Taking Action Against Anti-Semitism

Although some see anti-Semitism as a thing of the past, the hatred and intolerance of anti-Semitism remain powerful and significant realities today. Anti-Semitic graffiti appears with regularity on the walls of buildings in our communities and on the desks in classrooms in our schools. Anti-Semitism remains a serious concern, as evidenced by the persistent scapegoating of the Jewish community in response to a variety of national events and crises, the increase of anti-Israel activity on campus with a corresponding targeting of Jewish students, and threats against Jews around the world by groups that challenge Israel’s right to exist.

Facing anti-Semitism can be particularly difficult and demoralizing for youth, who continue to experience demeaning jokes, crude remarks and offensive comments based on age-old stereotypes. ADL offers programs which help Jewish youth and their families, college-bound seniors and campus communities develop effective response skills and tools to address the changing face of anti-Semitism today.

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Community Programs

The Confronting Anti-Semitism Program is an interactive education program for middle and high school youth and adult family members designed to empower and equip the Jewish community with constructive and effective responses to anti-Semitic incidents and the persistent anti-Semitic stereotypes that are often at the root of such incidents.

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Campus Programs

The Confronting Anti-Semitism on Campus Program for college and college-bound students is designed to equip them with the tools to effectively respond to anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias on campus. Designed to meet the unique needs of each community, Confronting Anti-Semitism on Campus provides students with the knowledge, skills and motivation to take action in the face of anti-Semitic prejudice and bigotry.

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Lesson Plans for Educators

• "Challenging Anti-Semitism" (Curriculum Connections)
• "Anti-Semitism and The Merchant of Venice" (Curriculum Connections)
• "The Resilience of Anti-Semitism: The Lies of The Protocols of The Elders of Zion" (Curriculum Connections)

The Consequence of Silence

Anti-Semitism is experienced by most Jewish youth today as name-calling, demeaning jokes or insensitive comments—daily acts of subtle anti-Semitism which can be either unintentional or overt. In response, many youth, unsure how to respond remain silent. Research and experience have proven, however, that bias behaviors can escalate when they are unchecked.

The Pyramid of Hate demonstrates how biased behaviors can grow in severity from the bottom level to the top. Like a pyramid, the upper levels are suppored by the lower levels. If people or institutes treat behaviors on the lower levels as being acceptable or "normal," the behaviors at the next level become more accepted. Although the behaviors at every level have negative consequences for both individuals and groups, as one moves up the levels of the pyramid, the behaviors present a greater threat to human life.