February 17, 2022
THE WEEK’S BIG 3
The number of refugees fleeing across the borders of Ukraine has reached one million and is still rising, according to the United Nations, as Russia's brutal assault on the country enters its second week. In the United States, the distribution of antisemitic pamphlets, banners and other propaganda jumped 27% in 2021 from the year before, according to a new report by ADL. One of the 11 Oath Keepers indicted earlier this year on a charge of seditious conspiracy in connection with the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6 became the first of the group to plead guilty.
Read on for more on these headlines, news you can use to fight hate and the latest info about ADL from around the country.
1. One Million Refugees Flee Ukraine as Russia Escalates Bombardment of Key Cities
“The new total of refugees from Ukraine amounts to a little more than 2% of the country's total population of 44 million. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), around half of the refugees are in Poland, with Hungary, Moldova and Slovakia being the other top destinations, while others have fled to various other European countries.” NPR: LEARN MORE
+ READ: ADL Statement on Russian Invasion of Ukraine
+ ADL Resource: 4 things you can do today to support Ukraine
2. White Supremacist Propaganda Remained High in the U.S. in 2021, New ADL Report Says
“The Anti-Defamation League’s research found 4,851 reported cases of white-supremacist propaganda in 2021, including racist, antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ items. That’s down 5 percent from 2020 but way up from 294 cases in 2017, when the anti-hate organization began observing a rise in white-supremacist activity. ADL researchers found 1,206 incidents of propaganda in 2018 and 2,714 in 2019.” The Washington Post: FULL STORY
+ READ: U.S. White Supremacist Propaganda Remained at Historic Levels in 2021, With 27 Percent Rise in Antisemitic Messaging
+ ADL Resource: H.E.A.T. Map
3. First Guilty Plea in Jan. 6 Seditious Conspiracy Case
“Joshua James, 34, of Arab, Alabama, pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy charges on Wednesday as part of deal with prosecutors contingent on his cooperation with the U.S. government in their ongoing prosecution of defendants who were involved in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.” ABC News: READ MORE
+ ADL Resource: Who are the Oath Keepers?
+ ADL Resource: Jan. 6 Insurrection – One Year Later
KEY ADL SOCIAL STATEMENTS
- More horrifying stories emerging out of Ukraine including Russian missiles striking near the Holocaust memorial #BabynYar, killing at least five civilians. I echo @NatanSharansky: "We must not allow truth to again be victim of war.”
- Disturbing reports of Africans + others fleeing Ukraine being poorly treated & beaten. As the refugee crisis escalates, there shouldn't be differentiation btwn ppl seeking safety. The #Ukrainian & other govs must ensure everyone receives equal treatment…
- The U.S. Treasury corroborated ADL's analysis of challenges financial institutions face w/ domestic extremism. A whole-of-society approach to combat domestic extremism includes cutting off financial support to these dangerous groups. #ProtectAgainstHate
IN THE COMMUNITY
- Pa. saw a big increase in reports of white supremacist propaganda last year, but it’s not clear why (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
- KC historian’s presentation on Negro Leagues disrupted by hackers with racist messages (The Kansas City Star)
- Antisemitic behavior is on the rise nationally and in Tampa Bay (NPR Tampa)
ADL IN THE NEWS
- Cartoon Network Anti-Bullying Campaign Spreads to TikTok (Broadcasting+Cable)
- Reps. Thompson, Katko propose massive nonprofit security funding boost (Jewish Insider)
- What is extremism? Does it include far-left? Far-right? Choosing a definition is fraught. (USA Today)
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