently completed a study of anti-Jewish hate. The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under the Law praised Gov. Youngkin’s Combatting Antisemitism in Virginia report. The Republican-led Virginia antisemitism commission recommended practical steps, including an increased focus on education about Jews and recognizing the IHRA antisemitism definition as the gold standard. The state of NY also is forming an official Hate and Bias Prevention unit to combat antisemitism.
Kanye West’s hate speech and his supporters continue to garner national headlines. Ye spewed more anti-Jewish vitriol during a live question and answer session on the social media platform Clubhouse, leading the company to suspend his account. And two airline passengers were spotted wearing Burger King crowns scrawled with, “Ye is right” and “White Power,” and the phrase, “6 million wasn’t enough”. Jewish groups are urging influencers and tech platforms to stop hosting Kanye’s interviews.
Jewish leaders continue to engage with the African American community. Prominent radio personality Charlamagne hosted ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. The two discussed the rising levels of anti-Jewish hate, and the historic relations between African Americans and Jews. Former Obama administration official and CNN contributor Van Jones spoke at an annual NY Jewish federation event. Jones declared that “the reason this country is a democracy at all is because Black and Jewish people have loved each other, and helped each other, and supported each other, and stood up for each other.” NY Mayor Eric Adams pledged to “build a pipeline” between the two communities.
As the darkness spreads, American Jews are confronting anti-Jewish hate with resolve – openly and proudly celebrating the annual festival of lights, Chanukah. Despite the rising hatred, many Jews will still celebrate Chanukah publicly. Second Gentleman Emhoff emphasized his Jewish heritage at the White House meeting: “I will not remain silent and I’m proud to be Jewish, I'm proud to live openly as a Jew."
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1. Jewish institutions must be vigilant in protecting themselves from threats
Synagogues, JCCs, Federations, schools and other Jewish organizations must protect themselves against threats. Jewish institutions must fortify themselves against acts of hate by maintaining a strong relationship with local police and having access to private security organizations. Jewish communities must utilize resources like the Secure Community Network, which plays a critical role in protecting Jewish life. From monitoring social posts in their own neighborhoods to having adequate security procedures to protect employees and members, each community must do their part. A “neighborhood watch” program to keep eyes open for suspicious activity and reporting it to proper authorities is vital to keeping all forms of hate from taking any form of action.
2. African Americans and Jews are partners united against hatred
3. Chanukah celebrates a Jewish victory of light over darkness
Every year, Jews remember their battle for survival in Jerusalem and the land of Israel. Similar to the David vs. Goliath story, the Maccabees successfully overcame the mighty Greeks, driving the army out of the city. Chanukah is a Jewish festival commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem and the re-dedication of the Second Jewish Temple. The Maccabees only had enough oil to light the Temple’s menorah for one day; it lasted eight days. This is the Miracle of Chanukah Jews celebrate every year: light overcoming darkness.
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A. The Shine a Light initiative promotes antisemitism awareness during Chanukah
B. Contact your Congressional members and demand action to fight rising Jew hatred
The Pray Safe Act supported by Jewish organizations wasn’t included in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill directs the Dept. of Homeland Security to establish a Federal Clearinghouse on Safety and Security Best Practices for Faith-Based Organizations and Houses of Worship. Retiring Sen. Portman – a strong advocate for the Ohio Jewish community – pushed for the inclusion of non-profit security funding and counter-extremism programs. This funding coupled with a task force to tackle antisemitism are needed today more than ever. Please contact your U.S. Rep. and Sens. to ensure recent meetings and rhetoric results in actionable items; or use the ADL’s template to tell your senators to fully fund the security grant program for non-profits. Demand action be taken now!
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Hatred of Jews in America
Stories Impacting the U.S. and Israel
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SUGGESTED SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS |
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We invite you to save and post these captioned images on your social media channels. Paraphrasing our captions is encouraged. |
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Words matter. Actions matter. Associations matter. Social post content matters. A few clicks make lies about Jews go viral – infecting the minds and hearts of those who read them. An influencer in any capacity has a solemn responsibility to carefully consider the impact of their words and actions, both online and offline.
#WordsMatter
#BigInfluenceBigImpact
#EndJewHate
#StoptheSpread
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Hatred against Jews has spread like a virus through all forms of digital media, a host of social platforms and is showing up in malicious acts targeting Jews around the country. Its hateful spread is only stopped by the public arming themselves with truth and knowledge about Jews and Israel to combat the lies they daily encounter. Humor has softened the snide comments, well-worn stereotypes and mocking memes and jokes just enough that it removes the guilt of re-sharing. Stop hate and incitement in its tracks – don’t infect your world with hate. Stop the “share,” and let’s prevent this generation from being infected.
#UseInfluence4Good
#HateIsNotFunny
#StopSharingHate
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The Focus Project develops and distributes weekly talking points on timely issues to help influencers and organizations in their efforts to combat antisemitism and de-legitimization of Israel. The objective is to enable the community to speak with more consistency and focus, so that its messaging has greater resonance and reach with the general public.
We hope you will find this information useful in your writing and/or speaking, and we believe your feedback will be tremendously valuable. Reach out to us at: [email protected] – or reply directly to this edition of our weekly talking points. Thanks
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