“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 an 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
Utilize Hadassah’s Antisemitism Resource Guide and Countering Anti-Zionist Misinformation Guide 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
During the 118th Congress, the House passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act (AAA). Now, the Senate is considering incorporating the AAA into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). 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 incorporation in the NDAA before the end of the year. Urge your senators to include the Antisemitism Awareness Act in the NDAA!
Antisemitism on College Campuses
Dangerous anti-Israel and sometimes violent protests have taken over college campuses. Jewish students and staff no longer feel safe on campus. In addition to the AAA, Hadassah is advocating for several bills to combat antisemitism in education.
- The Countering Antisemitism Act would build on America’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism by establishing a National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism in the White House and more.
- The Showing Up for Students Act would increase the Office of Civil Rights' funding through 2025 to ensure the Department of Education can effectively protect the civil rights of Jewish students.
- Restoring Civility on Campus Act would require the Department of Education to investigate complaints of antisemitic discrimination at universities.
Urge your lawmakers to pass legislation to combat antisemitism and protect civil rights!
Responding to Attempts to Blacklist and Isolate Jews
Members of Hadassah Professional Councils are responding to attempts by professional associations, particularly in the medical community, to blacklist and isolate Jewish and Zionist professionals. They are writing letters, arranging meetings and pushing organizations to speak out against the impacts of rising antisemitism. Check out Hadassah's policy statement denouncing efforts to exclude Jews and Zionists and connect with combatantisemitism@hadassah.org to get involved.
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, South Carolina, North Carolina, New Hampshire and Florida have worked tirelessly to successfully advance the IHRA definition of antisemitism in their states. Hadassah advocates are also leading efforts to continue 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. Hadassah’s End The Silence campaign 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, 2023, 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 Misinformation Guide to aid your response to antisemitism!
Visit the National Action Center and take action against antisemitism!