December 16, 2016
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As 2016 draws to a close, the Anti-Defamation League is counting down the major milestones we accomplished this year in the fight against hate.
In the aftermath of the 2016 presidential campaign, we witnessed a series of disturbing hate crimes targeting Jews, African-Americans, Muslims, members of the LGBTQ community and others following Election Day. This, as white supremacists and those associated with the so-called “alt right” took to twitter and to the streets to celebrate what they interpreted as a victory for their movement.
ADL jumped into action, showing leadership and asking all Americans to join us in the fight against anti-Semitism, racism, prejudice and bigotry:
- ADL spoke out repeatedly, at both the national and local level, saying that hate crimes and anti-Semitic vandalism have no place in America.
- ADL raised its voice, calling for religious leaders and political figures to ensure that acts of bigotry and bias do not gain a foothold in society.
- CEO Jonathan Greenblatt issued an appeal for vigilance against extremism in the aftermath of the campaign and promised that ADL would be unwavering in its commitment to fighting anti-Semitism, racism and bigotry.
- ADL developed an educational curriculum to help young people cope with their feelings after the emotional, divisive and controversial campaign.
So far, thousands of Americans from across the country have signed on to ADL’s pledge to #StandUp against racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, ableism and other forms of hate.
In addition, ADL launched a social media campaign, #ExposeHate, to collect information on bias incidents occurring around the country. ADL has collected information on hundreds of incidents thus far and is following up on those deemed serious enough to be investigated.
After a year in which white nationalists and other bigots co-opted the messages of mainstream politicians to promote their warped worldview, the League was gratified by this outpouring of support from Americans from all walks of life.