Press Release

Statement from ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt on Current Surge of Antisemitism Amidst Crisis in Israel

New York, NY, May 20, 2021 ... ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) CEO Jonathan A. Greenblatt issued the following statement concerning the current surge in antisemitism amidst the conflict between Israel and Hamas:

As the violence between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, we are witnessing a dangerous and drastic surge in anti-Jewish hate. We are tracking acts of harassment, vandalism and violence as well as a torrent of online abuse. It’s happening around the world— from London to Los Angeles, from France to Florida, in big cities like NYC and in small towns, and across every social media platform.

To those who choose to indulge in age-old antisemitic tropes, exaggerated claims, and inflammatory rhetoric, it has consequences: attacks in real life on real people targeted for no other reason than they are Jewish. This is antisemitism, plain and simple. And it’s indisputably inexcusable in any context. 

ADL remains steadfast in its commitment to fight antisemitism and hate with every ounce of energy we have. We are working actively with authorities in cities across the country to identify the perpetrators of hate and to protect our community. We call on leaders throughout our country to speak out against antisemitism and stand alongside the Jewish community in the face of this wave of hate before it gets any worse.