“A 140 percent increase in reported antisemitic assault, harassment and vandalism incidents in 2023 is beyond alarming. Hadassah is committed to standing up to antisemitism everywhere, to advocating for change and to empowering Jewish women to take pride in and celebrate their identities. This rising tide of Jew-hatred affects people, especially women, every day, in big and small ways, and, as we have seen, is dangerous,” said Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz in a statement responding to the newly-released Anti-Defamation League (ADL) report, 2023 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents. A total of 8,873 antisemitic incidents were recorded in 2023, a 140 percent increase from the previous year.
Resources to Fight Antisemitism
Check out Hadassah’s Antisemitism Resource Guide and Countering Anti-Zionist Talking Points for support in responding to antisemitism in your local community. Reach out to the Speakers Bureau if you are interested in scheduling an antisemitism program for your chapter.
Antisemitism Awareness Act
Recently, the House passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act. The bill, which is supported by Hadassah, would require the Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws. Hadassah continues to work with partners in Congress and alongside other Jewish organizations to advocate for the legislation’s passage in the Senate. Urge your senators to support the bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act today.
Countering Antisemitism Act
Hadassah supports the Countering Antisemitism Act, which would build on America’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism by establishing a National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism in the White House and more. Urge your legislators to support the bipartisan Countering Antisemitism Act today!
Antisemitism on College Campuses
Antisemitic incidents increased 321 percent on college campuses in 2023, and the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education received over 19,000 complaints. In recent weeks, dangerous and sometimes violent anti-Israel protests have taken over college campuses. Protestors have been parroting terrorist talking points and creating an unsafe environment for Jewish and pro-Israel students, faculty and staff. Antisemitic attacks must be properly investigated, but without increased funding, the Office of Civil Rights will be unable to keep up. Urge your legislators to support the Showing Up for Students Act now to protect the civil rights of Jewish students!
Hadassah also encourages supporters to contact their alma mater or universities where they know current students. Urge college presidents to condemn violent antisemitism on campus!
Strengthening Holocaust Education
Hadassah advocates for strengthened Holocaust education by supporting the HEAL Act and the Never Again Education Reauthorization Act. The HEAL Act proposes that the US Holocaust Memorial Museum issue a study outlining Holocaust education in states. The Never Again Education Reauthorization Act develops best-practice resources and support for educators teaching the Holocaust. Recently, a bipartisan group of representatives urged key leaders to provide “the highest possible funding” in 2025 for the legislation’s reauthorization. Tell Congress to strengthen Holocaust education today!
Advocating for State and Local Policies That Fight Antisemitism
Hadassah members in Georgia, South Dakota, Indiana and South Carolina worked tirelessly to successfully advance the IHRA definition of antisemitism in their states. Hadassah advocates are also leading efforts to pass this important definition in New Jersey and North Carolina.
Antisemitic COI
The UN Commission of Inquiry (COI), created in May 2021, is currently conducting a one-sided investigation of war crimes that we know will fail to hold Hamas accountable. The COI plans to discuss this report with the Human Rights Council in June. As part of Hadassah’s End The Silence campaign, Hadassah is focused on countering false, biased and antisemitic claims made by the COI. Find more End The Silence updates here!
Antisemitic UNRWA
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has a clear history of encouraging hatred and violence. Twelve employees were even found to have participated in the October 7 terrorist attacks. Hadassah advocates for the Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act, which would require a report to Congress on the curriculum taught by schools under the Palestinian Authority and funded by UNRWA. Hadassah also urges Congress to pass the UNRWA Accountability and Transparency Act, which would withhold US funding until the State Department certifies UNRWA is not affiliated with terrorism and does not disseminate anti-Israel, antisemitic rhetoric. Tell Congress to hold UNRWA permanently accountable for antisemitism and supporting terrorism!
What You Can Do
Use Hadassah’s Antisemitism Resource Guide and Countering Anti-Zionist Talking Points to aid your response to antisemitism!
Visit the National Action Center and take action against antisemitism!