The United States is seeing an appalling rise in anti-Semitism that is far-reaching — affecting young and old, Jew and non-Jew alike. Terror and threats do not discriminate when they wreak havoc.
As of February 27, 2017 there have been 100 incidents at 81 JCCs and Jewish day schools across 33 states and 2 Canadian provinces. The Jewish community is mourning the desecration of gravestones at Jewish cemeteries in University City, Missouri and Philadelphia, and numerous other acts of anti-Semitic vandalism and graffiti have been reported throughout the country. Last week, I released a statement in solidarity with our friends and partners at local JCCs throughout the country. Now is a time for action.
All hate crimes are unacceptable and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
President Trump opened his first address to Congress with reference to these recent incidents and affirmed that "we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms." Leaders in Congress have also relaunched the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism.
Join us in calling on Congress and the Administration to work together to combat all forms of anti-Semitism — at home and abroad.
The Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism in the House, currently including 100 Representatives, will enable essential problem solving discussions and development of policy solutions. Additionally, urge the White House to appoint a new Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism and ensure funding to support the vital work of the State Department Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism.
Hadassah has a long history of speaking out against anti-Semitism, most recently passing a Combating Anti-Semitism policy statement in 2014. As a member organization of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, we join with their leaders in recognizing that hatred against the Jews is not only a problem for our community but for all of society.
Ellen Hershkin
National President