May 25, 2023
The White House’s new national strategy to combat antisemitism is a strong and innovative approach in the battle against rising hate in America. We commend President Biden and the Administration for their thorough, all-encompassing whole-of-government effort to produce a strategy that is inclusive and recognizes the diversity and plurality of our Jewish communities and the threats they face online, in their day-to-day lives, and their communal life. The balance between responses that recognize the distinctive history, characteristics, and impacts of antisemitism and those that recognize the intersectional impacts of broader issues of discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes is particularly encouraging.
The comprehensive strategy laid out by the Administration this morning provides a clear and effective blueprint for the federal government and partners to raise awareness and understanding of both antisemitism and Jewish American heritage, improve safety and security for Jewish communities, delegitimize the normalization of antisemitism, address antisemitic discrimination (including the more expansive use of Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act by many other agencies beyond the Dept. of Education), and build broad based coalitions across all communities to fight hate. The over two hundred policy plans and recommendations for government agencies, Congress, state and local governments, companies, technology platforms, civil society, faith leaders, and others represents the kind of coordinated and inclusive approach to counter antisemitism that is required if it is to be as effective and impactful as is needed.
The Administration’s recognition of a diverse toolkit, including but not limited to the IHRA definition in recognizing what is and is not antisemitism, particularly where antisemitism intersects with Israel and Zionism, is a constructive and wise contribution to the efforts of individuals, civil society, and governmental entities in combatting antisemitism.
We extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to President Biden, the Administration and all those who engaged in the effort to produce this comprehensive strategy. We look forward to playing our role in supporting its implementation in communities across our nation to combat antisemitism and build a future where Jews, and all who have been victims of hate, will be able to live and thrive in an America that ensures safety and equality for all.
Union for Reform Judaism
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman (she/her)
Chair
Rabbi Rick Jacobs (he/him)
President
Commission on Social Action and Religious Action Center
Susan Friedberg Kalson (she/her)
Chair
Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner (he/him)
Director
Central Conference of American Rabbis
Rabbi Erica Asch (she/her)
President
Rabbi Hara E. Person (she/her)
Chief Executive
American Conference of Cantors
Cantor Seth Warner (he/him)
President
Rachel Roth (she/her)
Chief Operating Officer
Women of Reform Judaism
Sara Charney (she/her)
President
Rabbi Marla J. Feldman (she/her)
Executive Director