Story perspectives

Calls to Abolish ADL Amid Jewish Identity Concerns

2/7/2026

Center

Stephens Proposes Changes

Bret Stephens, Jewish columnist, proposed abolishing the Anti-Defamation League and redirecting its funds to Jewish institutions.
On February 6, 2026, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, U.S. Vice President JD Vance did not mention Jews.
Scholars Deborah Lipstadt and Dara Horn criticized the omission as part of erasing Jewish identity from history.
In Canada, the government proposed merging Islamophobia and antisemitism offices into a new Advisory Council on Rights, Equity, and Inclusion.

Right

Kaploun Advocates Education

U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, announced an education-first strategy during his address at the Hudson Institute.
Protesters advocating for Palestine interrupted the event.
Kaploun tied rising antisemitism to ignorance of Jewish contributions to American history.
He urged a unified global approach to combat hate and uphold American values.

Left

Cassidy Critiques Mamdani

On February 6, 2026, Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for rescinding two executive orders against antisemitism.
Cassidy expressed concern about the safety of Jewish students and urged Mamdani to clarify his civil rights policy.
The orders were signed by former Mayor Eric Adams and aimed to prevent anti-Israel boycotts and protests outside synagogues.

History

Historical Context

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), founded in 1913 to combat antisemitism, has evolved significantly since its establishment. Following World War II, it intensified efforts against discrimination, notably after the Holocaust. Recent proposals to merge offices addressing antisemitism and Islamophobia reflect ongoing debates about minority rights, echoing historical struggles for recognition and advocacy, particularly in light of rising antisemitism in the U.S.

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Stephens Proposes Changes

Bret Stephens, Jewish columnist, proposed abolishing the Anti-Defamation League and redirecting its funds to Jewish institutions.
On February 6, 2026, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, U.S. Vice President JD Vance did not mention Jews.
Scholars Deborah Lipstadt and Dara Horn criticized the omission as part of erasing Jewish identity from history.
In Canada, the government proposed merging Islamophobia and antisemitism offices into a new Advisory Council on Rights, Equity, and Inclusion.

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