ADL's National Conference Highlights Growing Concerns Over Antisemitism

At the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) annual Never is Now conference in Manhattan, CEO Jonathan Greenblatt publicly criticized Democratic lawmakers Chris Van Hollen and Ro Khanna for their remarks perceived as antisemitic. Greenblatt condemned Van Hollen for labeling the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as "un-American" during a speech at the J Street convention. He also took issue with Khanna's support for Hasan Piker, whom Greenblatt described as a "virulent antisemitic influencer." Greenblatt's comments reflect ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party regarding Israel and antisemitism, as both lawmakers have faced backlash from Jewish leaders and centrist Democrats.

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Greenblatt emphasized the alarming increase in antisemitic incidents, citing recent violent attacks, including an attempted terrorist attack on a Michigan synagogue and shootings at Toronto synagogues. He characterized the current wave of antisemitism as "the most concentrated, the most dangerous, and lethal surge of antisemitism, the worst in living memory." He argued that combating antisemitism is essential not only for the Jewish community but for the preservation of American democracy itself.

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In his address, Greenblatt asserted, “If we don’t turn this tide, life in America as we know it will be irrevocably changed. Changed for Jews, sure, but also changed for everyone.” He also addressed the debate surrounding resource allocation within Jewish institutions, countering arguments that suggest funds should be redirected from combating antisemitism to building Jewish life. Greenblatt stated, “Those aren’t competing priorities; they are inseparable preconditions for the flourishing of Jewish life in an open society like ours.”

Times of Israel

Critics of the ADL, including commentators like Bret Stephens, argue that the organization misallocates resources by focusing heavily on combating antisemitism rather than fostering Jewish identity. Some view the ADL's partnerships with conservative figures, such as evangelical leader Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, as contradictory to its mission. Rodriguez has faced scrutiny for his past comments on various social issues, raising questions about the ADL's political alliances.

Religion Dispatches

The ADL's recent Campus Antisemitism Report Card revealed mixed results across U.S. universities. The University of Pennsylvania improved its rating from a C to a B, reflecting efforts to support Jewish students. However, the report also highlighted concerns regarding the presence of anti-Zionist student groups, which the ADL classified as "hostile." This designation has sparked debate, with some students arguing that the ADL conflates political speech with antisemitism.

ADL gives U.Va. B rating in antisemitism report, cites student groups as a concernSouth Florida Sun-Sentinel

As antisemitism continues to rise, the ADL's initiatives, including partnerships aimed at fostering solidarity between Jewish and Hispanic communities, will be closely monitored. The organization aims to innovate its strategies to combat hate, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and adaptation in response to evolving threats. The upcoming months will likely see further discussions on the implications of antisemitism in American society and the role of Jewish organizations in addressing these challenges.

Jewish Insider