April 09, 2019
THE WEEK'S BIG 3
A new report this week suggests the Department of Homeland Security seems to be willfully ignoring the threat posed by right-wing extremism; a new task force has been convened by two Jewish organizations to track anti-religious violence; and Utah enacts a new, improved and comprehensive hate crimes law.
Read on for more on these headlines, news you can use to fight hate this week, and the latest info about ADL around the country.
1
Homeland Security Disbands Domestic Terror Intelligence Unit
“The group in question was a branch of analysts in DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A). They focused on the threat from homegrown violent extremists and domestic terrorists. The analysts there shared information with state and local law enforcement to help them protect their communities from these threats.“ Daily Beast:
+ Department of Homeland Security Admits That It “Restructured” Domestic Terror Team – CBS News
+ ADL Statement: ADL Deeply Concerned DHS Eliminated Team Tasked With Tracking Domestic Terrorists
2
Jewish Groups Team Up with Former Homeland Security Secretaries to Combat Anti-Religious Violence
“’The task force will develop best practices to increase coordination and cooperation related to incident tracking, information sharing, reporting and addressing threats,’ a joint ADL-SCN release said.” JTA:
3
Utah Governor Signs New Hate Crimes Bill Into Law
After an hour-long, and at times emotional, public signing ceremony for SB103 on Tuesday in the Capitol Rotunda, people convicted of a crime in Utah could now face additional penalties if it’s proved they targeted their victims based on membership in a protected class — including ancestry, disability, gender identity, national origin, age, military service, race, religion or sexual orientation. The Salt Lake Tribune:
KEY ADL SOCIAL STATEMENTS
IN THE COMMUNITY
• Denver Messianic Jewish Church Vandalized with Swastika (Forward)
• Oklahoma City Democratic Party’s Headquarters Vandalized with Swastikas, Hateful Messages (Newsweek)
• ADL Seder Celebrates Contributions of Immigrants (The Boston Pilot)
ADL IN THE NEWS
• White Democrats, Republicans Are Divided Over Threat of White Nationalism (Morning Consult)
• ADL CEO Calls NYT Piece on Israel ‘Off Base and Offensive’ (Jewish Journal)
• Civil Rights Center Says ‘White Power’ Symbol Was Found at Site of Fire (The New York Times)