New York, NY, November 14, 2016 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed deep concern over ongoing reports of anti-Semitic and other hate incidents in the immediate aftermath of the 2016 presidential election.
ADL’s Center on Extremism has been monitoring the proliferation of racist and anti-Semitic graffiti and vandalism, including the use of swastikas and other Nazi imagery across the country, as well as reports of assaults and harassment. The League also established a new reporting mechanism where the public can report any anti-Semitic, racist or bigoted incidents, and encouraged social media users to promote the hashtag #ExposeHate.
“Sadly, the contentious tone from the 2016 election has translated into a moment of ripeness for the haters to deface properties across the country with some of the most unsettling anti-Semitic and racist imagery,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “We must not let this troubling trend of hate define our society, which means that the onus is on our community leaders, religious clergy, elected officials and others to remain vigilant, report incidents when they surface and make clear that this level of vitriol will not be tolerated.”
ADL has also been keeping a close watch on white supremacist and extremist groups and their reactions to Donald Trump’s victory.
“Various extremists and their online supporters, including those associated with the Alt Right, have been emboldened by the notion that their anti-Semitic and racists views are becoming mainstream,” said Oren Segal, Director of ADL’s Center on Extremism. “We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to expose and push back on those who embrace and promote the racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism peddled by white supremacists and extremists and work to assure they remain on the fringes of society where they belong.”
Mr. Segal added, “Even though there has been increased visibility for white supremacists and extremist groups as a result of this campaign season, we must also recognize the vast majority of Trump supporters are not extremists.”
Shortly after the election, ADL issued a series of recommendations and tips for families and educators to assist young people in processing their feelings and understanding what happened.
In a November 11 blog post, Mr. Greenblatt stressed that the League will remain vigilant against extremism and outlined how it will redouble its efforts on core issues.
“ADL has, and will continue to, speak out and take action against hate and bigotry,” Mr. Greenblatt wrote. “When we do so, we do it consistently and impartially, guided by the long-standing principles that have defined ADL since our founding in 1913.